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Special Needs Consortium

Special Needs Consortium empowers individuals with disabilities and their families through education, resources, and community engagement, fostering connections among service providers, educators, and advocates to enhance the quality of life for all.

Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30am. We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce the upcoming Special Needs Consortium&rsquo;s Disability Summit &mdash; an event for individuals, families, educators and service providers. &nbsp;Our theme this year is From Birth Through Adulthood: Championing Persons with Disabilities. This summit will feature a variety of knowledgeable presenters with breakout sessions covering three tracks. &nbsp;These tracks include early childhood and school age, secondary transition, and adulthood. We&rsquo;ll also have many wonderful vendors and opportunities for connection and collaboration. &nbsp; Attendees must be at least 18 years of age. Please note, the additional Zeffy &quot;Help keep Zeffy Free&quot; fee at the end of your purchase is optional and can be set to $0. This event is open to all. &nbsp;Full Day event ticket price of $59 includes two morning keynote sessions, three sets of break outs, a large vendor fair, continental breakfast and catered deli lunch. &nbsp;Music provided by Band Together Pittsburgh The Special Needs Consortium, in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, is pleased to provide 5.5 hours of PA Act 48 continuing education to registered participants. AGENDA 7:30 AM Doors Open - Breakfast and Registration 8:30 &ndash; 8:45 AM Welcome and Introductions 8:45 &ndash; 9:45 AM Keynote Speaker - Kelly Frey Parent and Advocate. &nbsp;He Wasn&rsquo;t Supposed to Live. Seventeen Years of Love, Loss, Laughter, Fighting and Figuring It Out. 9:45 &ndash; 10:30 AM Keynote Speaker - Transitions Through the Lifespan Francine Hogan Director PA Family Network Vision for Equality 10:30 &ndash; 10:45 AM Morning Break 10:45 AM &ndash; 12:00 PM Breakout SessionsA. Navigating Special Education Law Brandi K. Suter, Esq. Founder/Attorney Extraordinary Law. B. &nbsp;How to Successfully Navigate Transitions to Attend College Dr. Alia Pustorino-Clevenger Director, Compass Inclusive Post- Secondary Education Program Duquesne University. C. The True Friendship Project Jennifer Smith, Project Co-Lead, CtLC Ambassador &amp; Certified Supports Broker Michele DiNardo, CtLC Ambassador &amp; Supports Brokerage Coordinator Values Into Action. 12:00 &ndash; 1:30 PM Lunch and Vendor Table Time 1:30 &ndash; 2:45 PM Breakout SessionsA. Helping Children Thrive: Simple Behavior Strategies that Really Work Stephanie Sailkaly, MEd, BCBA, BSL Autism Specialist North Allegheny School District B. Your Voice, Your Future: Supported Decision-Making for Transition-Age Students Melissa Skiffen Coordinator for Individual Advocacy and Supported Decision-Making ARC of Greater Pittsburgh/Achieva C. An Overview of Medicaid and Waiver Programs for Adults with Disabilities Katy McKee, Supervising Attorney Pennsylvania Health Law Project 2:45 &ndash; 3:15 PM Afternoon Break - Music provided by Band Together Pittsburgh 3:15 &ndash; 4:30 PM Breakout SessionsA. Beyond Study Skills: Boosting Executive Functioning Strategies in the Classroom JT Kordesich, Director Total Learning Centers B. Planning for the Future Check List Leslie Corey - Corey Transitional Consulting LLC and PEAL (Parent Education &amp; Advocacy Leadership Center) and Jacquelyn M. White, MPH, Director of Outreach and Healthcare Access The PEAL Center . C. &nbsp;A Vision for Employment in the Community Chriss Gaus, Family Advisor Employment Specialist with InVEST Amy Bioni Family Advisor/Employment Specialist Vision for Equality PA Family Network 4:30 PM Conclusion We hope to see you there!

2026 SNC Disability Summit Tickets

🎉 Excitement is in the air! 🎉 We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce the upcoming Special Needs Consortium&rsquo;s Disability Summit &mdash; an event like no other, and we&rsquo;d love for you to be part of it! This summit will feature a variety of knowledgeable presenters sharing valuable information for individuals, families, educators and service providers in the special needs community. We&rsquo;ll also have many wonderful vendors and opportunities for connection and collaboration. We&rsquo;re currently seeking sponsors to help make this important event possible. A range of sponsorship levels are available, each offering unique benefits and recognition opportunities. Your support helps us continue our mission of empowering and supporting the special needs community &mdash; and we&rsquo;re truly grateful for your consideration. Thank you for your invaluable support! For each vendor table purchase, SNC reserves the right to review the organization or business to determine whether it aligns with the SNC mission and the intended audience for this event.&nbsp;If a request is denied, the vendor will be offered the option of receiving a full refund or donating the vendor table fee to support the work of SNC. Any refunds will be processed through Zeffy in accordance with Zeffy&rsquo;s established refund policies and timelines. &nbsp;No refunds after September 8th, 2026. Please note, the additional Zeffy &quot;Help keep Zeffy Free&quot; fee at the end of your purchase is optional and can be set to $0.

2026 Vendor Sponsors and tables- SNC Disability Summit - SOLD OUT - Individual tickets still available

SNC Member Networking Meetings bring together organizations and individuals who support the special needs community.&nbsp; Connect with fellow members to share programs, services, and opportunities that benefit individuals with disabilities and their families. In this meeting, we focus on real resources, practical collaboration, and clear next steps. Your participation helps us strengthen our shared network so families can more easily find the support they need.&nbsp;

SNC September Member Networking Meeting

Join us for an SNC Networking Event that brings professionals together 🤝 to share organization information, resources, and support. Your registration helps our host plan for the meeting. Be sure to bring business cards and fliers. &nbsp;You will have a few minutes to provide an overview of the services you offer. If you have specific questions, email snc@specialneedsconsortium,org

SNC Bi-Monthly Networking Meeting

Connect with fellow members who support the special needs community. At this monthly networking meeting, you&rsquo;ll share resources, discuss challenges, and learn about services that strengthen families and individuals. 🤝 Your experience and insight matter. Join us to exchange information, highlight programs, and explore advocacy opportunities that expand access to care and support across our state. 🧩

Special Needs Consortium

Special Needs Consortium

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SNC November Member Networking Meeting

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SNC November Member Networking Meeting

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Special Needs Consortium