Self-Advocates
These resources are all designed for self-advocates. This page provides access for all self-advocate resources across all AID in PA projects.
For each project, content is broken down into 3 categories: Quick Bites, Next Steps and Deeper Dive.
Quick Bites: These resources provide a general overview of the topic. If you only have a few minutes to look at information, start with the “quick bites”. This is where you’ll find the most important resources.
Next Steps: If you have more time to spend take the “next step” into these resources where you can find more detailed content on the topic.
Deeper Dive: Looking to know even more? Take a “deep dive” into all of the content that has been developed on the topic to date.
COVID-19 Resources
These resources focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and include information about a wide range of topics including physical health, mental health and wellbeing, accessing services, education during the pandemic, community engagement and more.
Quick Bites
Video: Hand Washing Tips and Tools
These videos provide tips and tools for when and how to properly wash hands.
View ResourceVideo: Communication During a Pandemic
This presentation provides information about the communication method, and the importance of communicating during difficult times.
View ResourceVideo: If People Don’t Wear Masks
This video provides do's and don'ts if you see someone not wearing a mask while out in public.
View ResourceNext Steps
Video: Returning to the Community for Self-Advocates
This webinar shares interviews with self-advocates offering their perspectives on reentering communities in this "new normal."
View ResourceVideo: Being Flexible and Starting New Routines
This presentation, for self-advocates, provides tips and suggestions on being flexible during times of change and learning how to start new routines.
View ResourceVideo: Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic
This video provides information about COVID-19 fatigue and how to maintain your mental health during the ongoing global pandemic.
View ResourceDeeper Dive
Video: Finding Gratitude
This video provides information about gratitude, and ways to practice it to improve your well being.
View ResourceVideo: Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This video developed by Western Region ASERT, provides self-advocates with information about Post-Traumatic Stress and how to handle difficult emotions.
View ResourceVideo: Bereavement During a Pandemic
This video provides advice on how to manage the grief associated with bereavement during a pandemic. There are two videos included in this resource, one for the general community and one for self-advocates. There is also information on how to best support individuals during this time.
View ResourceVideo: Dealing with Negative Thoughts and Maintaining Control
This video for self-advocates provides information on how to deal with negative thoughts that may come up as a result of COVID-19 and how to maintain a sense of control.
View ResourceHEART: Healthy sexuality, Education, Awareness, and Relationship Training Resources
These resources focus on reducing risk for experiencing sexual abuse or assault for individuals with ID/A. Content is broken into three important areas: risk reduction, healthy relationships, and healthy sexuality.
These resources are still in development. Check back often to see when resources are available. Until then, check out these websites:
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
Emergency Preparedness Resources
These resources focus on how to prepare individuals with ID/A for emergency situations, particularly what to know and do if they need to stay in an emergency shelter. Additional resources focus on providing shelter staff and emergency support workers to effectively support individuals with ID/A.
Please check back often as resources are being developed and added on a regular basis!
Human Trafficking
One of the biggest risk factors for human trafficking is a lack of permanent housing or homelessness. Living in a shelter because of an emergency situation such as fire, flood, or other natural disaster puts people at risk of being exploited. Additionally, having an intellectual disability or autism also puts individuals at greater risk of being trafficked. Because of these risk factors, the Office of Developmental Programs, ASERT, Office of Children, Family and Youth, experts in human trafficking, and other statewide agencies have collaborated on resources to bring awareness to human trafficking, prevention, and intervention strategies.
Human Trafficking: What you need to know
These resources were designed for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities to learn about human trafficking. Resources include information on what it is, signs, prevention, and what to do if you suspect human trafficking.
Human Trafficking Social Stories
This series of social stories provides visual guides on what human trafficking is and how to help prevent it.
Additional Resources
For additional information, check out these websites:
Inclusive Preparedess Resources: Red Cross
FEMA: Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
Wellness Resources
These resources will cover a wide range of health and wellness topics, including physical and mental health. These initial resources were developed by ASERT in collaboration with psychologists and emergency room physicians and focuses on preparing for emergency health situations as well as providing resources to emergency medical personnel.
Emergency Medical Care
When to Go to the Emergency Department and What to Expect
This resource is for parents/caregivers and self-advocates to provide information about when to go to the Emergency Department and what to expect when you get there.
View ResourceCalling 911
This resources for parents/caregivers and self-advocates provides information about what to expect when you call 911.
View ResourceEducating the Emergency Department
This resource was developed for parents/caregivers and self-advocates on educating your local emergency department about being on the spectrum.
View ResourceEmergency Responder Notification Forms
Many counties throughout Pennsylvania have created a form to notify emergency responders that individuals on the autism spectrum, or with other diagnoses or needs, live at a particular address. It is important for emergency responders to be made aware of who lives in the home, any sensitivities than the autistic individual may have, and the types of behavior the responders may witness so they are better prepared to safely handle a potential emergency situation.
View Resource