UCFSD | Empower each student to succeed in life and contribute to society
U-PRISE's goal is to provide families of students with disabilities education, resources, and enhanced partnerships with the school district and the community.
If you have information or an event you would like to share with our U-PRISE community please contact Shannon Brown - srbrown@ucfsd.net
Upcoming U-PRISE News & Events
U-PRISE 2019-20 Meeting Dates & Topics
The U-PRISE Community Resources Fairs are open to ANYONE in our greater community who is interested in learning more about the camps, resources, and/or supports made available by the attending groups.
Thank You 2019 U-PRISE Community Resource Fair Attendees!
Thank You 2018 U-PRISE Community Resource Fair Attendees!
Click HERE to see the exhibitor's links for more information!
Suzanne and Jim Brogan -Hillendale Elementary
Kalia Perse -Unionville Elementary
Tammy Klinger -Pocopson Elementary
Elizabeth Huntley -Chadds Ford Elementary
Toshie Schritter and Penny Johnson- Patton Middle School
Cecile Arrouays- Unionville High School
*All events shared below are not necessarily supported by UCFSD. However, we support our U-PRISE families in sharing community resources.
BRIDGING TO THE FUTURE - 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE | April 18, 2020 - 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Montgomery County Community College is hosting a Bridging to the Future Conference for ALL parents and guardians of students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school into adult life. The conference, on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Parkhouse Hall, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, will feature Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D, a leading authority on autism in higher education, as the keynote speaker. In addition to the keynote speaker, the conference will include 12 sessions! You can see the presenters in the flyer linked below. Additionally, more than 30 vendors from a variety of support areas will be available throughout the day to offer information on many topics and the services they provide.
REGISTER HERE | SEE FLYER HERE
TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD | March 4, 2020 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Chesco LIFE is hosting a FREE Parent/Professional Workshop for Chester County Residents!
SEE FLYER HERE!
FREE GIEP WORKSHOP | March 7, 2020 - 10:00 am to Noon
In Pennsylvania, students receive gifted support services provided through their Gifted Individualized Education Plan. Are you new to or confused about the process? Bring your GIEP for a free, hands-on workshop that will help you to be an advocate for your child. During this workshop, you will learn: gifted education law in Pennsylvania, Chapter 16, to understand the structure of the GIEP, and learn suggestions for collaborating with your student’s educators. This workshop is presented by the Downingtown Area Gifted Education Network, an affiliate chapter of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education. DAGEN is a parent-led, volunteer group that supports parents of identified gifted children in the Downingtown, PA area. All interested are welcome to attend. For questions, email downingtowngifted@gmail.
Registration Required ---> GIEPWORKSHOP.EVENTBRITE.
GIEP WORKSHOP FLYER
Creating a Vision for a Good Life | March 24, 2020 - 6:30 to 8:30 pm
This event is sponsored by PA Family Supports. Registration is free but required and will be accepted until March 19th! SEE FLYER HERE
PA State Police Sunny Day Camp Troop J | September 26, 2020 - 9:00 to 1:00 pm
The PA State Police Camp Cadet of Chester and Lancaster County invites children and adults with special needs or disabilities with their families and friends to join us for a FREE law enforcement based "Sunny Day Camp." This will be a fun-filled learning experience at Penn Township Park 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The day includes demonstrations, activities: Canine Unit, SERT Team, Aviation-Rescue Helicopter, Police Vehicle Display, Lunch, Games, and Music To find out more and to register online visit www.cccampcadet.org or contact Trooper Kevin Kochka at 610-268-2102.
See Flyer Here
AUTISM & ID: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AFTER AGE 18 | March 12, 2020 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Tredyffrin Public Library (582 Upper Gulph Rd, Strafford, PA 19087)
Presented By: Michele A. Leahy, MS, CPWIC & Randy H. Steen, Esq.
Please join us for a complimentary session where we will discuss the following: Why is it vital to become eligible for SSI/SSDI? Is it possible to work and still receive benefits such as Medical Assistance and federal cash benefits? What is a Special Needs Trust and why is it imperative to consider one? (3-Person Retirement?) What is a waiver? Are there waivers for those with IQs above 70? How can I blend state and federal government programs while preparing for his/her future? What is the difference between an IEP and an ISP? What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare? What and why is Person Centered Planning important? The ABLE Act. What is it and what does it mean for savings and Special Needs Trusts? What’s the difference between Power of Attorney and Guardianship? What are future housing options?
Questions? Please contact: michele@leahylifeplan.com or call 484.238.0841
RSVP HERE by March 10, 2020!
GREAT F.E.A.T.s: Work Communication Skills Program | EBS Children’s Therapy
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 17
Join EBS therapists as we help young adults learn and practice communication skills used in the workplace, as well as navigate and respond appropriately to various situations. Over 10 weeks, we'll explore the essential skills needed to successfully communicate in the workplace, including basic verbal and nonverbal communication skills, assertive communication, dealing with feelings in the workplace, and appropriate topics to discuss with co-workers. It's therapy disguised as fun and so much more!
See the flyer here!
Acting Without Boundaries:
Free acting program for kids/teens/young adults with physical disabilities
Workshops are held once a month in Haverford | Plays are held once a year
LEARN MORE HERE!
Join us at the Elmwood Park Zoo for our Early Access Mornings on the first Saturday of every month from April- September at 9:00 AM! Elmwood Park Zoo offers the opportunity for our guests with special needs and their family to enjoy early entry to the zoo. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the zoo in a relaxing setting before it opens to the general public. There will be some friendly animals to meet and our staff will be available for questions and assistance.
For additional information and to purchase tickets visit - Elmwood Zoo
Longwood Gardens is excited to be a partner with Art-Reach and offer deeply discounted admission to ACCESS cardholders. The ACCESS Admission program allows families to visit participating museums, science centers, gardens, historic sites, and attractions. Cardholders are able to purchase tickets at participating venues for just $2 each. Any families who have Medical Assistance can visit Longwood Gardens for only $2/ticket. For more information about the program and the full list of 33 participating organizations, visit the Art Reach site: Art Reach
*Special Needs Ministry at Willowdale Chapel, Kennett Square - Contact is contact Alison Kelisek.
We believe every individual is precious to God and made for a purpose. That’s why we seek to fully include individuals with special needs in our church family. Our goal is to include all children in their peer classroom, nurturing their faith, while also providing a Special Needs Room for those who need a break or their own space. For more informaton visit - Willowdale Chapel
Urban Air Downingtown: Special needs jump is for special needs kids, their siblings, and their parents/caregivers. Urban Air will not hold open jump during special needs jump. Kids are $10, parents and caregivers jump free. For more information visit - Urban Air
ACCESS Admission: Discounts to museums, science centers, gardens, historic sites and attractions.
For more information visit Art Reach
BounceU: Sensory Bounce. Sensory Bounce is a program for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), and other disabilities with a sensory component, and their families. Bouncing is a fun, play-based activity in a sensory-rich environment. At Sensory Bounce, children can get a fun-filled workout, bounce, and socialize with other families in a supportive environment. We turn the music off for this event. For more information visit - BounceU
Morgan's Wonderland Ultra-Accessible Theme Park - A new experience created for you by Morgan's Wonderland theme park and Morgan's Inspiration Island splash park, both designed with special-needs individuals in mind and both built for everyone's enjoyment in the spirit of inclusion.
For more information visit - Morgan's Wonderland
University of Delaware Spectrum Scholars program - promotes a welcoming environment for undergraduate students with autism at UD that enhances their ability to thrive in academic environments and campus life. In collaboration with JPMorgan Chase & Co. and administered by the University’s Center for Disabilities Studies, undergraduate students with autism receive comprehensive coaching and career development opportunities during their undergraduate experience as they work toward a successful career. To apply for Fall, click here.
The Arc of Chester County - Spring 2019 Chat-n-Chew series. Bring your lunch, share information, network, and learn in this casual and welcoming environment. Whether you are the parent of a child with a disability or a professional who works with individuals with disabilities, these workshops can provide you with a wealth of information.These FREE sessions, beginning on March 6, 2019 are open to everyone.
For more information visit - The Arc
Variety – The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley has continued its mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life. Our Camp and Developmental Center now serves children of all ability levels in a wide array of programs year round.
Variety Overnight Camp
Variety Overnight Camp - 2
Variety Day Camp at Temple
Adult Respite Week
Brain Balance Achievement Centers - To schedule your visit to Brain Balance of Delaware, call us at 302-650-1610 or contact us by email at wilmington@brainbalance.com.
Autism Travel - Taking a vacation together as a family can be challenging. We created Autism Travel to provide families and individuals with easy access to destinations and attractions that are trained and certified in autism and special needs care.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Freedman Counseling Associates- We Are Available
How to Calm a Child with Autism
Create a Sensory Safe Yard for Children with Special Needs
Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism
Classroom Accommodations for Kids with Sensory Issues
Moving with Special Needs Kids
COMMUNITY SAFETY RESOURCES:
• Disability and Health Emergency Preparedness Tools and Resources
• Emergency Safety Profile (PDF)
SPECIAL NEEDS FRIENDLY DRIVER'S ED:
**Learning 2 Drive
**CCIU
**Modern Driver
SENSORY FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS - Click here for list!
RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
• Chester County Activities
• Delaware County Activities
• Montgomery County Activities
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
PA ABLE: Start saving for disability-related expenses with PA ABLE. Remember, PA ABLE contributions are deductible from Pennsylvania state income taxes! If you or someone you know hasn’t yet enrolled, you can maximize savings by opening or contributing to a PA ABLE account by December 31, 2019, to save on this year’s PA state taxes. Up to $15,000 per person can be deducted from Pennsylvania state income taxes for 2019 and this tax deduction is exclusively for contributions made to a PA ABLE Savings Program account.1 Learn more about the features and benefits of the PA ABLE Savings Program and find out if you may be eligible to enroll by visiting paable.gov! Start Today!
1Contributions to a PA ABLE account up to $15,000 per person can be deducted from Pennsylvania state income taxes for 2019. This tax deduction is exclusively for contributions made to a PA ABLE Savings Program account.
Big Red Safety Box: Free-of-charge safety toolkit for autism families in need of wandering-prevention tools. For more information visit - National Autism Association
Yellow Dot: Pennsylvania’s Yellow Dot Program was created to assist citizens in the “golden hour” of emergency care following a traffic crash when they may not be able to communicate themselves. Placing a yellow dot in your vehicle’s rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure that you receive the critical medical attention you need.
For more information visit - Yellow Dot
Natalie Coqueron - Chester County Respite Coordinator, Child and Family Focus
(484) 732-8459 ext. 44 or ncoqueron@childandfamilyfocus.org
All UCFSD school buildings are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and staff are currently participating in distance learning.
Spring break will continue as planned (April 6th through April 13th).
April 14th will be an in-service day for teachers - this will be a day off for students.
After Spring break students will return to distance learning on April 15th until further notice.
Please click here for the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.