Social & Play Groups at IVPL
Children with special needs and their families are invited to visit the Indian Valley Public Library for a series of sensory-rich social play groups and structured activities designed to encourage social and cooperative play. Group size is limited, so pre-registration is required.
Click Here for Info
Integrative Dance Workshops for Youth
New Dance Workshops provide a community-based dance education program to children and adults. A full curriculum in dance techniques is offered using a developmental approach that enables students to learn and grow at their own pace in a non-competitive atmosphere. New initiatives for youth with autism are kicking off this winter.
Info & Registration
PA Office of Developmental Programs Newsletter
The mission of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives. The office seeks to continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative and person-centered.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST EDITION
Temple Grandin Appearance in West Chester
TEMPLE GRANDIN
‘Animals and Autism’
April 11, 2019 ~ 7:00pm
Chester County Historical Society
225 N. High Street West Chester, PA 19380
Sponsored by the Boudinot Foundation
Ticket Information:
General Admission Tickets – $40 each
VIP Tickets – $150 each (limited availability)
VIP tickets include:
Catered book signing reception from 5:00pm – 6:30pm
One of Temple Grandin’s books
VIP seating at the lecture
Tickets available on December 1st.
Click Here for More Info
Sensory Packs Coming to EPZ
Elmwood Park Zoo, the first zoo in the nation to be named a Certified Autism Center, is yet another step closer to achieving its multi-tiered, multi-year, half-million dollar-facility transformation into an all-inclusive, special needs facility; with its most recent accomplishment making things just a little easier for guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges.
Zoo guests will now have access to complimentary daily-use “Sensory Packs:” autism support bags incorporating noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, thinking putty and laminated copies of EPZ’s Social Story, sensory map, and sensory guide. The packs are expected to be available for guests by the end of September.
You can learn more about this new initiative by clicking HERE.
Relaxed Performances at Montgomery Theater
Relaxed Performances are specially adjusted to be sensory-friendly, comfortable for but not limited to individuals on the autism spectrum. To be inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning, and communication differences, we designed the theater experience to be welcoming and judgment-free. Many children and adults benefit from experiencing theater in this relaxed environment.
Some aspects of this program include:
- Online pre-visit materials that show patrons what they can expect to see and hear at Montgomery Theater
- Training for ushers, volunteers, and musicians to help staff cultivate an especially inclusive environment
- Relaxed rules in the theater so that all responses to the show—clapping, singing, vocalizing, moving, dancing, etc.—are welcome at any time
- Partially up house lights
- Fidgets and earplugs
- A designated quiet space with relaxing activities for patrons who would like to take a break from the performance.
- Slight mitigation of sudden, loud sounds and events
- A modified refund policy that allows families to receive 100% of their money back if they purchase tickets and find they are unable to attend the day of the performance
Click HERE for more information.