FISA Foundation

Resource for Foster and Kinship Families: Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center and KidsVoice are hosting a virtual workshop to support foster and kinship families navigating the education system for children with disabilities. This workshop is open to all Pennsylvania families. Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2024 Time: 12 PM The following topics will be discussed: -          Role of Foster/Kinship Parent and Educational Decision Maker -          Early Intervention -          Special Education/504 Identification and Programming -          Truancy and Discipline -          Q&A with staff attorney from Kids Voice Register for this free workshop here: https://lnkd.in/eDQ5bgEs

RAISE Center provides support to individuals with disabilities through the transition from secondary school and into competitive employment and independent living. Check out their web page of youth development resources, including resources for youth on self-advocacy and disclosure in a community setting. https://lnkd.in/eejYUHpe Achieva, Evolve_Coaching, Keri Gray Consulting Group, WITH Foundation

Job opportunity!!! Disability Lead is hiring a dedicated and passionate Regional Director to spearhead their leadership program in southwestern PA. Disability Lead connects diverse disabled leaders to opportunities for leadership development and strategic networking. FISA Foundation is proud to support Disability Lead in bringing their leadership model to the SWPA region. The work that they do is integral to amplifying the perspectives of disabled people in leadership roles. Please share this job opportunity widely with your networks! https://lnkd.in/eSRdXkD6

Nonprofits have a role in promoting civic engagement in the communities we serve. Nonprofit VOTE is an excellent source for nonpartisan resources that help nonprofits integrate voter engagement into their ongoing activities and services. They have guidance on what election activities are permissible for nonprofits. Check out their resources here: https://lnkd.in/e5fPztC

All High School and Post-Secondary Educators: Boosting this fantastic resource from Evolve_Coaching, a toolkit that breaks down possible challenges in educational settings for autistic people. The toolkit provides information on how counselors, administrators, and other educators can best support autistic individuals in post-secondary education. Autism Connection of PA, University of Pittsburgh Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, Chatham University, Duquesne University, Carlow University, Community College of Allegheny County

THIS WEEK: Make sure you’re registered for the latest RACE + DISABILITY webinar, “Institutionalization 2.0: Criminalization of people with disabilities” on October 24th, 2-3:30 PM ET. This free webinar will explore issues of criminalization of people with disabilities and highlight strategies for reducing unjust incarceration of people with disabilities. Panelists include Lydia X. Z. Brown, J.D. of National Disability Institute, Jamelia Morgan of Center for Racial and Disability Justice, Tamara Siegert Spangler of Allegheny County Department of Human Services, and Roxanne Zech of HEARD. They will talk about the work they are doing to raise awareness and protect the rights of people with disabilities as they navigate the criminal legal system. A panel of experts you won’t want to miss! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eQQ3wMtZ The Heinz Endowments The Pittsburgh Foundation

In 1 WEEK: Check out the latest RACE + DISABILITY webinar on Thursday, October 24th - Institutionalization 2.0: Criminalization of people with disabilities Two of our panelists are Tamara Siegert Spangler, manager of the Legal & Regulatory Compliance Team for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Support, and Lydia X. Z. Brown, J.D., Policy Director at National Disability Institute. They both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in the criminal legal system. You won’t want to miss this webinar—register today! https://lnkd.in/eQQ3wMtZ The Heinz Endowments The Pittsburgh Foundation

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Year-round, it’s important to promote and expand employment policies that value people with disabilities and their contributions to the economy and workplace. Check out the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s website for resources on employment for people with disabilities. ODEP is part of the Department of Labor and works to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/dAhv9rt #NDEAM

Join our grantee partner INFINITE LIFESTYLES SOLUTIONS for the Third Annual Black Women & Girls Health Expo on October 19! The theme this year is Financial Wellness. The expo will feature educational workshops to empower Black women to learn about their own financial wellness journey and health journey, and how to self-advocate. Date and Time: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:30AM-3:30PM Location: UPMC Neighborhood Center, 6401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15206 Register here: https://lnkd.in/ejhHQ4FS Tammy Thompson Danielle Howard Kelita Duncan

This past Friday, FISA Foundation attended the 9th Annual Equity Summit hosted by Gwen’s Girls and the Black Girls Equity Alliance. The keynote speaker was Dr. Daniela Brissett, MD, who presented research on how the adultification of Black girls—the perception that Black girls are more adult-like and less innocent than their non-Black peers—is harmful to Black girls’ mental health. She discussed the importance of listening to Black girls, mentorship, and investing in organizations that demand justice for Black girls. Thank you, to Gwen's Girls, for hosting this incredible summit to celebrate and uplift Black girls in our region!