Empowered Pathways

ACTION ALERT: The Department of Education has nearly wiped out OSEP and RSA—offices essential to ensuring students with disabilities receive the services they’re guaranteed under IDEA. Congress must act NOW. Tell lawmakers: Restore OSEP. Protect IDEA.

https://exceptionalchildren.org/lac?vvsrc=/Campaigns/130718/Respond

🧠💡 Words Matter!
Supporting kids with executive functioning challenges starts with how we communicate. Instead of phrases that might add stress, try ones that empower and guide! 💬✨

🔵Instead of: “Calm down” →
✅ “Let's take some breaths together”

🔵 Instead of: “You’re late” → ✅ “I’m happy to see you!”

🔵 Instead of: “Forget it, I’ll just do it.” →
✅ “You can do this. I believe in you.”

A little shift in language can make a BIG difference! 💙🙌

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! 💙♾️✨

At MERGE Inclusion Consulting, we believe that inclusion and belonging aren’t just goals—they’re responsibilities we all share, not just this month, but every day, all year long. 🏡💡💪

True inclusion goes beyond access—it’s about welcoming 🤝, engaging 💬, and valuing 🌟 individuals with developmental disabilities as full participants in our communities. Whether in schools 📚, workplaces 🏢, recreation spaces 🎭, or social settings 🏀, we all have a role in creating spaces where everyone belongs.

Let’s move beyond awareness to action. 🚀 What steps will you take to foster a more inclusive world?

📣 HEY, YOU! YES, YOU! JOIN US!

The Southeast Regional Disability Inclusion Summit, hosted by Pathways to Friendship of The Arc of Massachusetts is coming up on Wednesday, December 11th at Camp Yomechas of Old Colony YMCA - Middleboro ! 🗓️

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: If you're part of a community organization—whether recreational, cultural, enrichment, faith-based, or business —and want to build a more inclusive culture, this event is for you! 🙌

Or if you are a community member wanting to learn more about disability inclusion!!

🎓 Learn concrete strategies for supporting inclusion by MERGE
🤝 Connect with like-minded people
🗓️ Wednesday, December 11th | 9:30am-2pm
🍽️ Enjoy a workshop, lunch, and panel discussion
💰: $25 (lunch included)
🔗 Accommodation requests: [email protected]
📲 Register: bit.ly/InclusionSummitDecember

🌟 Voting is Self-Care for Your Future Self! 🌟

Every time you cast your vote, you're investing in the future you want to see.

It's not just about today—it's about creating a world where your dreams and values thrive. Your voice matters, and your choices shape tomorrow.

Let's make sure we're building a brighter future together! 🗳️✨

NEW IEP FORM TRAININGS:

Webinar, October 7th, 2024, with the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Massachusetts. Introduction to the New IEP Form- 6:00-7:30 pm.
* Review and understand the new IEP form and understand why changes to the form were made.
Register in English https://fcsn.org/event/new-iep-form-workshop-series/

* Serie de Talleres Sobre el Nuevo Formulario IEP – October 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Organizada por: CPLAN, Worcester Education Collaborative, and Worcester SEPAC
Register in Spanish: https://fcsn.org/event/serie-de-talleres-sobre-el-nuevo-formulario-iep/

* Série de Workshops do Novo Formulário IEP – October 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Apresentado por: CPLAN, Worcester Education Collaborative, and Worcester SEPAC
Register in Portuguese https://fcsn.org/event/serie-de-talleres-sobre-el-nuevo-formulario-iep/
Or contact (800) 331-0688 [email protected]

Using the 988 Lifeline is free.

When you call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential and judgment-free.

Talking with someone can help save your life or the life of someone you love.

🌟 Help Create Pembroke's First Sensory Tent! 🌟

Exciting news, Pembroke! We're setting up our town's very first Sensory Tent for Pembroke Celebrates and future events.

This is where you come in – be part of the team making it happen!

Why a Sensory Tent?
A Sensory Tent provides a crucial space for individuals who need a break from overwhelming sensory stimuli during events. It's a step towards making our community more inclusive and accessible to all. I have already purchased an enclosed 10x20 tent for this purpose.

How You Can Help
We've created an Amazon Wishlist filled with items to outfit our Sensory Tent. By purchasing items from this list, you're directly contributing to this important initiative.

What Your Contribution Will Do:
- Furnish Pembroke's first-ever Sensory Tent
- Create a safe space for sensory breaks during events
- Support inclusivity in our community

Ready to Help?
Click this link to view and purchase items from our Sensory Tent Wishlist:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/V9L69OK8XRUV?ref_=wl_share

Every item purchased brings us one step closer to making this vision a reality. Your support will impact not just Pembroke Celebrates, but all future town events! My hope is to make this tent available to rent for future town events who want to create a sensory friendly space.

Let's work together to create a more inclusive Pembroke. Thank you for your support! 💙

3 ways to join Team Coletta!

1 - Lawn sign -- sign-up form: (https://tinyurl.com/BCLawnSigns)

2 - Email and Volunteer sign up: (https://tinyurl.com/JoinTeamColetta)

3 - Let Becky know you’re voting for her this November 5th! (https://form.jotform.com/kdempoweredpathways/commit-to-coletta)