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Everything You Need to Know About Voting in PA With a Disability
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Why We're Voting and Why We Think You Should, Too
When hanging around the PATF office one might notice that our staff is made up of some strong-minded people who aren't afraid to share their opinions. While we may not agree on everything, we certainly agree on one thing: our voices are important and it is our responsibility to ourselves, each other and to future generations to be involved in the future of our country.
We feel so strongly about this that we participated in the social media campaign
#VotingBecause: "Because as long as you're voting, there is no bad 'because'." So, what's your reason for voting?
Michael Anderson is a borrower of ours who volunteers his time to persuade people to come out and vote for the candidates he supports. He says, "I have cerebral palsy and this election is important to me because I want a president who supports people with disabilities. My other big issue is electing a president who will select a good person to fill the current vacancy on the Supreme Court. I use my hands-free phone to make calls to voters. It feels great to help make a difference."
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming election:
1)
Register online by October 11th.
Not sure if you're registered? Check here.
2) If you are unable to be at your assigned polling place on election day,
request an absentee ballot by November 1st. You can also request a
permanent absentee ballot. Submit your absentee ballot so that it is received by
November 4th.
3) Make sure your polling place is accessible to you. Look up your polling place and contact your County Board of Elections to be sure the location is accessible. If it is not, request an alternative ballot by November 1st.
Election Day is November 8th!
Check out this super helpful Disability Voting Guide PDF from the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR) to learn more about your rights and voting with a disability.
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Cents and Sensibility, 4th Edition is Here!
We're happy to announce the fourth edition of our financial education book,
Cents and Sensibility, is now
available online and in print (
contact us for a copy) with updated links, content, and a few new resources. Specifically, the ABLE infographic on page 31 and accompanying text reflects the most up-to-date details about ABLE in PA. Also, the Department of Human Services' new tool, the Information Referral Tool (IRT), is included as a resource on page 50 that can help readers identify beneficial long term services and supports. The Cents and Sensibility companion website,
www.centsandsensibility.us, continues to be updated regularly as well.
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It's Called Fall For a Reason
The Best Equipment for You for Cleaning Up Those Fallen Leaves
It's that time of year: the air is crisp, Wawa is carrying every imaginable pumpkin-flavored product, and the leaves are turning beautiful colors as they prepare to flutter to the ground. It's nearly time for fall garden cleanup, a chore you may prefer to avoid. But with assistive technology, this year's raking doesn't have to be so painful.
Which equipment is right for you? Consider your priorities as you take a look at the following list:
- Already have a lawn mower? With or without special mulching functionality, most lawnmowers can be rigged up to mulch and disperse leaves throughout your yard, thus avoiding leaf cleanup altogether. This can be an easy, eco-friendly way to rid your yard of leaves and prep your grass for spring growth.
Read on for more leaf-cleanup equipment ideas.
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Financial Tips with Penny Pincher
Emergency Fund: Why You Need One
From Vanguard
Emergencies-from a broken bone to a layoff-are a fact of life. When you're faced with life's unexpected events, you can be ready.
What are emergency funds for?
An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can be stressful and costly.
Here are some of the top emergencies people face:
- Job loss.
- Medical or dental emergency.
- Unexpected home repairs.
- Car troubles.
- Unplanned travel expenses.
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Upcoming Events
Ryan's Run 5k and All-Abilities Walk
The morning begins with a family-friendly 5k at 9:00 a.m. Stick around after the race to cheer on our pediatric superstars as they take to the track for the All-Abilities Walk. Race-day registration is $20 and starts at 8:00 a.m.
NEPA Disabilities Conference
A free, comprehensive, cross-disability event. Topics will include Employment for People with Disabilities, Medicaid Waivers and how they can be used, Participant Directed Services, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), PA ABLE Act updates, and more.
#MyLifeWithAT Photo Contest
Just a quick heads up to be on the lookout for our second annual photo contest in honor of Assistive Technology Awareness Month in PA! We've changed the name from #ATMadeItPossible to #MyLifeWithAT to better highlight our goal: to show off all the awesome things you all are up to, and how AT is integrated into what you're doing. The emphasis is not on the AT, but rather on YOU, and the things you care about most! Keep on the lookout for contest information, rules, and how to enter!
Join us for this free expo where you can get your hearing screened, try assistive technology and see interpreters in action, learn and network, attend educational presentations, and get resources from around the state!
PaTTAN Assistive Technology (AT) Expo
King of Prussia, PA - November 8 from 9am-4pm
Harrisburg, PA - November 9 from 9am-4pm
Mars, PA - November 10 from 9am-4pm
This expo provides a rich learning opportunity for educators, families, service providers, and students with disabilities. Explore the features of a broad range of AT devices, software and applications. Exhibitors include agencies that support AT for PA students and families. Presentations include sessions that highlight use of products as well as informative sessions that explore AT from various perspectives.
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