Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living

09/08/2025

🌟 Happy Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week! 🌟
🗓 September 7–13, 2025

This week, we celebrate the extraordinary compassion, dedication, and hard work of DSPs across Pennsylvania who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. 💙

DSPs are more than caregivers—they are mentors, advocates, and friends who empower the people they support to live meaningful, independent lives. Your unwavering commitment makes a difference not only this week, but every single day of the year.

🙏 Thank you, DSPs, for all that you do! 💪❤️



Proclamation by the Governor

WHEREAS, direct support professionals are integral to the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities, regardless of their age; and

WHEREAS, a direct support professional assists an individual with disabilities daily with the most intimate needs and provides a broad range of support, from preparing meals and medications, to personal care, to transporting clients to school, work, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, the assistance that direct support professionals provide allows individuals with disabilities to help maintain connections with their friends, family, and community while enabling them to lead fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals build close, respectful, and trusted relationships with the individuals they serve; and

WHEREAS, the participation of direct support professionals in medical care planning is critical to the successful management of medical events, post-acute care, and long term support and services; and

WHEREAS, the direct support professionals community encapsulates a multitude of professions, including but not limited to direct care workers, personal attendants, in-home support workers, and paraprofessionals, all of which share an equal role in providing long­ term support and services for millions of individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, direct support professionals have worked tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities, and their dedication will continue to make the Commonwealth an inclusive and safe place for all.

THEREFORE, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 7-13, 2025, as DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS' WEEK to encourage all Pennsylvanians to recognize and appreciate the dedication and contributions that these providers make to enhance the lives of their clients.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this nineteenth day of August two thousand twenty-five, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred fiftieth.
~ Governor Josh Shapiro

09/04/2025

On September 3, 2025, Pamela officially transitioned out of the nursing facility and back into the community—something she had been looking forward to for months!

Pamela entered the nursing facility in February following a hospital stay that left her without strength in her lower body. At the time, returning to the second-floor apartment she shared with her husband, Patrick, wasn’t possible. With the help of the nursing facility social worker, Pamela and Patrick began the search for accessible housing. Thanks to the support of the Nursing Home Transition (NHT) program, the couple secured a new high-rise apartment that is safe, accessible, and perfect for both of them. NHT also assisted with moving their belongings—an especially meaningful support since Patrick, a double amputee who primarily uses a motorized scooter, would have faced significant challenges managing the move on his own.

For Pamela, the best part of being home is the simple joys—spending the whole day with Patrick, cooking her homemade soups, and being part of the community again. In fact, even though she was thrilled about the new apartment, Pamela spent much of her first day outside enjoying the sunshine. After settling in, Patrick taught her how to use the motorized wheelchair a friend had generously donated. By the end of the day, the two of them were cruising down the street to visit good friends and start their new chapter of freedom—side by side.

� Pamela’s story is a reminder that with the right supports in place, coming home is always possible. �

09/02/2025

08/15/2025

To be eligible for Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives' FREE PHONE PROGRAM, you must:

✅ Be a Pennsylvania resident with a disability or disabilities that prevent you from making and/or receiving phone calls independently;
✅ Be six years of age or older;
✅ Have an individual gross income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less;
✅ Have a current home or mobile telephone service (or the ability to get mobile phone service);
✅ Have the ability to learn how to use the requested device(s).

If you can answer YES to ALL of the above questions, you may be eligible for free equipment.



The picture shows two cell phones available through the Free Phone Program. They are the Apple iPhone 16e 128GB and the Samsung Galaxy 24FE 5G 128GB.

Contact us if you have any questions! ➡️ AT@cilncp.org or 570.327.9070

08/09/2025

08/01/2025

Remember, if you have trouble using a standard telephone, you might be eligible for free equipment!

For a full list of phones available through Tech OWL's Free Phone Program, take a look at the Home Phone and Mobile Phone Catalog here: https://techowlpa.org/.../2023/08/TDDP-Catalog-FY24.pdf.

The phones in the picture are captioned phones. That means you can read what the other person is saying to you. The 880i has a large 10-inch screen for those with low vision.

07/30/2025

Todd was a bit exhausted from a long day but was eager to embrace his new life. When we visited the next day, he shared he had slept well without the usual 5 to 6 interruptions he experienced in the nursing facility.

Todd prepared himself a homemade dinner and relaxed in his new apartment. He was thrilled to be home!

WELCOME HOME, TODD!

07/29/2025

The full article is posted in the comments.

A historic day for equal rights was celebrated in downtown Williamsport as Roads To Freedom Center for Independent Living and Disability Pride Pennsylvania held a parade and festival in honor of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act 35 years ago Saturday. Neither heat nor rain could put...

07/26/2025

I'm just going to leave this here. Comments like the ones on this post from the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, are exactly why we STILL have to do what we do... 35 years later! We have a lot to celebrate but we also have a lot of educating to do. THANK YOU for joining us today, Sun-Gazette. 😉

07/26/2025

The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here—TODAY'S THE DAY!!! 🎉

Join us for an unforgettable day at Disability Pride Pennsylvania's incredible Williamsport CILebration! We’re kicking things off with a march from the CVS in South Williamsport at 10 AM, making our way to 210 Market Street in Williamsport.

The excitement continues at 11 AM when the CILebration officially begins with inspiring speakers who will set the tone for a fantastic day ahead.

We can't wait to CILebrate with you—it's going to be amazing! Don’t miss out! 🚀

07/23/2025

� Get ready for a day of fun and CILebrations at Disability Pride Pennsylvania's Williamsport CILebration!

� Join us THIS SATURDAY, July 26th, for an incredible lineup of speakers, games, vendors, and SO much more! � Whether it's face painting, a magician, or free food – we've got it all!

� Start your day with our march at 9:45 AM and then dive into the festivities from 11 AM to 3 PM. � Bring your family and friends because this event is open to everyone!

� Don't forget to register to join the march (use the QR code) and get your FREE t-shirt if you're one of the first 50 early birds! �

See you there! �
Mayor Derek Slaughter
PA State Rep. Jamie Flick
Mark Mussina for Lycoming County Commissioner
Misty Dion

02/24/2025

Virtual Workshop: What is a smart home and how can it help me?

Monday, March 10th
3:30-4:30 PM Eastern Time

Register: bit.ly/SmartHomeWorkshop

Join PADDC Tech Champion Alexa Brill and Tech OWL - Technology for Our Whole Lives's AT Specialist Laura Slotkoff to explore how smart home technology can make daily life more accessible. Learn how automation and connected devices can help manage doors, lights, temperature, and more.

The PA Developmental Disabilities Council funds this project.