Day: March 28, 2015

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the Department of Human Services’ Bureau of Autism Services is pleased to announce free training opportunities for professionals who work directly with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).rnrnDHS is committed to increasing the capacity of professionals that are trained to effectively support individuals with autism and their families. This training will provide a better understanding of ASD and highlight considerations for successful support, including:rnrnnavigating challenging behaviors;rncommunicating with individuals with autism; andrnsuccessful family and team engagement.rnAccording to the Pennsylvania Autism Census, there are over 55,000 children and adults in PA with autism. Data from the census indicate a 181 percent overall increase of individuals with ASD in PA from 2005 to 2011 and a 334 percent increase of adults (21+).rnrnThis dramatic upward trend is expected to continue. Based on these statistics, there is an increasing possibility that direct support professionals providing supports and services in Pennsylvania will interact with a child or adult with autism.rnrnThese trainings are designed for professionals who directly support people with ASD such as; Employment Specialists, Music Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Registered Nurses, Home Health Aides and Adult Program Providers.rnrnFor more information on the trainings, visit www.autisminpa.org.rnrnMedia contact: Kait Gillis, 717-425-7606 rnrnEditor’s Note:rnrn

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rn Region nnrn	rn Date nnrn	rn Time nnrn	rn Location nnrn
rn Harrisburg nnrn	rn April 9, 2015 nnrn	rn 9:30 AM-1:30 PMnnrn	rn Child Welfare Resource Center  nnrnrn Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 nnrn
rn Erie nnrn	rn April 16, 2015 nnrn	rn 9:30 AM-1:30 PMnnrn	rn Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5) nnrnrn Edinboro, PA 16412 nnrn
rn Northeast nnrnrn (Luzerne County) nnrn	rn April 23, 2015 nnrn	rn 9:30 AM-1:30 PMnnrn	rn Quality Inn & Suites, Wilkes-Barre nnrnrn Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 nnrn
rn Philadelphia nnrn	rn April 27, 2015 nnrn	rn 9:30 AM-1:30 PMnnrn	rn The Quorum at the University City Science Center nnrnrn Philadelphia, PA 19104 nnrn
rn Pittsburgh nnrn	rn May 6, 2015nnrn	rn 9:30 AM-1:30 PM nnrn	rn Doubletree Hotel nnrnrn Monroeville, PA 15146 nnrn

rn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human ServicesrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.autisminpa.org/

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King of Prussia, Pa., (PRWEB) March 25, 2015nnMore than 700 people from the Greater Philadelphia area are registered to take a small step to fund powerful progress for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the annual MDA Muscle Walk of Greater Philadelphia to raise critical funds and awareness that will help the Muscular Dystrophy Association save and improve the lives of local children and adults fighting muscle disease.nnrnnnThe Greater Philadelphia Muscle Walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 29 at the King of Prussia Mall. For registration information, visit musclewalk.org/Philadelphia, or call the local MDA office at 610.325.5758.nnrnnn“Through MDA Muscle Walk, people in the Greater Philadelphia area can join forces to raise critical dollars that will make a real difference in the lives of people fighting life-threatening muscle disease in our community,” said MDA Health Care Service Coordinator Marissa Lozano. “By registering for the Greater Philadelphia Muscle Walk, you can help local MDA families face the challenges muscle disease often brings, maintain their independence and live the best possible lives. We encourage everyone to ask their friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to raise funds and walk as a team to help MDA move toward a world free of the harmful effects of muscle disease.”nnrnnnWith support from our national and local sponsors, including GeneDx, Mobilityworks, NuMotion, Pride Mobility and Sleep Circle, attendees will enjoy a morning of music, exercise, food, arts & crafts, prizes and more. The Eagles Cheerleaders will be in attendance, as well as radio station Mix 106.1 and radio personality Chio.nnrnnnMDA Muscle Walk is the largest, most inspiring event of its kind, bringing communities together — donors, families, partners, sponsors and volunteers— to fight back against muscle disease. Approximately 150 walks throughout the nation are scheduled throughout the year.nnrnnnFunds raised through the Muscle Walk program build on decades of research progress, helping push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures.nnrnnnThe dollars raised at the Greater Philadelphia MDA Muscle Walk also help support MDA’s life-enhancing programs including support groups, educational seminars, distribution and repair of durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds, and MDA’s state-of-the-art clinics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, The MDA/ALS Center of Hope at Drexel University/Hahnemann Hospital, and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. MDA also provides a weeklong summer camp program so that kids with muscle disease can enjoy “the best week of the year” at Variety Club Camp in Worcester, Pa.nnrnnnLast year, more than 40,000 people participated in 140 MDA Muscle Walks across the country that raised a record-breaking $8.5 million. More than $26 million has been raised since the Walk’s inception in 2011.nnrnnnAbout MDAnnrnnnThe Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.nnrnnnVisit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews. Learn more about MDA’s mission by watching this video.nnrnnn-MDA-