The Arc of Chester County is pleased to offer its Fall 2024 Chat-n-Chew Speaker Series. We have seen an overwhelmingly positive response to this series and we are thrilled to continue to offer amazing presenters who bring important information to you.
Join us as we share information, network, and learn in a casual and welcoming environment. Whether you are the parent of a child, an individual with a disability, a professional who works with individuals with disabilities, or another interested partner, these workshops can provide you with a wealth of information.
These FREE sessions are open to everyone. Each session will be held every Wednesday from 11:30am to 1:00pm, on the dates listed below. Please save the dates on your calendar.
We have some great new topics and some topics that are back by popular demand. Come listen and learn about services and supports, transition programs and employment opportunities for individuals and families.
Register to join us by providing your email, address and zip code. A link will be to you via email for the chosen sessions, so you can attend virtually that day.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Nutrition 102
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
11:30am- 1:00pm
Please join us as Andrea Stevens, MS, CNS, RN returns to continue to educate us on nutritional basics. Andrea is a former pediatric registered nurse with a master’s degree in human nutrition. She has experience working with children of various ages who have developmental, neurological, and digestive system problems. She is a proponent of a diet based on whole, natural, unadulterated foods. If you have specific questions or areas of interest, please reach out to Kim Booz kbooz@arcofchestercounty.org before the presentation. Please bring a favorite or questionable food item from your kitchen and we will discuss its health benefits.
Travel Training and Transportation
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
Amber Davidson MPH is a research coordinator at the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Science’s Research, Engagement and Advocacy for Community Participation and Health (REACH) Lab at Temple University. She will address the significant role of community mobility and social support in enhancing community participation for transition-age and young adults with autism. Key topics will be transportation challenges, the importance of travel training and the critical role of perceived social support in helping young adults navigate their communities more effectively. Amber will share research findings and experiences, highlighting how these factors can support independence and community engagement.
Housing Options for Individuals with Waiver Funding
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
Are you curious about how to set your child up in a home of your choice and the staffing options? Experienced experts, Jeanne Meikrantz, CEO of The Arc of Chester County, Stephanie Kilcoyne, Deputy Administrator of MH/IDD and Julie Moyer, Program Specialist, Chester County MH/IDD will explain how to do this, so come listen! Mary Anne Cenci, a parent who has accomplished this, will join us to share her story.
Navigating Transition & the Role Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
11:30 – 1:00pm
Angelica Webster, MSW, LSW and Early Reach Coordinator at OVR will highlight employment transition services available for youth with disabilities transitioning from school to employment. This presentation will provide an overview of OVR’s mission, services, and the importance of early youth engagement in the secondary transition process, focusing on pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) which include self-advocacy, workplace readiness, job exploration, counseling on post-sec. training options, and work-based learning.
Empowering Families: Navigating Autism, Trauma and Kinship Family Supports in Chester County
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
This panel features three dedicated professionals committed to enhancing the lives of families through specialized support and resources: Tara Trivel, M.Ed., Certified Autism Specialist, and owner of 2BeSocial, brings her expertise in autism support, focusing on social skills development and parenting support. Leslie Holt, certified recovery and trauma specialist, and Director of A Child’s Light specializes in trauma recovery, offering guidance and healing strategies for children and families. Deborah Willett, Program Coordinator of GRAND Family and Kinship Connections of Chester County works tirelessly to support kinship families, providing essential resources and advocacy for those raising children who are not their own. These professionals will share the missions of their organizations and answer questions on how to find help when you need it.
Social Security Disability Benefits- Part I
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
You can never learn too much about Social Security Benefits. Please join Richard Gaudiosi, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration for a presentation about benefits and educate yourself on the details of these important benefits. Topics will include Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Income, how to apply, how to appeal and how to answer questions.
Social Security Disability Benefits- Part II
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
11:30am- 1:00pm
Again, please join Richard Gaudiosi, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration for more detailed information on disability benefits. This presentation will focus on how working, and income can affect your benefits. He will go over the Ticket to Work program and answer questions.
Accessing Mental and Behavioral Health Services in Chester County
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
Accessing mental health services can be complicated and overwhelming. Currently a national workforce shortage of mental health professionals has made the process more difficult. Joshua Warfield, Mental Health Clinical Services Coordinator of the Chester County Department of Mental Health will discuss pathways and resources for accessing mental and behavioral health services.
To Be Announced
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
Power in your Pocket: Smartphones as Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
Kristen Powell, EdD in educational leadership and technology, will explore how smartphones serve as effective AAC devices, offering portability, social acceptance, and cost effectiveness. Kristen will highlight the importance of selecting appropriate devices and apps based on user need and emphasize the role of speech-language pathologist in the process. Come with your phone and try it out! If you have specific questions or areas of interest, please reach out to Patty Stanton pstanton@arcofchestercounty.org before the presentation.
