Disability and Mental Health Summit a one-stop resource for Pittsburgh parents

As a mom, Lisa Silverman knows first-hand the difficulty of finding help for children with physical or emotional challenges.

“It can be quite overwhelming to navigate the various systems that we must use for our children,” says Silverman, whose teenage son has an intellectual disability. “It is hard to know who to contact and how to proceed when the language is new to you and you are uncertain of where to go for help.”

She finds the annual Children and Youth Disability and Mental Health Summit to be a valuable one-stop resource for Pittsburgh parents looking for answers.

“Each year I attend the conference and learn something new,” says Silverman, who has been a member of the planning committee since the inception of the conference four years ago.

This year’s summit is even more helpful — expanding from two days to three. The summit, hosted by Rep. Dan Miller, is planned for March 22 to 24 at Beth El Congregation, on Cochran Road in Scott Township.

“In one day or even one afternoon, families can access more information and assistance at the Summit than they could spending weeks online or making phone calls,” says Laura Maines, executive director of Every Child.

The event is free and open to families, individuals and professionals.

Last year, 160 organizations were represented, with more than 1,000 people in attendance.

“When families have information,” says Nancy Murray, president of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, “they will know who to call for assistance and will be better able to make informed decisions that will result in their child being as successful and independent as possible.”

Families need to stay abreast of new resources, too, such as the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings program currently being rolled out by the Pennsylvania Treasury. PA ABLE will allow families to save money for their child’s future, while protecting their eligibility for government benefits.

The three-day event is much more than a resource fair. “Families don’t just walk away with a bag full of brochures,” Maines says.

Sessions help parents navigating a child’s new diagnosis. They will gain a better understanding of insurance options and the special education process. Those who have been involved in the process for years can find help with their child’s transition into adulthood.

“Every single provider, vendor and legislator attending this summit is deeply invested in helping kids and families,” Maines says.

Children and Youth Disability and Mental Health Summit runs March 22-24 at Beth El Congregation, 1900 Cochran Road, Scott Township.

Support Services Resource Fairs: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 22 and 23

 Employment and Transition Resource Fair: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 24

 Presentations: 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. March 22, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. March 23 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 24

 Legislative Panel: 1-3 p.m. March 24. Elected leaders will discuss the latest laws and policy changes impacting people with disabilities and mental health diagnoses.

 For more information or to register, call Rep. Miller’s office at 412-343-3970 or visit www.disabilitysummit.com