Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
@paddc.bsky.social
The Council works to promote advocacy, drive systems change, and build community capacity alongside people with developmental disabilities and their families. We envision a Commonwealth where all people are valued and thrive.
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Good morning Bluesky! PADDC promotes advocacy, drives systems change, & builds community capacity alongside people with developmental #disabilities & their families. We created this STARTER PACK for those interested in Disability issues & rights. Let us know if you need added!
go.bsky.app/4uZPpe8
go.bsky.app/4uZPpe8
"It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people but not in favor of justice for all people." Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2026 at 2:20 PM
"It is not possible to be in favor of justice for some people but not in favor of justice for all people." Martin Luther King, Jr.
How exciting that the City of Philadelphia has announced its new Accessibility Plan requirement for special events! Now, when applying for a special event permit from the City, event organizers must submit an #Accessibility Plan. www.phila.gov/2026-01-15-n...
New Accessibility Plan Requirement for Special Events! | Office for People with Disabilities
Official website of the City of Philadelphia, includes information on municipal services, permits, licenses, and records for citizens and businesses.
www.phila.gov
January 16, 2026 at 3:55 PM
How exciting that the City of Philadelphia has announced its new Accessibility Plan requirement for special events! Now, when applying for a special event permit from the City, event organizers must submit an #Accessibility Plan. www.phila.gov/2026-01-15-n...
This article highlights a problem still affecting families and children across Pennsylvania. That’s why PADDC funded projects that promote practices to disrupt the suspensions and expulsions in early care or education. Read the story from Disability Scoop: www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/01/06/a...
January 6, 2026 at 9:30 PM
This article highlights a problem still affecting families and children across Pennsylvania. That’s why PADDC funded projects that promote practices to disrupt the suspensions and expulsions in early care or education. Read the story from Disability Scoop: www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/01/06/a...
It's 2026 and our first issue of The Spotlight is out! You can read it here: mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
January 5, 2026 at 2:49 PM
It's 2026 and our first issue of The Spotlight is out! You can read it here: mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
Some policy watchers & advocates say views are shifting: caregiving is no longer seen as just a family issue, but a labor & economic one. The Care Can’t Wait coalition unites labor, aging, & disability groups to elevate family caregiving on the national policy agenda. www.npr.org/2025/12/30/n...
Policy relief for family caregivers seems stalled out. But there are signs of change
Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum.
www.npr.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Some policy watchers & advocates say views are shifting: caregiving is no longer seen as just a family issue, but a labor & economic one. The Care Can’t Wait coalition unites labor, aging, & disability groups to elevate family caregiving on the national policy agenda. www.npr.org/2025/12/30/n...
Get your disability policy news! The new Slice of PIE newsletter from the PADDC funded Policy Information Exchange (PIE) is now available here: www.paddc.org/slice-of-pie...
#Disability #Policy #Pennsylvania
#Disability #Policy #Pennsylvania
December 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Get your disability policy news! The new Slice of PIE newsletter from the PADDC funded Policy Information Exchange (PIE) is now available here: www.paddc.org/slice-of-pie...
#Disability #Policy #Pennsylvania
#Disability #Policy #Pennsylvania
National disability leader Bob Kafka passed away yesterday. A fierce advocate, he was always found out in front of any issue that impacted people with disabilities.
www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g...
www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g...
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
www.npr.org
December 28, 2025 at 2:43 PM
National disability leader Bob Kafka passed away yesterday. A fierce advocate, he was always found out in front of any issue that impacted people with disabilities.
www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g...
www.npr.org/2025/12/27/g...
Disabled people all over the country, including #Pennsylvania, participated in this survey. It found that while most people said they want to travel more, some said the problems with hotels make them want to travel less.
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
#Disabilities #ADA
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
#Disabilities #ADA
35 years after ADA, people with disabilities still find hotels unaccommodating
AN NPR survey finds that people with disability still find hotels unaccommodating, even 35 years after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
www.npr.org
December 26, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Disabled people all over the country, including #Pennsylvania, participated in this survey. It found that while most people said they want to travel more, some said the problems with hotels make them want to travel less.
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
#Disabilities #ADA
www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
#Disabilities #ADA
National Council on Disability seeks input for a policy brief on the need for disability-focused clinical care and competency training for medical professionals. Electronic comments are due by 11:59 PM EST Jan. 6, 2026, via email to asoliman@ncd.gov www.ncd.gov/2025/12/01/d...
National Council on Disability | Disability Competency Training RFI posted to Federal Register
AGENCY: National Council on Disability (NCD). ACTION: Notice; request for information. SUMMARY: NCD is requesting information to help inform a policy brief it will be publishing concerning the need fo...
www.ncd.gov
December 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
National Council on Disability seeks input for a policy brief on the need for disability-focused clinical care and competency training for medical professionals. Electronic comments are due by 11:59 PM EST Jan. 6, 2026, via email to asoliman@ncd.gov www.ncd.gov/2025/12/01/d...
A limited number of parent scholarships are available for those who may want to go to the PA Department of Education Conference in February. Pennsylvania residents who have school-age children with a current IEP are eligible to apply. January 2, 2026 is the deadline! www.pattan.net/Training/Con...
PaTTAN - Scholarship Opportunities for Parents
www.pattan.net
December 17, 2025 at 12:01 AM
A limited number of parent scholarships are available for those who may want to go to the PA Department of Education Conference in February. Pennsylvania residents who have school-age children with a current IEP are eligible to apply. January 2, 2026 is the deadline! www.pattan.net/Training/Con...
A new Pew Charitable Trusts study shows a rise in employment among Philadelphians with disabilities. But the findings also show that more work is needed to remove barriers and expand job opportunities for working-age adults with disabilities. www.pew.org/en/research-...
#Philadelphia #Disability
#Philadelphia #Disability
Philadelphians With Disabilities Increasingly Are Finding Employment
Philadelphia had the highest rate of disability among America’s 10 most populous cities, with 17% of respondents reporting at least one disability of some kind, according to five-year census data from...
www.pew.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:24 PM
A new Pew Charitable Trusts study shows a rise in employment among Philadelphians with disabilities. But the findings also show that more work is needed to remove barriers and expand job opportunities for working-age adults with disabilities. www.pew.org/en/research-...
#Philadelphia #Disability
#Philadelphia #Disability
It's great to see yet one more #Pennsylvania college program for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities/autism. Congratulations to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) ! The new program is called The Crimson Hawks Bridge www.post-gazette.com/news/educati...
New IUP program aims to help students with intellectual disabilities live independently
A new IUP program for those with intellectual disabilities will aim to fill a “real need” in Indiana and Armstrong counties.
The Crimson Hawks...
www.post-gazette.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:22 PM
It's great to see yet one more #Pennsylvania college program for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities/autism. Congratulations to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) ! The new program is called The Crimson Hawks Bridge www.post-gazette.com/news/educati...
Inclusive Schools Week 2025 celebrates the theme “Children First,” inspired by the Maasai greeting asking, “How are the children?” It reminds us us to ensure all students—especially those with disabilities—are supported, valued, and included.
December 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Inclusive Schools Week 2025 celebrates the theme “Children First,” inspired by the Maasai greeting asking, “How are the children?” It reminds us us to ensure all students—especially those with disabilities—are supported, valued, and included.
The Fall 2025 PADDC Outlooks Newsletter is out. Read it here! www.paddc.org/wp-content/u...
December 5, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The Fall 2025 PADDC Outlooks Newsletter is out. Read it here! www.paddc.org/wp-content/u...
The #Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is seeking public input on emotional support animals (ESAs). ESAs have access rights in housing but not other public accommodations. The commission is exploring future guidance and welcomes community feedback. Read about it: www.pa.gov/agencies/phr...
December 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The #Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is seeking public input on emotional support animals (ESAs). ESAs have access rights in housing but not other public accommodations. The commission is exploring future guidance and welcomes community feedback. Read about it: www.pa.gov/agencies/phr...
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
Only 347 of the nation’s roughly 14,500 nursing homes have specialized units dedicated to people on ventilators, forcing people with ALS or MS to move far from families. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
They Need a Ventilator To Stay Alive. Getting One Can Be a Nightmare. - KFF Health News
Few nursing homes are set up to care for people needing help breathing with a ventilator because of ALS or other infirmities. Insurers often resist paying for ventilators at home, and innovative progr...
kffhealthnews.org
December 2, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Only 347 of the nation’s roughly 14,500 nursing homes have specialized units dedicated to people on ventilators, forcing people with ALS or MS to move far from families. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Be sure to check our our December Spotlight e-newsletter. mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
December 2, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Be sure to check our our December Spotlight e-newsletter. mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
Great article about people with disabilities working and also having the ability to receive public benefits. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
#Disability #Employment
www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
#Disability #Employment
www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
Work or get benefits? People with disabilities don’t have to choose.
A McCandless man builds a life around inflatables while navigating disability benefits, work opportunities and employment rules.
www.publicsource.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Great article about people with disabilities working and also having the ability to receive public benefits. It doesn't have to be one or the other.
#Disability #Employment
www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
#Disability #Employment
www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
Fifty years ago today, Pres. Gerald Ford signed the law now known as IDEA, guaranteeing every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education. Before it, many were excluded; afterward, doors opened & inclusion grew—driven by the tireless ADVOCACY of families and educators.
November 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Fifty years ago today, Pres. Gerald Ford signed the law now known as IDEA, guaranteeing every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education. Before it, many were excluded; afterward, doors opened & inclusion grew—driven by the tireless ADVOCACY of families and educators.
Happy Thanksgiving from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council!
November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council!
This experimental app helps users of speech-generating devices add humor and other engaging communication. But its AI may sometimes shape or influence what users say, not just support it. Read about its development here: today.umd.edu/should-ai-te...
Should AI Tell a Joke With You—or for You? | Maryland Today
Research Finds That Users of Speech-Generating Devices Weigh Risks of Losing Their Own Voice When Delivering Witty Remarks
today.umd.edu
November 21, 2025 at 2:44 PM
This experimental app helps users of speech-generating devices add humor and other engaging communication. But its AI may sometimes shape or influence what users say, not just support it. Read about its development here: today.umd.edu/should-ai-te...
After a four-month impasse in the State legislature, Governor Shapiro was finally able to sign the 2025–2026 #Pennsylvania budget. His press release highlights several areas of increased funding for #disability related services. Read the full release here: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
November 13, 2025 at 8:42 PM
After a four-month impasse in the State legislature, Governor Shapiro was finally able to sign the 2025–2026 #Pennsylvania budget. His press release highlights several areas of increased funding for #disability related services. Read the full release here: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
This is our last Key Technology Principle that guides our grant-making and advocacy. #5. Learning, Education, Ongoing Support. Expertise is built through experience. We need many ways to learn, explore and grow over a lifetime. Read the rest of this key principle here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
November 12, 2025 at 3:25 PM
This is our last Key Technology Principle that guides our grant-making and advocacy. #5. Learning, Education, Ongoing Support. Expertise is built through experience. We need many ways to learn, explore and grow over a lifetime. Read the rest of this key principle here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
Our Key Technology Principle #4. There are risks with online communities, such as cyber bullying, financial exploitation, & other negative aspects of anonymous social interactions. People should plan how to keep safe and protect themselves. More: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
#AssistiveTechnology
#AssistiveTechnology
November 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Our Key Technology Principle #4. There are risks with online communities, such as cyber bullying, financial exploitation, & other negative aspects of anonymous social interactions. People should plan how to keep safe and protect themselves. More: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
#AssistiveTechnology
#AssistiveTechnology
Our Number 3 Key Technology Principles: Relationships. Assure technology isn’t a replacement for needed human resources, like direct support staff, friendships, and co-workers. Read the principles here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
#AssistiveTechnology
#AssistiveTechnology
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Our Number 3 Key Technology Principles: Relationships. Assure technology isn’t a replacement for needed human resources, like direct support staff, friendships, and co-workers. Read the principles here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
#AssistiveTechnology
#AssistiveTechnology