Everyday PossAbilities
Chester County's Intellectual Disability Services Newsletter
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November, 2017
Stay healthy & informed with these opportunities & events
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The 2017 Self-Determination Luncheon
A picture is worth a thousand words!
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Photos from top left: The award-winners in attendance. Top right: Dennis Lamb and Fawn Gibbs. Bottom left: Gerald Wheaton. Middle right: Gayle and Travis Walls. Bottom right: door prizes.
To read about the November 12 Self-Determination Awards Luncheon and see more photos,
click here
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Incident Management
What every family and individual needs to know
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
OR
Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
The Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester
Learn all about incident management, how it impacts you, and why it is so important. Jennifer Harniman-Crangle, Chester County Quality-Risk Management Specialist, will present information about the Office of Developmental Programs' Incident Management system. You'll learn:
- Which incidents need to be reported
- The Certified Investigation Process
- Who is a mandated Reporter
- What happens after the incident
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Lifesharing
2017 Conference Re-Cap
More than 250 people from across the commonwealth attended Pennsylvania's 2017 Annual Lifesharing Conference in Mt. Pocono last month. The theme, "Together through Seasons of Change," drew a cross-section of participants, including families exploring Lifesharing options for their loved one, provider families, supports coordinators, and other professionals. Lifesharing is a living option in Pennsylvania in which an individual with intellectual disability and another person or family choose to share a home and their lives.
Jena Cavanagh, who represented Chester County Intellectual Disability Services, said
the event was inspirational and energizing, especially hearing the stories of families nominated for the Excellence in Lifesharing Award.
Click to read more
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Finding Gratitude
Years of research has shown that the art of gratitude has positive effects on one's overall health and well-being, including improved sleep, self-esteem and personal relationships. Even during difficult times of stress, loss and personal crises, there are steps we can take to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and find true happiness.
We can begin the habit of gratitude with simple exercises, like creating lists of things for which we're grateful, or writing weekly entries in a gratitude journal. Re-framing life's more manageable challenges as opportunities may feel insincere at first, but the practice is worth the effort.
Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California has written extensively on the topic and is considered one of the scientific leaders in positive psychology. He notes that gratitude, even in tough times, reminds us to not take things or situations for granted, gives us perspective, and helps us become more resilient. When we consciously practice gratitude, we can actually build our "psychological immune system" to give us strength when we need it most, Emmons says.
Learn more here
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Pennhurst
History to Remember
In 2015,
Pennhurst State School and Hospital
(Images of America, pictured at right) was published. With the book, the authors, J. Gregory Pirmann and the Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance have kept a spotlight on an important and disturbing time in our history. It was a time when adults and children with intellectual disability were kept from their families and placed in institutions. Pennhurst, located in East Vincent Township was one such institution that operated for almost 80 years.
Beginning next month, Everyday PossAbilities, with cooperation from Greg Pirmann, who worked at Pennhrurst from 1969 to 1986, will regularly share some vignettes with the history and the controversy surrounding Pennhurst.
You can find out more about the book at
this link
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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
in Chester County
Trauma may be a very individual experience, but it is also a universal experience. We all have something in our past that has helped to define who we are today.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) were first studied more than 20 years ago. Data was collected from more than 17,000 people, and the study showed the significant impact trauma can have on our lifelong health and opportunity.
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Stay Informed!
Check out these links and resources
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Chesco Life
serves Chester County families who have a child or adolescent that struggles with concerns related to intellectual disability, emotional, behavioral or social needs,
at no cost to the family.
ASERT
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PA's Leading Source for Autism Services.
MyODP
(Office of Developmental Programs) is a one-stop shop resource!
Check out the new website.
PA Able
Savings Program
for individuals with disabilities.
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Visit Chester County Mental Health / Intellectual Disabilities website for more information.
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Chester County Mental Health / Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Chester County Commissioners
Bridget Thrash, Deputy Administrator, Intellectual Disability Services
Linda Cox, Administrator, MH/IDD
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