SBR Celebrates DSP Week
The week of September 13th marked DSP Week 2026. We had a fantastic time celebrating our DSPs and recognizing them for their hard work and dedication to the individuals they support. We held raffles, had a fun-filled block party in the parking lot, and spent time acknowledging many of our DSP successes. Thank you to all the staff, leadership, families, and individuals who helped make this week so successful. Your time and support did not go unnoticed!
Congratulations to our raffle winners!
-
Colleen J. — Cash prize for training compliance
- Kathleen — Cash prize for 7/8th rule compliance
- Rebecca D. — Cash prize for NADSP participation
- Tyisha — Cash grand prize
- Rhonda — Crock Pot Bundle
- Rebecca L. — Treat Yourself Basket
- Terronda — Serenity Basket
- Teneya — Lottery Basket
- Colleen S. — Gift Card Basket
-
Laura — Phillies Basket
Points of Transformation Awards
On September 25, 2026, we joined the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHIDS) for the annual Points of Transformation Awards. The Points of Transformation Award ceremony recognizes outstanding DSPs who make a difference in the lives of those they support and bring acceptance and awareness of disabilities to the local community.
Congratulations again to Kathleen Laverty, Arlene Giddins, Renee Toney, Bibi Arjun, and Elaine Bowman on their awards.
On a special note, Paula Grochowski, Executive Director, was also recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication to the field of Disability Services!
The SBR Bell is on the Move!
The SBR Bell, which was created by our individuals, was the centerpiece for our Spring Art Show held at Father Judge High School last May. This wonderful masterpiece highlights the true meaning of community and what can be accomplished by working together. We were honored to feature the bell at the Points of Transformation Awards, and it will also be appearing at the Disability Summit on October 8th.
SBR is Looking for Craft Vendors
Are you a crafter and looking to sell your work? SBR is planning for our Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, November 14th. The event will be held at the SBR Office, and table space will be limited. Register by October 14th as a vendor to save your spot.
DSP Town Hall
Our next DSP Town Hall will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Please join us virtually as we discuss pertinent issues and information that is relevant to the work of a DSP.
SBR Around Town
In this first edition of “SBR Around Town”, Renee was spotted exploring Bristol along the waterfront! It was a beautiful September day, with the weather just right. There are so many fun things to do and places to visit in Bristol, making for a perfect place to spend the day.
Have you visited any cool, local spots lately? Send in your pictures to be featured in our next newsletter!
Disability Summit 2026
The 2026 Disability Summit is being held in conjunction with Empathy Tech on October 7th and October 8th, 2026, at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Beth@supportivebehavior.com. We have a limited number of free tickets available.
October Birthdays
We wish the happiest of Birthdays to:
Judy Boone, Melanie Tunstall, Ashia Jacobs, Michael White, Elsie Echevarria, Emmanuella Mensah, Carmella Stokes, Stephanie McDonald, Nicolle Marte, Deborah Tanney, Joelle Bridges, Nicole Hinton, Renee Toney, Faheem Davis, Dominic Foti, Laura Aichroth, Colleen Dutkiewicz, Elaine Bowman, Kathleen Herbert, and Viola Jessup.
October Employee Milestone Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following employees on their Milestone Anniversaries:
Michaelle McGinty — 15 Years
Mymose Manasse — 10 Years
Matthew Kulak — 10 Years
Tara Bennett — 5 Years
Velma Williams — 5 Years
Ashia Jacobs — 5 Years
Robert Trofa, III — 1 Year
Jackie Simmons — 1 Year
Medicaid Changes are Coming January 2027
Medicaid changes are slated to take effect in January 2027. There will be changes to work requirements, semi-annual reporting requirements, and changes to retroactive healthcare. Stay in the know and find out more information here.
You can also call the HR1 FAQ line at 1-877-883-6383 with any questions.
Lawsuit Challenging the 60/40 Rule and Travel Restrictions
Pennsylvanians have filed suit against ODP due to changes to the 60/40 rule and travel restrictions that were recently put in place. The new rules targeted individuals and families that self-direct their services and family members on staff, and limited which states individuals could travel to during their service time. Read more about the lawsuit here.
Mental Health Crisis Card
In the midst of a mental health crisis, finding the right words to describe what is happening can often be difficult. The Arc has released a mental health crisis card that individuals can carry in their wallet. This card has information about the best way to communicate, emergency contact information, and what may help de-escalate the situation. You can print your card here.
Voting Deadlines are Quicking Approaching
Voting is the best way to voice your opinions and make changes at the government level. See the infographic below with important dates.
Measles Cases are on The Rise in PA
Measles cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania, however Philadelphia does not have any active cases yet. Stay up to date on the outbreak and become familiar with the signs and symptoms. Please click here for more information.
MyChart Healthcare Scam
Do you use a health system’s MyChart portal to schedule appointments, get test results, or communicate with your physician? There is a new phishing scam to be aware of. Fraudsters are sending texts and email messages to individuals stating rewards for downloading a Medicare Toolkit. No such program exists, and clicking the link allows scammers to access your data. Read more to avoid this and other scams here.
EAGLES Release Autism Foundation License Plate
Are you an EAGLES fan and looking to show your support for Autism? The Eagles Autism Foundation now has a new license plate available to support their foundation. To find out more information or to get yours, click here.
Speaking for Ourselves October Meeting
Speaking for Ourselves, a self-advocacy group, will be holding their monthly meeting on October 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Come meet new friends, learn about what is happening in the disability community, and what issues may be affecting you. Friends, family, and allies are all welcome. The Zoom link can be found on the SBR activities calendar here.
Important Dates
10/5/2026: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM, Chair Zumba. Get link here
10/7-10/8: Empathy Tech and Disability Summit at the Convention Center
10/10/2026: Infinity Ball. Register here
10/12/2026: Indigenous Peoples Day
10/12/2026: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM: Chair Zumba. Get link here
10/19/2026: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM: Chair Zumba. Get link here
10/20/2026: 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM: DSP Town Hall. Register here
10/22/2026: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM: SBR Painting Party. Register here
10/26/2026: 12:00 PM-1:00 PM: Chair Zumba. Get link here
10/29/2026: 1:00 PM: SBR Halloween Craft Party. Register here
10/31/2026: Halloween!
