Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
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Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
@paddc.bsky.social
170 followers 210 following 130 posts
The Council works to promote advocacy, drive systems change, and build community capacity alongside people with developmental disabilities and their families. We envision a Commonwealth where all people are valued and thrive.
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Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC) @paddc.bsky.social · Jan 22
Good morning Bluesky! PADDC promotes advocacy, drives systems change, & builds community capacity alongside people with developmental #disabilities & their families. We created this STARTER PACK for those interested in Disability issues & rights. Let us know if you need added!

go.bsky.app/4uZPpe8
paddc.bsky.social
Fifty years ago today, Pres. Gerald Ford signed the law now known as IDEA, guaranteeing every child with a disability the right to a free, appropriate public education. Before it, many were excluded; afterward, doors opened & inclusion grew—driven by the tireless ADVOCACY of families and educators.
There are three photos of diverse students with disabilities in classroom settings. Logo for PA Developmental Disabilities Council. 50th Anniversary. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WERE GUARANTEED A FREE, APPROPRIATE PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION. On Nov. 29, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the Right to Education legislation, which later became Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
November 29, 2025 at 1:54 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council!
A garland of fall leaves and berries is across the top, with two leave sprigs on each side of the bottom. Happy Thanksgiving from PADDC PA Developmental Disabilities Council.
November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
paddc.bsky.social
This experimental app helps users of speech-generating devices add humor and other engaging communication. But its AI may sometimes shape or influence what users say, not just support it. Read about its development here: today.umd.edu/should-ai-te...
Should AI Tell a Joke With You—or for You? | Maryland Today
Research Finds That Users of Speech-Generating Devices Weigh Risks of Losing Their Own Voice When Delivering Witty Remarks
today.umd.edu
November 21, 2025 at 2:44 PM
paddc.bsky.social
After a four-month impasse in the State legislature, Governor Shapiro was finally able to sign the 2025–2026 #Pennsylvania budget. His press release highlights several areas of increased funding for #disability related services. Read the full release here: www.pa.gov/governor/new...
A partial view of the dome of the Pennsylvania State capitol building. Some Areas of Increased Funding for Disability Issues in Pennsylvania State Budget: $40M for special education: $100 million for mental health and school safety funding for -12 schools; $21 million to raise wages for direct care workers; $433,000 for library services for the visually impaired and disabled. Logo for PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL.
November 13, 2025 at 8:42 PM
paddc.bsky.social
This is our last Key Technology Principle that guides our grant-making and advocacy. #5. Learning, Education, Ongoing Support. Expertise is built through experience. We need many ways to learn, explore and grow over a lifetime. Read the rest of this key principle here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
A young woman wearing headphones is seated in front of a laptop computer. She's looking at another woman next to her who appears to be showing her something on the laptop. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL. Key Technology Principles. # 5. Learning, Education and Ongoing Support. Training, knowledge, skill building, and learning must be continuous and ongoing. Education must be provided in ways that are accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families.
November 12, 2025 at 3:25 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Our Key Technology Principle #4. There are risks with online communities, such as cyber bullying, financial exploitation, & other negative aspects of anonymous social interactions. People should plan how to keep safe and protect themselves. More: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...

#AssistiveTechnology
There is a hand holding a cell phone and the other hand is typing. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL. Key Technology Principles. 4. Security, Privacy and Risk. Each person should have individualized support, information, education, and services to safely access technology. There are risks. People should plan how to keep safe and protect themselves.
November 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Our Number 3 Key Technology Principles: Relationships. Assure technology isn’t a replacement for needed human resources, like direct support staff, friendships, and co-workers. Read the principles here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...

#AssistiveTechnology
Two friends laughing together. One man has down syndrome and is grinning widely. The other many is looking at him with a big smile on his face. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL Key Technology Principles 3 Relationships. The joys of face-to-face connection with others, reciprocal relationships, and inclusion is important to quality of life. Technology use must be balanced against the risk of losing in-person interactions and decreased time in the community.
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Continuing to share our PADDC Key Technology Principles, here is the next: #2 Empower People.
Ensure individuals have control of and engage with technology on their own terms. Read the rest of this and our other technology principles here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...

#AssistiveTechnology
A disabled man who uses a wheelchair uses technology such as a sip/puff switch to control his computer. PENNSYLVANIA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL Key Technology Principles #2 Empower people. Ensure people have control of and engage with technology on their own terms. Those who do not communicate with words or speech must have decision-making authority and ways to express their choices.
November 8, 2025 at 2:16 PM
paddc.bsky.social
It's Assistive Technology Month. We want to share PADDC Key Technology Principles that inform our grant making & advocacy work. Technology is a conduit to community. Finding, exploring, and connecting with others is a key feature of technology today. Read more here: www.paddc.org/paddc-key-te...
A young woman with Down syndrome is holding an electronic tablet and typing on it. Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. Key Technology Principles. 1. Everyday Lives. Using Technology is a common part of everyday life for most people. Using technology that is the same as what most other people are using should be a top priority when possible.
November 7, 2025 at 5:58 PM
paddc.bsky.social
With a federal grant, The University of Pittsburgh's HERL will be leading a project to reimagine a wheelchair and assistive robotic arm. The work will improve independence, safety and quality of life for people who have #disabilities.
www.pittsburghmagazine.com/university-o...
University of Pittsburgh Kicks Off Project to Imagine a Better Wheelchair | Pittsburgh Magazine
Pitt engineers will lead a $41.5 million federal project that aims to 'change the field.'
www.pittsburghmagazine.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:46 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Read the latest Pennsylvania and National Disability Policy News from our Policy Information Exchange grantee at the Arc of Pennsylvania: www.paddc.org/slice-of-pie...

#Disability #Policy #Pennsylvania
A view of a laptop is in the lower corner on a table with a plant and coffee cup. Logo from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. A Slice of PIE: A Communication from from the Policy Information Exchange. VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3 FALL 2025
November 4, 2025 at 6:17 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Check your email inbox for our November Spotlight newsletter! Or you can read it here: mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
Brightly colored spotlights shining down. Spotlight. November 2025. National Family Caregivers Month. Highlights of the activities, advocacy, and interests of the PADDC. Logo for the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
November 3, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
iodtempleu.bsky.social
C2P2 2026 application period is open! C2P2 offers free leadership training for:
▪️ Adults in PA with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism
▪️ Family members of a school-age child in Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. buff.ly/SFhPf9T
Photo: C2P2 2025 graduates, a group of mixed age, ability, and gender, pose together in front of a cherry red wall. Graphic: Institute on Disabilites at Temple University logo. Text: C2P2 2026 - Apply Today
October 7, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
pahumanservices.bsky.social
Workplaces are better when they are inclusive, and Pennsylvanians with disabilities can get services & resources to help them find a career they love, including:
⚕️ Benefits counseling
💼 Career Assessments
🔎 Finding a Job
🤝 Job Coaching
➕ and more: dhs.pa.gov/WeCanWork

#NDEAM
Graphic of three people working in an inclusive workplace inside a light blue shape of Pennsylvania on a darker blue background
October 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
paddc.bsky.social
If you are an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities/ or autism or the parents of a school-age child with intellectual or developmental disabilities/autism in Pennsylvania, check out this opportunity!
iodtempleu.bsky.social Institute on Disabilities @iodtempleu.bsky.social · Oct 7
C2P2 2026 application period is open! C2P2 offers free leadership training for:
▪️ Adults in PA with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism
▪️ Family members of a school-age child in Pennsylvania with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism. buff.ly/SFhPf9T
Photo: C2P2 2025 graduates, a group of mixed age, ability, and gender, pose together in front of a cherry red wall. Graphic: Institute on Disabilites at Temple University logo. Text: C2P2 2026 - Apply Today
October 7, 2025 at 10:08 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Our October enewsletter is out! Please have a read here: mailchi.mp/pa.gov/spotl...
Black background with brightly colored lights shining down from the top. Spotlight. October 2025. Highlights of the activities, advocacy, and interests of the PADDC, logo for the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
October 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
paddc.bsky.social
Accepting Nominations! We’re looking for Council members with developmental #disabilities - in particular, people who live or have lived in a state institution or intermediate care facility.
✅ Nominate yourself or someone else.
✅ Forms & details are on our website.
www.paddc.org/seeking-nomi...
Three people with disabilities are in photos along the side. An older man, a black woman, and a young woman. Logo for the PADDC PA Developmental Disabilities Council. JOIN THE COUNCIL. ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO: Has a Developmental Disability and lives in Pennsylvania? Cares about self determination and inclusion? Is interested in teaming up with others to share ideas and strengthen services, support, and opportunities for people with disabilities? GET NOMINATED!
October 1, 2025 at 2:07 PM
paddc.bsky.social
It's October and so it is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! This year's theme is Celebrating Value and Talent. NDEAM highlights the invaluable contributions that people with disabilities make to America's workplaces and economy.
#NDEAM #DisabilityEmployment
There is a dark blue background with stars and bursts that are light blue, red, and white. National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Celebrating Value and Talent #NDEAM. Logo for Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
October 1, 2025 at 1:14 PM
paddc.bsky.social
www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/09/25/c...
Congressional Proposal Calls For Sending More Medicaid Funds To Institutions
Disability advocates are lining up against a bipartisan bill that they say would direct tens of billions of dollars toward institutionalization all while community-based services are likely to face cu...
www.disabilityscoop.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:20 PM
paddc.bsky.social
TWO #Pennsylvania cities found to be in top 25 best for people with #disabilities. “The best cities have highly-accessible public facilities and housing, high-quality medical care, and an affordable cost of living for people on a fixed income.” www.pennlive.com/life/2025/09...
Pa. city one of the best for people with disabilities, report finds
A city in Pennsylvania has been listed among the top 10 best in the United States for those with disabilities.
www.pennlive.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
disasterstrat.bsky.social
This month highlights why inclusive planning saves lives. Without it, people with disabilities face unnecessary risks during disasters. We all share responsibility for creating emergency systems that truly protect every life and every body/mind. #NationalPreparednessMonth
ID: Blue background graphic with white text that reads: “Did you know, people with disabilities are 2–4x more likely to get injured or die in a disaster? To be clear, the issue isn’t disability itself; it’s the lack of systemic inclusive preparedness and the lack of options that make it impossible to plan effectively. Together, we need to change this because disabled people deserve to survive.” The Partnership logo is at the bottom.
September 24, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
nacdd.bsky.social
For students with #disabilities, along with families and caregivers, the start of a new school year can be challenging. But with preparation, advocacy, and community, this year can be one of growth, confidence, and connection.

bit.ly/4nlqhHH
September 24, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Reposted by Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Coucil (PADDC)
midatlanticada.adata.org
Access gaps remain in employment, transportation, technology, and public spaces. The ADA continues to play a critical role in protecting rights and advancing inclusion.

#ADA #DisabilityRights #AccessibilityMatters #EquityNow
Split-screen graphic with a blue sidebar that says “ADA FACTS.” The right side reads: **MYTH** “The ADA no longer matters — everything is already accessible.” **FACT** “Barriers still exist in employment, transportation, digital access, and public spaces. The ADA remains essential in advancing equity and ensuring rights are upheld.” The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center logo appears in the top right corner.
September 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
paddc.bsky.social
This Friday the PADDC Tech Champions at Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives will share about the technology guides they developed as part of our grant to them. See below! Friday, Sept. 19th, 3:30 - 4:30 pm Eastern. Register: temple.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
#Disabilities #AssistiveTechnology
A computer keyboard is at the top. Tech Champion Munch and Learn. Our Tech Champion representatives Alexa and Greg will share about the easy-read technology guides created by the PADDC Tech Champions. Friday, September 19th, 3:30 - 4:30 pm Eastern. Register for this free session: bitly/techguideswebinar. This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.
September 16, 2025 at 5:48 PM