Vision For Equality

09/07/2026

Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Your daily efforts champion inclusion, protect rights and empower individuals in the disability community. Labor Day honors your commitment to building a more equitable and accessible world for everyone.

In observance of Labor Day, Vision for Equality’s offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026. We will re-open on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Have a safe and happy Labor Day.

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09/06/2026

Thank you to Governor Shapiro and the other 17 Governors defending disability rights.

09/02/2026

Sharing for our friends at Art-Reach.

It’s back-to-school season, and at Art-Reach it’s back-to-basics. Our first session of Accessibility Basics is happening next week, September 8th. We’ve also announced the launch of the Philadelphia Agreement – A New Model for Guiding Arts and Culture Accessibility Work in the City! And we have an exciting Voting Accessibility Workshop event coming up in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia’s Office for People with Disabilities, the Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities, and TechOWL.

Additionally, learn about some exciting events happening at our ACCESS partner sites. Mark your calendar for audio-described performances of Lunar Retreat at FringeArts, ACCESS tickets going on sale at Philadelphia Orchestra, Third Thursdays in Fall at Glencairn Museum, and the Beneath the Canopy event at Heritage Conservancy. Lastly, learn about the Outdoors Adventures event being hosted by Disability Pride PA this month!

Link to Newsletter:

It’s back-to-school season, and at Art-Reach it’s back-to-basics. Our first session of Accessibility Basics is happening next week, September 8th. We’ve also announced the launch of the Philadelphia Agreement – A New Model for Guiding Arts and Culture Accessibility Work in the City! And w...

09/02/2026

This month, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is hosting regional employment symposiums across the Commonwealth. Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, ODP's Employment Symposiums will build connections between local employers, individuals and families, local employment coalitions, and services providers. The Symposiums will be held in-person on four different dates at four different locations from 9am - 1:00pm. Please register for the location nearest you. Lunch will be provided. Content is repeated for all four dates, so only register for one session: https://columbus.regfox.com/2026-employment-symposiums

Friday, September 4, 2026: West - PaTTAN West, 3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Friday, September 18, 2026: Northeast - Colonial IU 20, 6 Danforth Drive, Easton, PA 18045
Tuesday, September 22, 2026: Central - PaTTAN Central, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Monday, September 28, 2026: Southeast - PaTTAN East, 2500 Monroe Blvd, Audubon, PA 19403

08/27/2026

“Don’t panic- be prepared!” That was the message of the day from Philadelphia City Commissioner Lisa Deeley.

Earlier this week we were happy to welcome Commissioner Deeley and her team to our Philadelphia office to discuss the importance of preparing to vote, absentee ballots, and voting by mail.

Self-advocates also had the opportunity to try an accessible voting machine. With features such as an adjustable screen, enlarged text, headphones, and more- these machines help make voting accessible for people who are blind, visually impaired, or have other accessibility needs. At least one accessible voting machine will be available at every polling place.

For more information about accessible voting- and to make sure you’re registered- visit the websites below.
Be prepared. Make a plan. Get out there and VOTE!

Accessible Voting, Vote.gov: https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/disability?fbclid=IwY2xjawT7zMJwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6uATlW6MX0M-7CaEfqxrh4S_WD2p2HuhHNV2lVyI6oM6Q9ThPqiSOJv5OCKg_aem_bUPLkz9oWojUp8ElpYlnxA

Voting with a Disability, pa.gov: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote/voter-support/accessible-voting?fbclid=IwY2xjawT7zMFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6uATlW6MX0M-7CaEfqxrh4S_WD2p2HuhHNV2lVyI6oM6Q9ThPqiSOJv5OCKg_aem_bUPLkz9oWojUp8ElpYlnxA

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Leading the Way is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC), Grant #4100096302.
This event is presented by Leading the Way in collaboration with Speaking for Ourselves and the Philadelphia Parent Support Groups. All three are programs of Vision for Equality

08/27/2026

Sharing from our friends at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University.

Two Families First Sessions this Fall!
These no-cost learning opportunities are designed for parents of young children receiving early intervention services in Philadelphia, and conducted by the Institute on Disabilities.

Thursday, September 24:
How to Have Hard Conversations with Those Who Support You
10 am - 12 pm, on Zoom.

This session is designed to help you communicate with confidence, strengthen relationships, and advocate for your child's needs.

To request accommodations or with questions, email Jonathan Fulton at [email protected]. Please send accommodations requests by September 17.

Tuesday, October 6:
Guiding Generations

10 am - 12 pm, in-person or on Zoom. More information.
Learn how every generation within a family can play a vital role in supporting early intervention and education.

Learn More and Register Here for these informative sessions!

https://disabilities.temple.edu/families

08/21/2026

Join us next Tuesday for an informative session on voting, including a chance to learn about using voting machines and accessibility options. This free event is essential for those looking to register and engage in the voting process. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with Commissioner Deeley!

Email from Vision for Equality, Inc. Empower Yourself with Knowledge Family Connections Weekly Newsletter You're invited! Join us at our Philadelphia office NEXT TUESDAY for lunch and a hands-on sessi