MyODP News Online
PATC: Innovate - Day 1 Wrap up
The 13th Annual Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) has kicked off and is in full swing! We are hoping you plan to join. In case you missed the conference keynote today presented by Julia Bascom, Executive Director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), we wanted to share the important reminder that Julia noted during her talk on "Innovation in Challenging Times: Promising Trends in the Disability Response to COVID-19.""In the urge to get back to normal, we have to make sure that we don’t leave people with disabilities in the same circumstances we are trying to escape!"
Ms. Bascom urges us to think about a) supporting people in a digital world, b) figuring out remote supports and telehealth, c) recognizing mental health, d) the importance of family and natural supports, and d) embracing changing service models.
In addition to Julia's inspiring message, the PATC morning session kicked off with introductory videos from Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller, Governor Tom Wolf, and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine. Following Julia Bascom's keynote presentation, attendees had the pleasure of joining afternoon sessions centered around Autism Spectrum Disorder in the justice system.
Kate Hooven, PA ASERT's Justice System Consultant, moderated a rousing panel featuring public justice representatives including Officer Roslyn Talley, Honorable Justice Kevin M. Dougherty, and Honorable Judge Kelly C. Wall who discussed their initiatives around reforming colleagues perspectives on individuals with ASD throughout the justice system. Following the panel, we heard from providers Nicholas DeMarco and Christine Sides of Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care who presented on the social determinants of health within ID and autism services.
During the late afternoon Plenary Session Lindy Mishler and Honorable Judge William F. Ward walked participants through Untangling The Justice System Web: Ways to Engage, Intervene and Advocate. Our presenters provided roadmaps for support professionals helping their clients navigate the justice system.
Tonight, filmmaker Gabriel Nathan will host the Stories of Inspiration on Film session.
You can still register for Thursday's session, download the PowerPoints, and resources, and read/watch the personal stories at https://www.myodp.org/course/view.php?id=1694