Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council

08/31/2026

Is there a young person with disabilities in your life who would benefit from a really unique mentoring experience? See below for details!

Calling all young Pennsylvanians with disabilities! 📣

Ready to explore what your future career could look like? Join the Governor’s Advisory Commission for People with Disabilities on October 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Disability Mentoring & Career Exploration Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Explore career paths, connect with mentors, meet professionals with disabilities, and hear from leaders in state government.

Applications are due September 21.

Apply today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdusT9FuBMd1vq-ntplw1fmvrWYm7dz-lVL2YRJmgLFGVgNtw/viewform

Visit the following link to access the text on the flyer: https://www.facebook.com/EAWCP/posts/capitol-connectionshosted-by-the-governors-advisory-commission-for-people-with-d/1458371559656133/

08/28/2026

When a group of disabled friends gathers in the community, it takes a web of support to make that happen. Direct care workers, transportation providers and others. We live in the state where our governor has affirmed our ability. We are thankful for that.

We have a workforce crisis that threatens moments like these every day. We need the governor to also affirm our access to care by supporting Personal Assistance Service agencies that provide it. Real rate increases for all forms of direct care are needed now. Policies and practices that mean rates will be reviewed regularly are needed moving forward. In the comments, post photos that you would like to share of moments you don't want to lose to Pennsylvania's direct care workforce crisis. Let's be the change we want to see.

08/27/2026

A major shift has happened in communications policy. Devices used to view media should now be easier to navigate for folks who need captions. Let us know in the comments if you've notice a change

We want to share a recent update regarding a new rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

Beginning August 17, 2026, many devices and software used to view video programming, such as TVs, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, computers, and video players, must make closed-captioning settings “readily accessible.”

That means caption controls should be easier to find, adjust, and preview, while preferred caption settings should remain consistent across devices and apps.

The new rule is designed to improve accessibility by making caption settings easier to find, access, and use.

Read more: Bit.ly/cc-fcc

08/26/2026

The Erie office of voices for independence has some great activities planned for the month of September. Mark your calendars.

🗓 As we close out the month of August, we're happy to share our VFI September 2026 Activities Calendar with all of you! As always, the calendar features all activities through our group peer support programs in our Erie office! Check out the direct links below for either a full-size image or a text-based calendar, to learn more about what the Erie office has planned!

🖼️ Large-format Image: https://www.vficil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VFI-ERIE-SEPTEMBER-2026-ACTIVITIES-CALENDAR.png
📝 Text-based Calendar: https://www.vficil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/VFI-ERIE-SEPTEMBER-2026-ACTIVITIES-CALENDAR.docx

✅ Please note-- for any questions, information, or to RSVP, simply contact Tiff or Rachel at (814) 983-9634. We hope to see you all soon!

08/20/2026

This photo is of a book holder that will once again allow someone to read print books after an injury meant they could no longer hold them. Is there a piece of assistive technology that would make life better for you, and you're struggling to put together the resources to obtain it? Our partners at Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation released a guide to funding resources. It will be linked in the first comment. Learn how you can make your Assistive Technology wish list a little smaller.

08/19/2026

August 26 from 3 to 4 PM, learn outreach and communication strategies designed to engage Deaf consumers.

Outreach Strategies: Reaching the Deaf Community

Building meaningful relationships with Deaf communities requires more than accessible communication—it begins with understanding Deaf culture and fostering trust.

Join the IL T&TA Center for our August Learn and Share:

📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026
⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM ET

During this interactive session, participants will:

✓ Recognize how Deaf culture influences effective outreach and relationship-building.
✓ Discover practical, low-cost strategies for connecting with Deaf communities.
✓ Identify one meaningful step to strengthen Deaf engagement in their Independent Living program.

Come away with ideas you can begin applying to create more inclusive and authentic outreach efforts.

Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yzKEgou_TjCjfv10UsQPOA #/

08/18/2026

It's an important day in Pittsburgh for those who care about and rely on public transit opened a public comment period on its final route redesign that will extend through September 30. Lincoln first comment also provides details on a public information session happening tonight. Make your voice is heard to keep things moving!

08/17/2026

Just about a week left to register at the early bird rate for the 2026 APRIL conference!

Register Early (through August 23) for the 2026 APRIL Conference, Become an Exhibitor, and Celebrate Excellence in Rural Independent Living! All Conference information. can be found on our website at www.april-rural.org

Image Description: Postcard illustration of Niagara Falls with a QR code at the top to the Earlybird Registration form.

08/14/2026

PA SILC recognizes the hard work of all of the advocates across Pennsylvania that keep us thriving. Our website links to an article the details the commitment of our governor to the freedoms of Pennsylvania with disabilities. Link will be in first comment.

08/11/2026

See an important announcement below from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services regarding LI HEAP payment and households That have a member with a disability, a senior, or a child under six.

ICYMI: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will issue $100 supplemental payments for households that both received LIHEAP during the 2025-26 season and include at least one family member who has a disability, is age 60 or older, or is a child under the age of six.

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The supplemental payment will be automatically issued to the same utility vendor who received the households cash grant during the normal LIHEAP season.

Eligible households will receive notice of the supplement.