Learn how PEAL's new project can help your family!

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Giving Tuesday

Next Tuesday is Giving Tuesday! This is an important day for organizations like PEAL because to help raise awareness of charitable causes and encourage donors’ generosity, Facebook will match qualifying donations made on Facebook during Giving Tuesday, matching begins on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 8am Eastern Time.

We recognize that there are many ways to support and raise awareness for PEAL, so this Giving Tuesday we are asking our supporters to consider donating to PEAL's fundraiser, sharing PEAL's fundraiser on Facebook and connecting a family or community group with PEAL's services.

Next Tuesday, you can support PEAL so we can continue to grow support for families of all backgrounds in Pennsylvania. PEAL moved swiftly to support families virtually during the height of the pandemic and we continue to offer support, trainings, and resources to families as we navigate our new normal.

Your support and donations on Giving Tuesday and through the end of 2021 will help PEAL to share critical information and resources with families, and broaden outreach to underrepresented communities.

Sincerely,

Mary Hartley, Executive Director

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21 and Able at the PEAL Center

PEAL Center recently announced funding awarded by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to continue and grow the work of 21 and Able, a community solutions project United Way began in 2011 to ensure young adults with disabilities can achieve greater independence through their transition to adulthood.

At PEAL, 21 and Able will continue to help young adults with disabilities transition smoothly from the last day of high school to the first day of adult life and beyond, including supporting parents and family caregivers to support their young adult’s independence. Core activities of 21 and Able include providing transition training and information, and providing resources—as well as individual support for families. PEAL will also continue to include families of students with the most complex medical and behavioral health needs in all planning.

If you are interested in learning more about 21 and Able, visit our website: pealcenter.org/21-and-able

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Transition Services Survey

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University and the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council is collecting information from Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their family members to help the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) address the needs of students and youth with disabilities, and their families, and plan quality services that support competitive employment.

The survey will be open until November 30th. It is anonymous and voluntary. It will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Students and youth can win 1 of 20 $20 gift cards. Family members can win 1 of 3 $20 gift cards.

Please email ovrcsna@temple.edu or call 215-204-7177 with questions or accommodation requests.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/fw7aBWt9jz

TechOWL helps Pennsylvanians find the technology, tools, and gadgets to live our best lives

Did you know that every state has a program to help people with disabilities and others explore, find and get the tools and technology they need? These tools may be needed for school, work, and life in the community. The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is the home for this program in Pennsylvania.

Learn more by reading their latest newsletter or checking out their website.

Reminder: Virtual Family Leadership Institute applications due December 3rd

If you are interested in participating in PEAL's upcoming Virtual Family Leadership Institute (FLI), apply soon!

The FLI is a multi-session, in-depth training for families to build knowledge and leadership skills related to inclusive special education and health care, offered at no cost to families by the PEAL Center and our partners! This is a unique opportunity, as we have not offered a virtual FLI before!

Live sessions will be held on Zoom every Tuesday evening, from 5:00-6:30 pm, for 7 weeks between January 11th and February 22nd, 2022. Participants MUST COMMIT to attending all live sessions, in addition to completing "Learning On Your Own" (LOYO) assignments in between.

Participation is by application only, which must be completed and submitted by December 3^rd, 2021. Complete the online application at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PEALVirtFLI2022.

Space is limited, please apply early! If you have been selected for this FLI, we will let you know by December 10^th. Please see flyer for more information. Contact PEAL with any questions, at kbrinkley@pealcenter.org or 866-950-1040, ext 203.

Join PEAL's Youth Team December 2nd and 3rd for our Youth Virtual Coffee Drop-In and our Youth Development Training! This week's topic is Self-Awareness. They will be hosted on the same zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95790302310