[GreaterPhilly] Fwd: Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Spring 2022 Newsletter

Fri Mar 18 23:50:00 UTC 2022

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> From: Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities <claudia.tasco at phila.gov>
> Date: March 18, 2022 at 9:59:49 AM EDT
> To: DBrown8827 at aol.com
> Subject: Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities Spring 2022 Newsletter
> Reply-To: Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities <claudia.tasco at phila.gov>
> 
> 
>  
> Spring Issue | March 2022
> 
> Welcome to the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities'
>  Newsletter Spring 2022 Issue! 
> In this Spring Issue:
> Message from Executive Director, Amy Nieves 
> Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities Updates and Events 
> Commissioner Spotlight: Cecelia Thompson 
> Community Partner Spotlight: The Arc of Philadelphia
> Adrienne's ADA News You Can Use 
> Claudia's Constituent Corner and so much more!
>  
> Message from Executive Director, Amy Nieves: 
> As we welcome Spring and honor March as National Developmental Disabilities Month, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities is excited to share some exciting happenings, opportunities, and resources with you in our robust Spring Newsletter.  We continue to be dedicated to serving the disability community of Philadelphia and invite you to join us.
> 
> We are working hard to ensure that Philadelphia is a City built on inclusion and belonging every day for all Philadelphians.  We are excited to share that our office recently launched a Disabilities Characteristics Map of Philadelphia. The map and a resource guide can be found on our website.
>  
> This map is already impacting how departments, community organizations, business owners and residents engage and include the disability community in more meaningful ways. If you would like to learn more about the map, I invite you to an informational session on the map on April 6, 2022 at 6pm.  You can learn more below in our events section and on our website or register here. 
> 
> We will hold our quarterly Public Meeting on March 23, 2022 at 7pm.  Event details are below and can be found here.  I hope you will join us for our meeting and the many other exciting events across the city. 
> 
> This spring our office desires to share with the community all the progress we have made with the City’s ADA Transition Plan, and invite you to join us, April 28th at 6pm for a Town Hall dedicated to the Transition Plan. The plan can be found here.
> 
> I invite you to check out the rest of our Spring Newsletter below and look forward to seeing you at our many events this Spring! Let’s continue to forge equitable and inclusive connections and opportunities for all residents of Philadelphia.
>  
> Amy Nieves 
> Executive Director, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
> Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities Announcements:
> 
> Please join us for our upcoming Public Meeting:
> March 23, 7pm-8:30pm via Zoom.
> 
> Topics to be covered:
> Updates from the Commission
> Covid-19 updates
> Launch of the open call for new Commissioners! 
> Please register in advance below. ASL and Closed Captions will be provided. If you require additional ADA reasonable accommodations, please email or call Claudia Tasco at Claudia.Tasco at phila.gov or 215-686-2798 by March 20, 2022.
> 
> *ASL and Closed Captioning will be provided; to request additional ADA accommodations please email or call Claudia Tasco by October 21 at Claudia.Tasco at phila.gov or 215-686-2798.
> 
> Note: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
> 
> Interested in learning more about the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities and staying connected to the Commission’s work and events? Contact Claudia Tasco at Claudia.Tasco at phila.gov
> Register Now
> Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities
> Commissioner Spotlight:
> 
> Meet Commissioner Cecelia Thompson  
> Cecelia Thompson, a Philadelphia native and longtime special education advocate, is the current Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities. She is also the proud parent of an adult son living with autism who is a recent graduate of the Philadelphia public school system.
> 
> Ms. Thompson serves the community in many roles, including her work as one of the first members on the Parent and Community Advisory Council to the Board of Education, and is a Philadelphia Board of Education Member. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in special education at Grand Canyon University. Ms. Thompson believes that families, schools, and communities must partner to provide children with a holistic education to help them reach their full potential as productive, innovative, and compassionate leaders in society.  For this spotlight we wanted to get to know our Chair more deeply by asking her some questions:
> 
> What are you most excited about what is coming up for the Commission? I am excited about a variety of initiatives of which the Commission is currently involved either through advocacy or project facilitation. These projects include the reimaging of the Carousel House, video resource guides, and the new Disability Characteristics map. This is the first of its kind and excited of the expansion of this map through community engagement in the Spring.
> 
> Another is that the Commission will be having regular community engagement sessions to both update the public on the various resources and supports within Philadelphia and hearing from those with disabilities on concerns in Philadelphia. As a Commission, we cannot be everywhere, and these sessions serve as our eyes and ears in the community.  This is exciting because I appreciate and learn from others experiences from the community. 
> 
> How would you encourage families and individuals to be more involved in the city, and their community? I encourage families and individuals with disabilities to be more involved in their communities  by joining your local groups in your communities and ensuring the needs of the disability community are included in all conversations and making them aware through education. Families can also get involved with their local legislative person, such as City Council and State Representatives and Senators. These individuals can be influential in important legislation by hearing the concerns of families and how a legislative bill impacts the disability community. So get to know them!
>  
> Commission Upcoming Events: 
> Did you know that all of our events can now be found on our website? Check out the upcoming events below or on the website today!
> 
> April 6, 2022, 6-7pm: Informational Session: Disability Characteristics Map. Join Executive Director, Amy Nieves as she gives an overview and tutorial on the map.  Learn more and register today here.
>  
> Commission Community Conversations:
> 
> April 5, 2022 10-11am
> Community Conversation on Public Safety: Join Philadelphia Police Commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, and the Mayor's Commission for a conversations around Public Safety and updates from the Police Department. Learn more and register today here.
> 
> May 12, 2022 2-3pm
> Community Conversation on Housing: Join City Council Members Kendra Brooks and Derek Green and others for a dynamic panel discussion around affordable and accessible housing and the housing trust fund. Learn more and register today here. 
>  
> Covid-19 Related Updates:
> Check out the most recent COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter:
> PDPH has put together this resource to provide community response partners with up-to-date information about vaccine availability, eligibility, and frequently asked questions. This newsletter is available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese at https://bit.ly/CRPNnewsletter. To request printed copies in any language, please email COVIDvax at phila.gov. To begin receiving these newsletters or other essential information, please enroll in the Community Response Partner Network at https://hip.phila.gov/community-response-notifications-signup/.
> 
> The Health Department is committed to accessibility at vaccination sites, be sure to check out the Know before you go guide located here:
> Accessibility at Community Clinics: Know Before You Go | Department of Public Health | City of Philadelphia
> Community Partner Spotlight:
>  
> The Arc of Philadelphia staff fields general inquiries from individuals and professionals to provide guidance on accessing public and private supportive services for individuals with disabilities across education, employment, housing, healthcare, and transportation. Their team also supports and consults with organizations aiming to enhance inclusive internal policies and practices to work with people with disabilities.
> The organization’s programs focus on full inclusion for people with IDD at the individual, organizational, community, and policy levels.
> A Child Education Advocacy program 
> A Healthcare Advocacy program 
> A Legislative Advocacy program  and more! 
> Want to learn more about The Arc of Philadelphia?
> Contact
> Lisa Johnson
> Advocacy Coordinator
> ljohnson at arcphiladelphia.org
> P: (215) 229 - 4550 Ext. 130
> 
> Interested in being a future Community Spotlight? Email Amy Nieves at Amy.Nieves at phila.gov. 
> Community Announcements:
> 
>  
> 30th Annual ‘My City, My Place’ Brighter Future Awards
> March 25 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
> The DBHIDS Division of Intellectual disAbility Services and its Public Awareness Committee will celebrate the 30th Annual “My City, My Place” Brighter Futures Awards on March 25.
> 
> More than 30 years ago, the Public Awareness Committee was charged to create, promote, and enhance the supports and services available to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Today, individuals have access to quality services and supports that foster choices in their everyday lives, meaningful personal relationships with friends/family/neighbors, presence and participation in their communities, and dignity and respect as valued residents of Philadelphia.
> 
> Please help us celebrate the award winners and those nominated who exemplify our motto: IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY!
> 
> For more information, email IDS.PublicAwareness at phila.gov.
> 
> Register Now
>  
> Disability Pride launches a new program:
> Check out Disability Pride PA’s newest program, Chat & Chew which will air the last Monday of the month at 3 PM EST. We will chat with people in the disability world. This month we kick it off with Smart Home Tech with Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. Join us live on our Facebook page every month! 
> 
> Have an announcement you would like us to share? Email Amy Nieves at Amy.Nieves at phila.gov. 
>  
> Education Engagement: 
> Philadelphia's Search for the Next Superintendent 
> The search for the next Superintendent of The Philadelphia School District is well underway!  Follow the latest on the search for the Philadelphia School District Superintendent here. 
> 
> PA HB 726 - Disability Inclusive Curriculum Bill
> The Disability Inclusive Curriculum Bill was reintroduced to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and referred to the Education Committee On October 5th 2021. This bill’s number is 726 in honor of the anniversary of the ADA. This Bill if passed, it would create a fundamental shift in view, in turn, lead to a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible world for all in the future. It would secure opportunities for students to learn about disability through the lens of diversity and contribution rather than deficit and burden. To review the bill visit this website. 
> 
> Want to get involved? Contact The Coalition on Disability Inclusive Curriculum (CODIC) Email: DisabilityInclusiveCurriculum at gmail.com.
> ADA News You Can Use 
> by Adrienne Ewing, Director of ADA Compliance
> 
> Philadelphia ADA Transition Plan Town Hall:
> Join the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities and Director of ADA Compliance for an update on the progress of the City's ADA Transition Plan. There will also be a time for residents to ask questions during this town hall. 
> 
> Register in advance for this meeting below.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
> 
> ASL and Closed Captioning will be provided. For additional ADA accommodations please email Claudia Tasco at Claudia.Tasco at phila.gov  or call 215-686-2798 by 4/21/22
> 
> This is a public meeting—please share with your network.
> 
> Register Now
>  
> Gallaudet University embraces commitment to diversity with new Center for Black Deaf Studies.
> 
> Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. was named after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a notable figure in the advancement of deaf education. The University is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English.
> 
> It was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world and remains the only higher education institution in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. 
> 
> The new Center for Black Deaf Studies is adorned with African American artwork and artifacts; numerous photographs, poetry, and newspaper clippings of Black deaf heroes and heroines are prominently displayed.  There are also buttons installed on office doors to alert occupants that someone is outside waiting to enter. 
> 
> The student body is excited for the new center where ASL and Black American Sign Language (BASL) or Black Sign Variation (BSV) (sign language used by some Deaf Black Americans in the U.S.) is welcomed.  BASL or BSV is a variation from American Sign Language (ASL) and was highly influenced by the segregation of schools in the U.S. South.  Since the schools at the time were separated based upon race, it created two language communities among Deaf signers.
> 
>  
> Deaf Rappers Performed at Super Bowl LVI
> Two rappers who are deaf performed during Super Bowl LVI on Sunday, February, 13, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.  Sean Forbes and Warren (WaWa) Snipe made history as the first American Sign Language artists to ever be included in a Super Bowl halftime show. 
> 
> They performed sign-language interpretations of the halftime show headliner's music. Unfortunately, the duo was not visible alongside the hip hop legends Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige during the show. This has drawn criticism from NFL fans and the Deaf community who were excited leading up to the performance. 
> 
> There is still a long way to go with regards to bringing disability awareness and accessibility to the forefront.  Viewers were expecting more accessibility and to see the duo performing together with the show headliners.  Sean Forbes is a Detroit native who became deaf at the age of 2 and he co-founded the nonprofit Deaf Professional Arts Network, or D-PAN, in 2006.  The organization is dedicated to promoting inclusion and accessibility in the arts for people who are deaf or have trouble hearing.  Forbes said “I’m doing my best to blast those barriers and showing the world what Deaf Music Artists around the world can do and more.”
> 
> Claudia's Constituent Corner
> By Claudia Tasco, Constituent Coordinator 
>  
> 
>  
> Food Services- Spring 2022
> 
> The City of Philadelphia listing of Food Distribution Sites is available
> online here.
> 
> MANNA cooks and delivers nutritious meals to neighbors in the Greater Philadelphia area who are battling a serious illness. 
> More information is available online here:
> Empowering Employment for Everyone:
>  
> Neurodiversity Employment Network
> The Neurodiversity Employment Network's mission is to be a connector of employers, academics, providers, vendors, job seekers, and other allies in the Greater Philadelphia region supporting one another to enable neurodivergent individuals to gain meaningful employment.
> 
> The network meets quarterly to share ideas, make connections, and continue the conversation around workplace inclusion. We seek to be a central hub for all things related to neurodivergent inclusion in the workplace through our website, where we list resources and events in the greater Philadelphia area. Join our network today or learn more by visiting our website!
>  
> Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is hiring! 
> Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) advances pediatric healthcare by translating scientific breakthroughs into new therapies and cures. To accelerate this process, the CHOP Foundation inspires philanthropic giving to support the hospital’s needs. This type of success doesn’t happen without a dedicated team, and we’re looking for more people to grow with us during this exciting time.
>  
> We’re seeking breakthrough makers! Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was built on the belief that we can change lives. Today, in every role throughout our hospital, research institute and care network, the 22,000 members of our workforce are finding new ways – big and small – to make a difference for the patients and families we serve. 
>   
> Check out the current openings here.
>  
> Learn more about CHOP here:
> We Are CHOP: A Tour
> Why Work for CHOP? 
> Learn More About Diversity & Inclusion at CHOP
>  
>  
> Careers with the City of Philadelphia:
> 
> Learn more about current available job opportunities with the City of Philadelphia here. 
> Have an article, event, or resource you would like to see featured in our next newsletter?  Connect with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities below. 
> 
> 
> Copyright © *|2022|* *|Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities|*, All rights reserved.
> 
> Connect with us today! 
> Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities | Homepage | City of Philadelphia
> City Hall, 2nd Fl. Room 260D 
> Philadelphia, PA 19107
> Phone: 215-686-2798
> 
> Inquiries can be directed to Claudia Tasco: Claudia.Tasco at phila.gov 
> 
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