Special Needs Consortium

06/04/2026

Some students with disabilities rely on assistive technology to learn, and they worry it could be swept up in the movement to get screens out of schools.

06/04/2026

It’s about that time to take the lake! We’re back to Moraine State Park for a Paddleboard Clinic with SurfSUP Adventures this month. Get on board and sign up today!🤙🏼💦

🗓️ When: June 20th from 9:30am - 12:00pm
📍 Where: McDanels Boat Launch in Moraine State Park
👥 Who: For individuals who are blind or visually impaired (siblings and family welcome)
💲 Cost: $20 per athlete *Financial assistance available
🍊 Fuel: Snacks provided

To sign up, please contact Mason Semnisky at [email protected]

06/02/2026

🪄⚾ Whether you're a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, all are welcome to join Exceptional Adventures for Day at the Washington Wild Things on June 14! We'll enjoy our own suite, fully catered meal and exciting ! Register now to claim your spot: https://exceptionaladventures.org/adventures/

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

The LAMP Summer Reading Program is almost here! Summer Reading will run from Monday, June 15 through Friday, August 14 and will feature booklists for all ages, reading challenges and incentives, as well as a variety of programming. This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story,” and we encourage patrons of all ages to participate and to Dig into a Good Book! Sign up for Summer Reading by calling 800-242-0586 or emailing [email protected].

05/31/2026

Enjoy a sensory-friendly experience at Kamin Science Center

05/30/2026

Last week, Growing Together: The Friendship Factory had the privilege of hosting the Special Needs Consortium and sharing our organization's mission, vision, and dreams for the future.

Standing in a room filled with nearly 50 organizations dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and special needs was inspiring. The passion, expertise, and commitment represented in that space reminded us that none of us are doing this work alone.

It was an honor to share our story, connect with so many incredible community partners, and continue building the relationships that help strengthen support for children, adults, and families throughout our community.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to learn about our mission, share resources, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can create more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming opportunities for all our friends.

Whether you choose to give your time, make a donation, become a volunteer, share your expertise, or help spread the word, your support helps create more opportunities for friendship, inclusion, and belonging.

🌱 How would you like to make a difference? Reach out—we'd love to connect.

05/30/2026

Join Hope Grows for our Grief Soup gathering on Thursday, June 11 featuring Stuffed Pepper Soup.

This free event offers a warm meal, meaningful conversation, and compassionate support in a welcoming environment. Participants are invited to learn and cook together in the kitchen at the Iris Respite House from 11am-2pm and are encouraged to take two servings of soup with them when they depart - one for themselves and one for another caregiver in their lives.

Guests are able to enjoy the soup that they've made together, seated in the sunroom with accompanying bread rolls and occasional extra treat. We hope that this can encourage those who are struggling with the transitions of caregiving to find another purpose in their lives beyond caregiving.

Registration is appreciated, but not required. To register, email [email protected] or call 412-369-4673. We hope you’ll join us.💚

Not able to attend, but would like to support our Grief Soup or other events/programming that Hope Grows offers?
Donate using the link below:
https://hopegrows.org/give/donate/