Press Conferences on Proposed Polk and White Haven Closure Moratorium
posted: December 2019
Pennsylvania Coalition for Inclusive Community will hold two press conferences on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Press release and press conference details
Institute Receives Grant to Aid in Philadelphia's Census Effort
posted: November 2019
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education joins eight organizations selected to support the outreach efforts of the City's 2020 census initiative.
Full story about the Digital Literacy Alliance grant awards
Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council Appoints Lisa Tesler as Executive Director
posted: November 2019
Lisa Tesler, graduate of the Institute's Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (C2P2) program, was appointed in September to succeed Graham Mulholland.
Read about Ms. Tesler's new role
Governor Proclaims November Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania
posted: November 2019
Read the governor's proclamation for Assistive Technology month
Institute on Disabilities Partners with People's Light and The National Theatre of Great Britain to Present Revolutionary Smart Caption Glasses
posted: September 2019
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education, is collaborating with People's Light theater in Chester County, PA, and the National Theatre of Great Britain, on a project that will revolutionize arts accessibility for the deaf and hearing loss communities.
Read more about the Smart Caption Glasses collaboration
Institute on Disabilities Executive Announces Plan to Step Down in 2020
posted: September 2019
Celia Feinstein, Executive Director of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education, has announced that she will step down early in 2020.
Read the full announcement about the executive director
Polk Center Closure: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
posted: September 2019
This week in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: " 'The people who benefited the most from deinstitutionalization were the people with the most significant support needs,' according to the Pennhurst Longitudinal Study of people who left that institution, said Ms. [Celia] Feinstein. 'I don’t buy, Too old, too disabled, too behaviorally challenged.' "
Read the Post-Gazette story about the Polk Center closure
Institute Executive Director Comments on State Center Closures
posted: August 2019
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced plans to close the Polk and White Haven State Centers, two of the four remaining state-run public intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania.
State Centers - read our full statement
HCBS - Know the Facts:
Understanding the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule
posted: August 2019
Visit our office at Temple University for a Lunch & Learn on September 20 and learn the facts of the HCBS Final Rule.
For people with disabilities, family members, and support professionals.
HCBS training registration and information
Institute and Partners Honored by AAIDD
posted: July 2019
In June 2019, the American Association on Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) awarded the Institute and its partners for leading the effort to collect, preserve and disseminate the history of struggle for equality by people with disabilities in western Pennsylvania.
TechOWL Program Expands to Include Mobile Devices
posted: June 2019
Mobile equipment, including smartphones and tablets, will be available through TechOWL's Free Special Phone Program, starting July 1, 2019.
Free special phone program mobile expansion
Temple's Institute on Disabilities responds to OVR proposal to close its Order of Selection
posted: June 2019
On May 4, 2019, the Department of Labor & Industry published a Notice in the PA Bulletin announcing its intent to close the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Order of Selection (OOS). OVR is the state vocational rehabilitation agency. Its mission is to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to enter, regain, or retain employment. The OOS is the manner in which OVR prioritizes cases so that individuals with the most significant disabilities receive services first. Closure of the OOS means that OVR will stop accepting new applications for services.
Read the Institute's response to OVR
Disability Pride Week in Philadelphia
posted: May 2019
The 2019 Disability Pride Parade and Celebration Week in Philadelphia takes place June 10-15.
May 1, 2019: Be the Boss! Webinar
posted: April 2019
Be the Boss is an overview of self-directed services. Attend this webinar for self-advocates interested in taking charge of their everyday lives.
Webinar Information/Registration
High impact position open in Pennsylvania
posted: April 2019
Executive Director, Developmental Disabilities Council
"Are you seeking a high-level leadership opportunity in supporting full and meaningful lives for people with developmental disabilities? Do you enjoy using your skills in critical thinking and collaboration to achieve positive change for all? Do you have a strong understanding of the history of disability and the work that still lies ahead?
"The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) is recruiting for an Executive Director who possesses creativity, strong leadership and initiative, and a deep visionary passion for the mission and goals of the Council. The work of the Executive Director is performed under the direction of the Developmental Disabilities Council appointed by the Governor and with the support of the Department of Human Services."
April 15 and 16, 2019: Mini Course Lecture Series Workshops
posted: March 2019
David Pitonyak, Director of Imagine, will lead two workshops in Glen Mills.
4/15: The Importance of Belonging
4/16: One Day the World Will Be A Perfect Place: Toolbox for Change
Register for one or both workshops
Presented in partnership with the Delaware County Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Chester County Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
A Fierce Kind of Love Opens FringeArts Event
posted: January 2019
Tickets available for A Fierce Kind of Love's return as part of the FringeArts High Pressure Fire Service Festival, March 1-3. Please donate to support making our play welcoming to all!
