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Welcome to the CLASS Community Engagement Update!
Stay connected with the information, resources, events, and opportunities that matter to you. Each edition is designed to help people with disabilities, caregivers, and families discover support, build connections, and engage with our community. Together, we are creating a more inclusive community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.
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Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but you don't have to do it alone. The Caregiver Peer Network offers a welcoming space to connect with other caregivers, share experiences, exchange resources, and find support from people who understand the journey. Join us to build connections, learn from one another, and strengthen our community together. Because caregivers deserve support, too. 💙
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Advocacy is How We Build the Communities We Deserve
For millions of people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, advocacy isn’t a choice or a hobby it is the very fabric of daily survival.
It happens when someone calls an insurance company again and again to get a wheelchair repair approved. It happens when a parent pushes for services their child needs to live safely and fully in the community. It happens when a caregiver explains, one more time, why home and community-based services matter.
But while navigating daily barriers is a universal baseline, there is a distinct group of individuals who refuse to stop at the borders of their own lives. These advocates are taking the hard-won lessons of everyday survival and scaling them up to change the entire system.
This quarter, CLASS is highlighting the power of disability advocacy through the voices of people in our community who are showing up, speaking out, and helping others do the same.
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From Pittsburgh to D.C.: How Local Advocates Impact National Disability Policy - [LINK]
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From Pittsburgh to Harrisburg and Everywhere in Between - [LINK]
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Spina Bifida Association
The Spina Bifida Association provides clinical care guidelines, research updates, and educational resources to empower individuals and families while serving as a hub for national disability rights advocacy.
[Link To The Spina Bifida Association]
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United Spinal Association
Grassroots Advocacy
The United Spinal Association’s Grassroots Advocacy Network mobilizes wheelchair users, families, and clinicians across every U.S. congressional district, transforming lived experience into public policy to defend disability rights and independent living.
[Link To the Grassroots Advocacy Network]
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Access Mob
Access Mob Pittsburgh is a disability-led organization bringing the entire community together to promote accessibility and social advancement through positive public actions and community education lectures
[Link To Access Mob]
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Outspoken
Founded by Pittsburgh advocate Christine Brookins, Outspoken empowers the disability community through educational workshops, family consultations, resource coordination, and dedicated individual support for IEP and ISP navigation.
[Link To Outspoken]
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Upcoming National Disability Celebrations!
Honoring the Achievements and On-going Journey of Disability Rights and Inclusion
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On July 26, 1990, civil rights legislation (Americans with Disabilities Act) was signed. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.
Disability Pride Month serves as an opportunity celebrate disability culture, raise awareness, and push back on systemic inequalities.
LEARN MORE: HERE
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August
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
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SMA is a genetic condition that impacts the nervous system and muscles. Each person's experience with SMA is different. A person-centered approach to care is important. August is a time to promote the research, advocacy, and fundraising efforts that improve care, treatment, and quality of life.
LEARN MORE: HERE!
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September
Spinal Cord Injury
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September is dedicated to increasing public understanding of spinal cord injuries (SCI), their impact, and the challenges faced by those living with them, their families, and the medical community. It highlights the importance of prevention, advances in medical care and rehabilitation, and the need for accessibility and inclusion.
LEARN MORE: HERE!
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Assistive technology innovations play a vital role in empowering individuals to live more independently, participate fully in their communities, and achieve their personal mobility and life goals. As technology continues to evolve, new solutions are creating opportunities for greater choice, improved outcomes, and more personalized supports for people with disabilities. Humotech, for example, is helping transform the way mobility solutions are evaluated by combining real-world user experiences with measurable data to support more informed decision-making. [humotech.com]
At CLASS (Community Living and Support Services), we believe it is important to stay informed about emerging technologies and explore how innovation can enhance the lives of the people we support. Recently, members of the CLASS team had the opportunity to sit down with Humotech's Josh and Candice Caputo to learn more about the company's groundbreaking work. Humotech helps individuals, clinicians, researchers, and technology developers better evaluate and understand mobility solutions through experiential data. Their clinical prosthetic foot trialing services allow individuals to compare and experience different prosthetic options before making definitive clinical decisions, bringing together real-world insight, measurable performance data, and patient experience to guide prosthetic selection. This patient-centered approach helps ensure that individuals can find the mobility solution that best meets their unique needs and goals.
LEARN more about their research at this [LINK]
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Caregiver Peer Support Networking Group
CLASS is excited to begin developing a new Caregiver Peer Support Group for both paid and unpaid caregivers. The group offers opportunities for caregivers to connect, share experiences, learn from one another, and find support in a welcoming community. Initial plans include monthly hybrid meetings, caregiver office hours, and future retreat opportunities.
This initiative is deeply personal to Rebecca MacTaggart, who brings both lived and professional experience to this work — as a mother of a son with a spinal cord injury, and as someone who has worked as a paraprofessional and Behavioral Health Technician. She understands that caregivers often carry a great deal while having few places to turn for support themselves.
Our first family caregiver group met in June. We provided them with low to no cost opportunities to connect outside of the first meeting by attending Jam Fest at Jergel's and the Pirate's Disability Pride Game.
We look forward to our next meeting on July 31st at 7PM on Zoom.
Sign Up to receive the meeting link!
All those in attendance will automatically be entered into raffle for an ($) Amazon Gift Card.
To learn more, contact Rebecca MacTaggart: rmactaggart@classcommunity.org
Caring for yourself is just as essential as caring for the person you support.
| | STATE AND COUNTY CAREGIVER RESOURCES | | PA Caregiver Support Program | |
The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program helps reduce both financial and emotional stress by offering reimbursement for caregiving expenses, education, and counseling. Whether you need respite care, help covering out-of-pocket costs, or guidance from a care manager, this program can make a meaningful difference in maintaining stability and reducing burnout.
| | The PA CareKit is a free, practical guide that brings together essential information for caregivers. It includes tools for financial and legal planning, managing chronic conditions, safety and crisis response, navigating systems, and caring for your own well-being. You’ll also find tips for communicating with loved ones, balancing caregiving with employment, and identifying respite options when you need a break. | | | |
How to Enroll in a Caregiver Support Program
Call the Allegheny County DHS Area Agency on Aging SeniorLine at 412-350-5460 or 1-800-344-4319.
You will be assigned a care manager.
A home visit is scheduled to discuss your needs and the needs of your loved one.
A tailored plan will be created.
Ongoing follow-up ensures the supports provided continue to meet your needs.
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Additional Caregiver Resources
Vision for Equality hosts weekly and monthly sessions that promote caregiver well-being. Click HERE!
United Spinal Association This group aims to be a virtual safe haven for parents and guardians who are caregivers of children with spinal cord injuries/disorders or other mobility disabilities. Click HERE!
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State Policy Changes
Supporting Caregivers
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ODP Changes on Paid Caregiver Hours and Travel
Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs has released new guidance after the Dunkelberger v. DHS court decision. This guidance affects families using participant-directed services, including paid family caregivers.
What changed?
ODP says it will continue enforcing these limits through updated Common Law Employer and Managing Employer agreements.
40-hour limit:
One Support Service Professional cannot be scheduled for more than 40 hours per week.
60-hour family caregiver limit:
When multiple relatives, legal guardians, or legally responsible persons provide In-Home and Community Support or Companion services, the combined total may not go over 60 hours per week.
Travel changes:
The old 90-day out-of-state travel limit is no longer in effect. However, participant-directed waiver services are still limited to Pennsylvania and states that border Pennsylvania.
Updated agreements required:
CLE and ME agreements signed before May 8, 2026, will become invalid on August 6, 2026. Updated agreements must be completed for participant-directed services to continue.
What should caregivers do?
- Check if one caregiver is working more than 40 hours per week.
- Check if multiple family caregivers are providing more than 60 hours total per week.
- Confirm that updated CLE or ME agreements have been signed.
- Talk with the Supports Coordinator before making staffing changes.
- Make sure your loved one's ISP reflects their needs, including backup caregiving.
Your voice matters.
When ODP opens public comment in January 2027, caregivers should be ready to share what these rules mean for their families, their loved ones, and their ability to stay supported at home
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Community Voices Support HB 1939
Recently, a Community Stakeholder Sign-On Letter was shared in support of House Bill 1939. The letter was signed by 333 people and organizations across Pennsylvania, including self-advocates, family members, Direct Support Professionals, provider staff, advocacy organizations, community partners, and public officials.
What is HB 1939?
HB 1939 focuses on funding for Pennsylvania’s intellectual disability and autism services. The bill would help service rates keep up with rising costs. This is important because providers need stable funding to recruit and keep Direct Support Professionals, cover shifts, and provide reliable services.
Why does this matter to caregivers?
When service funding does not keep up with the real cost of care, families feel it. Caregivers may experience:
- Unfilled shifts
- High staff turnover
- Burnout
- Gaps in services
- Less reliable support at home and in the community
For many families, this is not just a policy issue. It affects daily life, safety, independence, and the ability for people with disabilities to remain supported in their communities.
What happens next?
The Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee plans to hold a public hearing on HB 1939 later this summer.
What can caregivers do?
Caregivers, families, DSPs, and self-advocates can stay involved by:
- Watching for updates about the public hearing.
- Learning more about HB 1939.
- Contacting state legislators.
- Sharing real stories about staffing, wages, service gaps, and caregiver stress.
Why your voice matters
Public policy is stronger when the people most affected are part of the conversation.
Caregivers know what happens when services are not fully staffed, when supports are delayed, or when families are left filling the gaps. Sharing those experiences helps lawmakers understand why stable funding matters.
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Upcoming Community Events 2026 | | | | |
Hello Neighbor (Azure Family Concerts)
A sensory-friendly, inclusive musical experience by Autism Pittsburgh exploring the history of Pittsburgh’s Hill District, taking place at Allegheny Commons Park North on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Hello Neighbor | autismpittsburgh
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Adaptive Boccia Day
Join the United Spinal Association of Pittsburgh on Sunday, August 16th at The Conservatory at Bakery Square. All abilities are welcome, and all necessary equipment and guidance will be provided.
RSVP HERE
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Disability Pride Pittsburgh
Disability Pride Pittsburgh at Schenley Plaza: This event takes place Saturday, September 26th. It includes live entertainment, accessible games, a sensory-friendly room, guest speakers, community resources, and free swag. The event is designed to accommodate a variety of access needs, ensuring full participation for all attendees
Learn More HERE!
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Summer Fun with TRAS
Three Rivers Adaptive Sports (TRAS) is dedicated to promoting the benefits of sports and recreation for individuals with physical disabilities across the Western Pennsylvania region. By providing specialized equipment and expert instruction, TRAS breaks down barriers to the great outdoors, offering everything from alpine skiing and kayaking to cycling and water sports. Whether you're looking to rediscover a passion or try something new, TRAS fosters a supportive community where the focus is always on ability, independence, and the thrill of the game.
To Learn More Click HERE.
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Adaptive POGOH
Adaptive POGOH is redefining accessibility in Pittsburgh’s bike-share scene, ensuring that the riverfront trails are open to everyone. Based at the Eliza Furnace Trailhead, this program offers a specialized fleet of cycles designed for riders of all abilities, including recumbent trikes, handcycles, tandem bikes, and side-by-side tricycles.
To Learn More Click HERE.
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Feedback: We are always looking for ways to improve our newsletter and make it more engaging for you. Please fill the form out below to provide any feedback on our current issue, share ideas for future topics, highlight a life event, or even submit your own story. Your input is invaluable.
Contact Us
info@classcommunity.org | 412.683.7100
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