July, 2018
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Social Wellbeing

Having personal relationships, social connections and a sense of belonging are all vital to our overall health and wellbeing. For some people, especially those who may struggle with language and communication skills, it can be a challenge to develop needed social skills. But there are resources available, and ways to help.

Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care (PCHC) offers free online trainings for individuals and families on such topics as making friends and how to be safe using social media.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia supports the Hall Mercer Mental Health Center's week-long Social Skills Groups this summer for c hildren ages 6-18. Each week, a different topic is addressed. Contact the supervisor of the social skills groups at 215-573-1911 for more information.

Autism Speaks also has resources, tips and information about social skills groups at their website.
Pennhurst Overcrowding
- History to Remember
by J. Gregory Pirmann
Editors Note - This article on overcrowding at Pennhurst refers to the use of school annexes, including the Hamburg Center in Berks County, which still housed 80 individuals at the start of 2017. The Center, once called the Hamburg State School, will officially close on August 3, 2018.

By the mid-1950’s Pennhurst was so overcrowded that the state decided that something needed to be done. The facility was designed to house between 2000 and 2400 individuals. By 1955 the on-campus census had swollen to 3500 individuals, with an additional 300 people admitted per year. At the same time, effective treatments for tuberculosis had allowed many TB hospitals to be emptied. People concluded that the Pennhurst problem could be solved by taking advantage of the opportunity presented by these underused facilities.
All people have the right to live, love, work, play and pursue their life aspirations in their community. Here in Pennsylvania, LifeCourse is how we can make our values and vision of Everyday Lives a reality for the people we support, and their families.
 
PA ABLE Savings Program

Did you know that Pennsylvania residents who have qualified disabilities (and their families) can save up to $15,000 a year
for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits? Learn more about this new program .
he American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is 28 years old! Passed by Congress in 1990, the ADA is the nation's first comprehensive civil rights law addressing the needs of people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications.  Learn more about it !
Check out a New App for
Wheelchair Accessible Transit Routes
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions in Coatesville regularly hosts supportive family meetings on various relevant topics. Contact Pam Frebowitz at pfrebowitz@kfamilysolutions.org or call 215-681-0172. Visit the website for more information.
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Resources, Training, Opportunities

Free Mental Health First Aid Class in Oxford - August 23 and 24 from 8 AM until 12:30. Must attend both sessions to receive certification. Registration required.

PA Community on Transition Conference - July 25 - 27, State College.

The PA Autism Needs Assessment presents an incredible opportunity for individuals with autism and their families to share their experiences. 

The PEAL Center is a one-stop resource for disability information and referral in PA.

Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care has trainings and resources.

Refer Web - Chester County's source for human services
Chester County Department of Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA


Chester County Commissioners
Administrator: Linda Cox
Deputy Administrator: Bridget Thrash