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DCARO Legislative Breakfast Highlights: Advocacy, Innovation, and the Power of Community
On December 5th, Values Into Action joined the Delaware County Advocacy and Resource Organization (DCARO) for their annual Legislative Breakfast. Community Members from Values Into Action were in attendance, and Executive Director Marian Frattarola-Saulino delivered powerful remarks alongside several of Pennsylvania’s disability, health, and legislative leaders. It was a morning filled with honesty, hope, and […]
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A Season of Thanks: Recognizing Our Board’s Dedication and Vision
As we near the end of 2025, we want to thank everyone who made this 20th year and the last decade a success. Values Into Action is a nonprofit managed by an Executive Team and governed by a Board of Directors. The Directors, Associate Directors, and Community Support Facilitators handle daily operations, while Board Members focus on […]
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The Power of Friendship: Why It Matters More Than Ever
My friend, Robert Zotynia and I have been working together on the True Friendship project for almost three years. This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council and awarded to Values Into Action. We’ve learned a lot. As the holidays get closer, a time when some people feel lonely, we think about why […]
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Empowering Choice and Independence: Celebrating Assistive Technology Awareness Month
Introduction November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month. Assistive technology helps people with disabilities live more independently and be included in their communities. Governor Josh Shapiro says that assistive technology is not just nice to have—it’s something people need to live, learn, and work where they want. Governor’s Quote “Assistive technology opens doors to opportunity, enabling […]
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Disability Summit 2025: Change · Challenge · Celebrate
The Disability Summit 2025 took place at Temple University. Partnering organizations included Visions for Equality, The Arc of Philadelphia, and Special Olympics Pennsylvania. This event brought together people from across the disability community. Events like this are important not only for learning and advocacy, but also for outreach and networking. Attendees had the chance to […]
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Quality Starts with People
We recently completed a successful licensing review and are now in the middle of our full Quality Assurance & Improvement (QA&I). These reviews are part of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) process to make sure services are safe, person-centered, and meet state standards. For many, prepping and participating in these reviews can cause fear […]
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Honoring Support Partners: The Heart & Soul of Inclusive Communities
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week shines a spotlight on essential caregivers. At Values Into Action, we prefer the term Support Partner. This word captures the collaborative relationships between those offering and those receiving support. This blog is a reflection on the everyday work happening in homes and communities of people with disabilities. From daily guidance […]
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New Rule for Accessible Air Travel
Air travel should be a gateway to opportunity, not a barrier. Yet for many wheelchair users, flying has long been fraught with risk: damaged mobility devices, unsafe transfers, and a lack of dignity in the boarding process. That’s why the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Wheelchair Rule, finalized in December 2024, marked a landmark moment for […]
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Partnership in Action: Honoring a Career of Connection and Impact
At Values into Action, we are so grateful for the people who dedicate their time, energy, and hearts to supporting others. Today, we honor someone very special, Cathy Hinkle, a Support Partner who has made a lasting impact on all of us. Cathy has been with Values into Action for eleven years, working alongside Jessica […]
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Gratitude in Action: Honoring Direct Support Professionals
On August 19, 2025, our leadership team came together for a full day of connection, planning, and celebration. The day helped us think about the future, check in on our strategic goals, and honor the amazing work of our Support Partners (Direct Support Professionals/DSPs). Starting the Day with Vision Our Directors began the morning with […]