April, 2018

Click here to subscribe to this free monthly publication.

Is it spring yet? The cold temperatures may not feel like spring, but the season actually began with the the vernal equinox, March 20. That day there are equal hours of sunlight and night, and the sunlight continues lasting longer until the summer solstice, or the longest day of the year, on June 21.

A Symposium from Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is the most common chromosomal condition in humans, occurring in one of every 700 to 800 live births. It is also the most complex genetic condition, affecting many body systems, including brain development and variably affecting each individual.   This 1-day symposium on Saturday, May 19 is for parents and healthcare professionals. It focuses on up-to-date clinical information, therapeutic approaches and advice on a variety of topics affecting children with Down syndrome, covering ages from young children to young adults. Click here for the full brochure .

Growing Furniture at Pennhurst History to Remember by J. Gregory Pirmann Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance

When I began working at Pennhurst in 1969, I was struck by how much wicker furniture was scattered across the campus, usually in administrator’s offices. I learned that the furniture was omnipresent because, for many years, it had actually been manufactured at Pennhurst by the people who lived there. Apparently, the “willow work” operation had ceased years earlier after many decades of production, but the evidence of its success was everywhere. In 1916 the chief physician had proudly reported that the school had cultivated a garden where children planted willow cuttings. The result was the production of willow baskets soon grew into other items, including furniture. Read more .

Creative Discovery Bennie Jefferson, picture above and to the right with his class, decided to try something new. He asked to take a painting class, and not only discovered a new and creative activity to enjoy, he discovered that a community group could be very welcoming and very supportive!

Chester County Announces two Public Hearings for the Human Services Block Grant Monday, April 9 at 4:30 PM in West Chester & Tuesday, April 10 at 1:00 PM in Coatesville Details at this link.

Who doesn't like pizza?? Who doesn't like pizza for a good cause???

Join us for the next fundraiser for the 2019 Self-Determination Awards! Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 5 PM to 9 PM At SNAP Pizza - Main Street Shopping Center, 231 Main St., Exton, 484-875-5800   Click for flier

The Arc Achievement Run/Walk Fun Day Saturday, April 21 Registration begins a 8:30 Find out more at this link!

Resilience! A free showing of a new documentary Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope is a documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences and the birth of a movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. Now understood to be one of the leading causes of everything from heart disease and cancer to substance abuse and depression, extremely stressful experiences in childhood can alter brain development and have lifelong effects on health and behavior. A free viewing of the one-hour film is scheduled for May 24 from 6 - 8 PM at the Henrietta Hankin Library in Chester Springs. Space is limited, and registration information will be posted at the Chester County MH/IDD website soon.

A Special Night at the Phillies April 21 is Suicide Prevention Night at the Ballparks for the Philadelphia Phillies vs the Pittsburgh Pirates game. Tickets for the 4:05 game are half-price with a donation going to Suicide Prevention in PA. Find out more at this link .

Check out a New App for Wheelchair Accessible Transit Routes Click here for details!

Resources, Training, Opportunities The PA Autism Needs Assessment presents an incredible opportunity for individuals with autism and their families to share their experiences.  Charting the LifeCourse tools are available online. Darcy Elks, Family Advisor with the PA Family Network, is available to meet with families and individuals charting their LifeCourse. Contact her at darcyelks@aol.com The PEAL Center is a one-stop resource for disability information and referral in PA. Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care Training classes scheduled in April - check out more at the website ! 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 www.chesco.org/mhidd Chester County Commissioners Administrator: Linda Cox Deputy Administrator: Bridget Thrash