A new collaboration between the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate, Catholic Social Services’ Developmental Programs Division, and the Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education of the Archdiocese aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their caregivers have access to the greatest number of resources available.
A Disabilities and Autism Helpline has been created for those seeking information about services and support for someone with an intellectual disability or autism within the five counties of the Archdiocese. The helpline offers referrals to the range of services available through Archdiocesan programs as well as partner providers. This free helpline is now live and accessible to the public at 484-472-5041.
In addition to the new helpline, the Archdiocese is offering an “Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Workshop.”
Saturday, March 11, 2017
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Center Auditorium
222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The workshop will feature details about services provided to those with intellectual disabilities and autism, as well as ways parishes can support these families and individuals. Featured speakers from CSS’ Developmental Programs Division include: Executive Director Fran Swiacki, Paul Holms of Programs and Outreach, Telisha Feamster of In-Home Support and Respite Care, and Father Dennis Weber, Sd.C., Director of Mission Identity and Integration, as well as Sister Kathleen Schipani, IHM, Director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate.
Parish contacts for the Office for Persons with Disabilities, as well as any interested priests, deacons, parents, parish staff, and volunteers are encouraged to attend. Free parking is available in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center lot. Please register at www.opdarchphilly.org/.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., will be celebrating Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to celebrate persons with disabilities, the deaf community, family, friends and caregivers.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
10:30 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Archdiocesan Boys and Girls choir will cantor the Mass, and there will be light refreshments available afterwards in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center auditorium. All are welcome to attend. To RSVP, please visit www.opdarchphilly.org.
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Editor’s Notes:
About the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate fosters the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the life of the Church and serves as a pastoral resource for parishes and individuals in providing access and welcome to persons with disabilities. The Deaf Apostolate provides Masses and Sacraments in American Sign Language, pastoral care and religious education to the Catholic community who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
About Catholic Social Services’ Developmental Programs
The Developmental Programs Division of Catholic Social Services offers persons with intellectual disabilities a continuum of care designed to enhance their quality of life by promoting individuality, empowering personal choice, promoting dignity and respect, and nourishing a family spirit rooted in Christian faith and values. Dedicated and caring staff enable these individuals to flourish, to find happiness with dignity, and to participate in the mainstream of society. The division manages residential and community-based programs for adults and children who have intellectual disabilities or are developmentally delayed, in partnership with state and county offices of Developmental Programs and Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services.
About the Archdiocesan Schools for Special Education
The mission of the Archdiocesan Schools for Special Education is to facilitate the complete development of students with physical and intellectual disabilities to their fullest potential: spiritually, intellectually, vocationally, physically and emotionally.