Philadelphia Parent Support Groups

Today, we honor Juneteenth. A time to celebrate freedom, recognize the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, and reflect on the ongoing work of building communities where everyone is valued, included, and has opportunities to thrive. Happy Juneteenth from Vision for Equality.

Learn More about Juneteenth by watching this video:
https://youtu.be/lq8TNKZVEWs?si=Q2U0dZW8Qtxh7OPi


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Image Description: Graphic titled "What is Juneteenth?" The text reads: "June 19, 1865 was the day enslaved Black people in Texas learned they were free - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice."

Beside the text is an illustration of a diverse group of people standing together with their arms around one another while red, gold, and green fireworks fill the sky above. The Vision for Equality logo appears in the lower left corner.

The Supreme Court has already decided that living in the community is a legal right.

More than 25 years ago, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities and not be forced into institutions.

That ruling changed millions of lives. But a right on paper only works when people can get the support they need. That’s what Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make possible.

Congress made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last year. Now, many states are considering options that could reduce access to HCBS.

Help keep the promise of Olmstead alive. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS and the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. https://bit.ly/4fAVl54

Request for Information – Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program

A public comment opportunity from OLTL that will help to make the CHC program better for Pennsylvania.

You can find the RFI here: https://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=26-RFI-20429

The Pa DHS is requesting that all responses to this RFI be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on the July 15, 2026. Responses must be submitted electronically to the following email account with “Community HealthChoices RFI” in the email subject line: [email protected].

Event Updated: Now Online Only -
Thursday, June 11 at 10 am on Zoom.

How can all generations in a family play a key role in early intervention and education? Join us for the final Families First event before summer to learn more from Guiding Generations!

Please register at https://buff.ly/IoCTbIF

ℹ️ Families First offers free empowerment training on the basics of early intervention in the Philadelphia school system.

Family Connections News: Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Join Us for Exciting Events and Important Updates - Click to Learn More! Family Connections Weekly Newsletter Top News Headlines for this week:  Disability Pride

2026 Beyond the Anchor: Carrying Faith, Hope and Community FORWARD - Behavioral Health Training & Education Network This mental health symposium will bring together approximately 100 participants for a day of interactive discussion, learning, and resources sharing ways to explore how faith and spirituality can help combat loneliness, isolation, and the effects of grief and loss. The event will feature panel discu...

Disability Rights Pennsylvania wants to know what you think! The comment period for our fiscal year 2027 annual program goals and objectives is now open. We use your answers to help us understand the disability community’s needs. Your answers shape our goals and objectives for the next year. We invite you to share the issues that matter most to individuals with disabilities, along with the families and organizations supporting them. You can submit comments until July 17, 2026.

Online Survey:

The goal and objective survey is open until July 17, 2026, which will be the final day to submit public comments. You can complete the survey to provide input by clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DMS9WJN

You can view our current goals and objectives here: https://www.disabilityrightspa.org/what-we-do/priorities/

We thank you for your time, community, partnership, and collaboration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Friday, June 5, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m.

We have an important communication announcement that requires your review and vote. Your feedback is valuable in helping ensure that our messaging is clear, effective, and aligns with the needs of the individuals and stakeholders we support.

Please join us for a brief discussion and vote on the proposed communication announcement. Your participation will help us make an informed decision before the information is distributed.

Thank you for your continued commitment to promoting effective communication. We look forward to your input and participation.

The link to register:
https://networksfortraining.zoom.us/meeting/register/zYP77POEQRm4DEweXv5mMQ