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Outspoken provides education around, and advocacy for, members of the special needs and disability community.

Every encounter draws from personal experience and professional training. At Outspoken, we aim is to uplift the lives we are honored to touch.

09/25/2026

📣 PSA for families, advocates, educators & professionals!

October’s FREE Special Education Lunch & Learn tackles an important topic that can be confusing—and stressful—for families navigating special education:

October 15 | 12:00–1:30 PM
💻 Virtual Webinar
Topic: Manifestation Determination, Behavior & School Discipline

Presented as part of the Special Education Lunch & Learn Series from Ruder Law and The Arc of Washington County, this session will provide practical guidance and legal insight to help families and professionals better understand student rights, school responsibilities, and the role of the IEP team when behavior and discipline concerns arise.

✅ Free to attend
📅 October 15
⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM

Know a parent, educator, advocate, or professional who could benefit from this conversation? Please share!

09/24/2026

🎙️ A new episode of Connecting Our Communities is here!

This month, Christine Brookins visits Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) to learn how they’re helping people of all abilities live fuller, more connected lives.

From building life and employment skills to fostering relationships, independence and personal choice, CLASS shows what truly person-centered support can look like.

Hear the stories, meet the people and learn more about the incredible work happening right here in our community.

▶️ Watch the newest episode now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qSYW6NPAwY

09/17/2026

Yesterday was a great reminder of how important it is to take time to fill your own cup - connect with others, step outside of the day-to-day and learn a little something new. 💛

I had a wonderful time at the POSH Women Group hearing Karen Captline and Joanne Cain share their insights on how writing a book can benefit your business...and sometimes, it all starts with a blog! 📚✨

Thank you both for sharing your knowledge and inspiration. There’s always something valuable about being in a room with women who are learning, growing and supporting one another!

08/31/2026

📣 PSA for families, advocates, educators & professionals!

If you’re part of an IEP team—or support a student with disabilities—this FREE virtual Lunch & Learn is worth putting on your calendar.

September 17 | 12:00–1:30 PM
💻 Virtual Webinar
Topic: Connecting Families and Professionals as an IEP Team

Presented as part of the Special Education Lunch & Learn Series from Ruder Law and The Arc of Washington County, the session will offer practical guidance, legal insight, and time to get your questions answered.

Whether you’re a parent navigating the IEP process or a professional working alongside families, strong collaboration can make all the difference.

✅ Free to attend
📅 September 17
⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM

Share this with a family, educator, advocate, or professional who may benefit!

08/27/2026

🎙️ New Episode of Connecting Our Community!

Christine Brookins visits CLASS Community Living and Support Services to sit down with CEO Melva Fair and Chief Development Officer Shannon McCarty.

Hear how CLASS is helping people with disabilities live more independent, meaningful and connected lives through residential support, employment opportunities, advocacy, assistive technology, recreation and more.

Since 1951, CLASS has been working toward a community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to live the life they choose.

🎧 Watch the newest episode and learn more about the people, programs and resources making a difference in our community!
Full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZ1Lx60IpE

08/14/2026

💙 Today is National ABLE Savings Day!

It’s a great opportunity to spotlight the PA ABLE Savings Program - a resource designed to help people with disabilities and their families save for the future while maintaining important benefits.

PA ABLE recently transitioned to a new online platform offering lower fees, enhanced technology and new features to better serve participants.

📅 Want to learn more?
Join a special webinar on Tuesday, August 18 at noon to learn how the PA ABLE Savings Program and Social Security Disability Programs work together.

Learn more and register at: https://www.paable.gov/webinars

08/11/2026

☀️ Sunny Day Camp 2026 is coming to Pittsburgh! ☀️

The Pennsylvania State Police – Troop B Pittsburgh is hosting its annual Sunny Day Camp, a special day designed for Special Olympics participants and children and adults with special needs or disabilities. 💙

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Pioneer Education Center
775 Dunster St., Pittsburgh, PA 15226

There is no age limit to participate, but space is limited! Only 50 participant applications will be accepted, so families are encouraged to register early.

Each participant must be accompanied by a family member or guardian, with a limit of two guests per participant.

Sunny Day Camp is a wonderful opportunity for participants and families to enjoy a fun, welcoming day while connecting with members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the community. ☀️💙

For registration information or questions, contact Trooper Melinda Bondarenka at 412-335-8139 or 724-357-1998.

Please share with a family who may be interested — and don’t wait to register, as capacity is limited to 50 participants!

08/03/2026

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Washington County Leadership Luncheon: Creating Your Leadership Legacy, hosted by the Alzheimer's Association's Brain Health at Work in Washington County initiative.

It was an afternoon filled with thoughtful conversations around leadership, influence, and the impact we leave through our work and service. Beth Caldwell shared meaningful insights on creating a leadership legacy that extends far beyond our titles.

Andrew Cader taught us about the Brain Health at Work program.

A special thank you to Morgan Traffican for hosting such a wonderful event! It was great connecting through our mutual involvement with Senior Care Connections and seeing the incredible work being done to bring leaders together around such an important topic.

It was also wonderful to see so many familiar faces in attendance, including Kym Gable KDKA and Amy Petro (even though we didn't manage to get a photo together!).

Thank you to everyone who helped make the afternoon such a success. Looking forward to continuing these conversations and supporting initiatives that strengthen leaders and our communities. 💜

07/22/2026

Now Streaming! 🎙️

In this episode of Connecting Our Community, we spotlight the incredible organizations and leaders making Western Pennsylvania more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for individuals and families living with disabilities.

You'll hear inspiring conversations with:
🏆 Matt Berwick (UPMC & United Spinal Association of Pittsburgh) on adaptive sports and life after spinal cord injury.
🏡 Erika Schmitt (The Children's Home of Pittsburgh) on supporting children with disabilities and their families.
💙 Tom Janicki (MediTrust Agency) on navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and disability benefits.
🧠 Casey Peluso (Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania) on resources that help people living with Parkinson's thrive.

Together, these conversations highlight the power of advocacy, accessibility, caregiver support, healthcare education, and community collaboration.

🎥 Tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj34S_xBARE

07/17/2026

Technology is changing lives - and this is incredible news.

Meta has announced it will donate 130,000 Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to blind and low-vision veterans across the United States. These innovative glasses can help users read documents, identify objects, and navigate everyday life with greater confidence and independence.

Even better, each eligible veteran will also receive specialized training through the Blinded Veterans Association and partner organizations, ensuring they can make the most of this life-changing technology.

This is a powerful example of how innovation can create greater accessibility and independence for those who have served our country. 🇺🇸❤️

Know a veteran who may be eligible? Help spread the word.
https://bva.org/glasses/

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