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ARTfully UPlifting

ARTfully UPlifting is a newly developed show uniting themes of hope, acceptance, and inclusion for sensory-friendly audiences. In a first-of-its-kind for Point Park University, the Conservatory of Performing Arts students will create a variety of live performances showcased in a concert style format. 

With a diverse offering of the sensational talents of our COPA students, each variety act will range from 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length. Audiences can expect a full-length showcase featuring something for everyone, and most importantly, anyone. There will be two acts with one 15-minute intermission. Each act will offer 40 minutes of entertainment. 

Audience members are encouraged to bring personal comfort items such as noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, snacks, and weighted blankets. Patrons are welcome to exit and enter the theater as needed. A quiet room will be available off the grand lobby.  

Ticket Price Range
$12 – $25

Learn more about ARTfully Uplifting here.

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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Sensory Friendly Beauty and the Beast

Experience this timeless tale about the transformative power of love, played out against the backdrop of an enchanted forest full of magical creatures.

PBT’s sensory-friendly performances are relaxed and open to all. It is a judgment-free zone where theater staff and patrons accept (and expect) extra sound or movement in the audience and where they celebrate the many ways audience members can experience a live stage performance.
Accommodations include lower sound levels, elimination of some special effects and house lighting at about 20%. Quiet areas and activities are in the lobby before and during the show, and additional staff on hand to help create a safe and welcoming theater experience.

More information on The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre website.

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Pittsburgh Marathon Runner Profile: Kate Alsaihati

As Kate prepares to bid farewell to her twenties, she is embracing a new challenge that goes beyond personal achievement. The 2024 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon run is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the belief that we can overcome any obstacle. Her motivation is deeply rooted in her desire to be a strong and healthy mom for her two children, demonstrating that we can conquer challenges and do hard things.

Get to know Kate through her interview here:

Tell us a little about Nanny Kate.

When I was 18, I moved in with my cousin who had just had a baby. I was going into my first year of cosmetology school, and in exchange for room and board, I nannied for her and created such a special bond with her son who was two months old when I moved in, and a little over a year old when I graduated. I was lovingly referred to as “Nanny Kate” during my time there. A few years later, he and his younger brother were both diagnosed with autism.

Ten years later, I am still Nanny Kate. They are both such wonderful boys and I couldn’t think of a better organization to run for than Autism Connection of PA. 

You have a milestone birthday coming up! What makes this marathon extra special?

This August I will be turning 30! I’ve never been a runner but a group of my friends convinced me to give it a shot and I thought, what better way to say good bye to my twenties than a half marathon?

I have two kids at home and I want to show them that you can do hard things! My kids deserve a mom that is able to run around with them and be healthy enough to do so! That is my motivation for this whole thing.

Any tips for runners?

I’m not sure if I’m in any position to give running tips because I’m still a beginner myself, but if I could give other people wanting to run something like this, any tips it would be to just keep pushing and keep going. It’s gonna be really hard and you will want to quit but don’t…. Keep going and keep running!

As Kate laces up her running shoes and ventures into uncharted territory, Autism Connection of PA invites you to be a part of her journey. Your encouragement, donations, and shared belief in the power of community can make a profound impact.

Visit Kate’s Race Roster page to show your support!

 

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Empowered Voices Leadership Group

Achieva’s Empowered Voices Leadership Group is comprised of self-advocates from around the Pittsburgh area. Driven by the voices and interests of the members, participants meet for opportunities to learn new things, have fun, and meet new people. 

Contact Melissa Skiffen, Disability & Family Support Advocate, [email protected] or 724.837.8159 x114 with any questions.

Google Meet Link

or dial: ‪

(US) +1 304.908.9025‬

PIN: ‪199 210 961‬#

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Rock the Mat – Open Tournament

This year Elderton Elementary Wrestling is hosting an open tournament on Saturday and novice on Sunday. They will have custom steel awards for both tournaments including a fastest pin award.
This tournament has helped raise over $16,000 to Autism Connections of Pennsylvania and this year they hope to smash our previous donation totals. They will have a couple vendors, basket raffles each day as well as 2 “large” items to be raffled off over the weekend. Sign up or stop in to show your support!!!
Both tournaments are posted on pywrestling.com
Elderton Rock the Mat Open 2/3
OR
Elderton Rock the Mat Novice 2/4
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Supporting People Through Supported Decision Making

Join Achieva’s upcoming webinar, “Supporting People Through Supported Decision Making,” led by Kelly Darr, Legal Director of Disability Rights PA. They’ll explore key aspects of decision-making support, uncover myths about guardianship, discover alternative approaches, and understand the implications of the new Guardianship law, Act 61.

Key Highlights:

  • Supported Decision Making:
    • Unveiling principles empowering individuals in their decision-making journey.
  • Myths about Guardianship:
    • Dispelling common misconceptions for informed and autonomous decision making.
  • Alternatives to Guardianship:
    • Discussing successful models respecting individual autonomy.
  • Act 61 Insights:
    • Overview of key provisions and impacts on guardianship practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Kelly Darr, a leading expert in the field. More information on Achieva’s website


Speaker Bio: Kelly Darr is the Legal Director of Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP). She manages the legal and program staff of DRP, including its work through systemic litigation, the provision of short-term representation to clients through DRP’s intake system, and investigation and monitoring of conditions in facilities and other locations where individuals with disabilities receive services across Pennsylvania. She has represented clients in a wide variety of disability rights cases, including education, Medicaid, and
disability discrimination. Prior to joining DRP in 2009, she represented children with disabilities at the Education Law Center. After graduating from law school at the University of Pennsylvania, she clerked for Judge Reed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.