Keystone Human Services

The Power of Roles
2021-03-09 13:00 - 2021-03-11 16:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias*
3/9 and 3/11/2021 Registration
Day 1 March 9, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM EST
Day 2 March 11, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM EST

Principles of Teaching for Everyday Life: A Three Part Series on Competency Development
2021-03-03 08:30 - 2021-03-17 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online
Principles of Teaching for Everyday Life: A Three Part Series on Competency Development
March 3, 4, & 17, including some independent experiential work in between sessions
Presented via Zoom 8:30am-1:00pm each day
Human beings have vastly more growth potential than is realized by most people, and this is especially true for people with disabilities. We’re all hard-wired to contribute – seeing purpose in our efforts and doing things for others. All too often people with disabilities are denied the powerful and innate joy of contributing to others, finding themselves continually on the receiving end of assistance. In authentically supporting people to a more meaningful life, we have an obligation to help people develop relevant skills and abilities that will serve as a pathway to valued social roles and access to the good things of life. Knowing what to do and having ways to contribute is what makes valued social roles authentic. This three part series will focus on why developing competencies is so important, strategies for developing our own teaching competencies, and an opportunity to put the learning into practice.
Join the Keystone Institute as we welcome Milton Tyree to lead us through this learning series. Milton Tyree has 40 years of experience in the design, development and provision of supports and services centered on people with disabilities having access to valued aspects of everyday life. A particular area of interest has been the ongoing struggle around people with disabilities having good employment. His work for the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute focuses on supported employment leadership development. Milt also consults with congregational members and clergy about benefits of faith communities.
Registration: https://eneuville.wufoo.com/forms/q1cf8x1o0fob5k7/
Day 1 March 3, 2021 8:30AM – 1:00PM EST
Day 2 March 4, 2021 8:30AM – 1:00PM EST
Day 3 March 17, 2021 8:30AM – 1:00PM EDT

The Power of Roles
2021-03-02 13:00 - 2021-03-04 16:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias*
3/2 and 3/4/2021 Registration
Day 1 March 2, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM EST
Day 2 March 4, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM EST

Providing Medical Safeguards to Vulnerable People: An Issue of Life and Death
2021-02-18 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Medical settings can have great potential to heal, and frightening potential to cause harm. The dynamics of social devaluation, negative role casting and societal unconsciousness leave vulnerable people at grave risk of receiving poor, inadequate, or no health care; meaning strong advocacy and informed support are necessary to protect and safeguard people’s health and even their very lives. In this workshop taught by Genia Stephen, consultant, podcast host, and founder of Good Things of Life, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the vulnerability people with disabilities face in medical settings, consider their role and duty to keep vulnerable people safe, and learn and develop practical strategies for doing so.

As a mother of a child with medical impairments, a midwife, and medical advocate, Genia Stephen has spent decades understanding, studying and practicing medical safeguards from an SRV perspective and lending her experience and knowledge to assist families and support workers to develop a high level pf consciousness and practical skills that will keep people safe, healthy and thriving in medical settings, and in all aspects of life. She lives in Ontario Canada and is currently completing her Master of Science degree in Evidence-Based Health Care at the University of Oxford.

Registration: https://eneuville.wufoo.com/forms/m1rho7tv15ndsas/

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (SRV Study Group)
2021-02-17 10:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
In the early 1970s, around the peak of institutionalization in the United States, a group of teenagers with disabilities were attending a summer camp in the Catskills of New York State. Facing the realities of physical and social distancing, these young campers found solace and vision in one another. Camp Jened served as a meeting ground for some of the most formative activists in the Disability Rights Movement.
Post high school, many of these same campers ventured to Berkeley, California where they continued to dream, organize, and do the hard work of deconstructing many of the physical barriers preventing people with disabilities from being integrated and experiencing true citizenship. Please join the Keystone Institute for our screening of Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. Together, we will view the film, as well as engage in facilitated discussion around this largely uncelebrated but profound movement in American history.
Documenting Difference: An SRV Study Group Series
This SRV study group series will explore some of the films produced over the past ten years documenting the life experiences of a wide array of people facing societal devaluation. This year’s documentary selection will focus on real life stories from children and adults experiencing mental health conditions and those living with physical and intellectual impairment. Each study group will incorporate facilitated discussion guided by members of the KHS SRV Leadership Group. Together we will reflect on the life experiences of those being depicted, what relevant SRV themes can be identified, and how what we learn can impact the service each of us provides through roles within the organization.
Details
Date:
February 17, 2021
Time:
10:00 am – 12:30 pm

The Power of Roles
2021-02-16 13:00 - 2021-02-23 16:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias*
2/16 and 2/23/2021 Registration
Day 1 February 16, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM EST
Day 2 February 23, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM EST

The Comforts of Home: Exploring Valued Roles as a Source of Peace and Place During Calm and Crisis
2021-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Online
The Comforts of Home: Exploring Valued Roles as a Source of Peace and Place During Calm and Crisis
For many of us, home is a springboard for going out into the world with our best foot forward. It is a place of rest, refreshment, identity and meaningful relationships. In these most recent times of pandemic and crisis, home as an extension and expression of who we are, as a place of solace, comfort and safety, as a place to explore new things; becomes more important, and even critical for our well- being.

We know there are many barriers to this experience of true home for people living in formal human service settings. And, because so much of our work revolves around supporting people at home, we have a high obligation and vast opportunities to offer people home in its truest form. While spending increased amounts of time at home and adhering to necessary physical and social distancing procedures have been difficult, most notably for people already experiencing lots of isolation and segregation, we can use this time to focus on what authentic home has to offer the people we serve, and how valued roles in and around home can serve as a source of comfort, peace and place.

Join the Keystone Institute as we explore some of the obstacles to creating home in a formal service setting and how changes in home life have impacted people during the pandemic. We will also offer some practical tools and strategies for supporting people to have access to the good things that home and valued roles in and around home, have to offer.

Registration: https://eneuville.wufoo.com/forms/mu7tnhe0ia8cm0/

The Power of Roles
2021-02-04 13:00 - 2021-02-09 16:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias*
2/4 and 2/9/2021 Registration
Day 1 February 4, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM Eastern
Day 1 February 9, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM Eastern

The Power of Roles
2021-01-25 13:00 - 2021-01-28 16:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias*
1/25 and 1/28/2021 registration
Day 1 January 25, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM Eastern
Day 2 January 28, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM Eastern

Distance Introduction to SRV
2021-01-13 09:00 - 2021-01-21 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online
Distance Introduction to SRV
The Introduction to Social Role Valorization is an intensive workshop which presents the idea of assisting people with disabilities and other devalued conditions to have positive social roles as a productive and helpful response to wounding life experiences. Social Role Valorization is a comprehensive theory which provides insights as to why certain groups of people become devalued in society, what life experiences are likely to befall people once they have become devalued in the eyes of others, why valued social roles are a powerful response in combatting the negative life experiences, and ten essential themes which can guide implementers in pursuing valued social roles by, with, and for those practitioners desire to serve.
This foundational material is essential to those wishing to serve others in meaningful ways, and who are impassioned to make a difference in the lives of others. Many participants experience the learning within this event as the most helpful, inspiring, and clarifying body of knowledge they have been exposed to in their professional development, and it assists in long-term understanding and focus on being of service to others in ways that matter.
The workshop includes pre-recorded as well as live presentations, small and large group live reflection and discussion, online forums and resource materials. Participants should be prepared for significant presentations.
Week 1:
Day 1 January 13, 2021 9:00am – 12:30pm Live Session & 2 hours of Independent Assignments
Day 2 January 14, 2021 9:00am – 1:30pm Live Session & Independent Assignments
Day 3 January 15, 2021 10:00am – 4:15pm Combination of Live Session and Independent Assignments
Week 2:
Day 4 January 19, 2021 10:00am – 3:30pm Combination of Live Session and Independent Assignments
Day 5 January 20, 2021 10:00am – 2:30pm Combination of Live Session & Independent Assignments
Day 6 January 21, 2021 9:00am – 3:30pm Combination of Live Sessions & Independent Assignments
Registration: https://eneuville.wufoo.com/forms/m1lku59g01tzu06/

The Power of Roles
2021-01-05 13:00 - 2021-01-07 16:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias*
1/5 and 1/7/2021 Registration
Day 1 January 5, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM Eastern
Day 2 January 7, 2021 1:00PM – 4:30PM Eastern

Strengthening Families COSP 13 Side Event
2020-12-04 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Online
Strengthening Families COSP 13 Side Event
Join us on December 4 at 11:30 am EST for the United Nations
13th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities virtual side event on parent and family leadership in preventing institutionalization of children with disabilities. Panelists and participants will share examples of supporting families worldwide, discuss how families are leading the way, and explore how societies can prevent institutionalization by supporting families. #COSP13 #CRPD #StrongFamilies
With panelists:
Mme Rosalie Ouedraogo, parent and advocate International Social Service General Secretariat
Shona McDonald, Founder and Executive Director Shonaquip Social Enterprise
Marin Andronache, Advocate Keystone Moldova
Mishelle Rudzinski, Founder & Executive Director, SPOON
Ms. Nguyet Trinhth Vietnam Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs
Opening Remarks by Genevieve Fitzgibbon, Deputy Director KHSI

The Power of Roles
2020-12-01 13:00 - 2020-12-07 16:30, 2020-11-12 09:00 - 2020-11-16 16:30, 2020-10-28 13:00 - 2020-11-02 16:30, 2020-10-06 13:00 - 2020-10-13 16:30, 2020-09-10 09:00 - 2020-09-14 16:30 UTC | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*Additional dates have been scheduled in many agency regional locations. Please check with your Education Manager for dates in your area.

January 9, March 12, May 14, July 16
9am–4:30pm

Keystone Human Services
3700 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110
2nd Floor Education Room

Two-Part Online Sessions
You must attend both sessions to complete the course.
September 10, 1:00-4:30 pm and September 14, 1:00-4:30 pm
October 6, 1:00-4:30 pm and October 13, 1:00-4:30 pm
October 28, 1:00-4:30 pm and November 2, 1:00-4:30 pm
November 12, 1:00-4:30 pm and November 16, 1:00-4:30 pm
December 1, 1:00-4:30 pm and December 7, 1:00-4:30 pm

Giving Tuesday
2020-12-01 | Online
Support Susquehanna Service Dogs on GivingTuesday!
December 1, 2020 is GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. When you donate to Susquehanna Service Dogs on GivingTuesday, you’re helping to train and place life-changing assistance dogs.
Give Now
Why should you give?
Assistance dogs change lives!
Susquehanna Service Dogs hasn’t stopped working to place life-changing assistance dogs with their partners. We know the impact these dogs have, and we have continued breeding, raising, training, and placing assistance dogs. In fact, several people recently completed team training and are now living their lives with their new assistance dogs.
“SSD Cooper and I snowshoed to the Sugar House from the base lodge. I was FINALLY able to be in the middle of the mountain and watch people ski! I’ve wanted to do this for years, but the only way to get there was to ski. Cooper has helped me do things that I never thought possible.”
– Jennifer, partnered with SSD Cooper
Your gift makes a difference in people’s lives and in your community!
How your gift helps
Did you know that we placed 23 assistance dog teams and facility dog teams this year? Or that over 100 people are waiting to be partnered with an assistance dog? Your donation supports our overall operations to make these partnerships happen and to continue education and training for all 150 of our working teams.
Thank you for supporting Susquehanna Service Dogs and helping to change lives!
Give Now

Extraordinary Give
2020-11-20 | Online
Gear UP a service dog for Susquehanna Service Dogs! From now through the end of April, help provide a service dog with all of the essentials they need to become successful working dogs—from vet care and food to training. Your donation helps dogs change lives!
Donate now
Gear UP a Susquehanna Service Dog!

$25 – Training tools: clicker, treat pouch, leash and collar
$50 – Dog food for one dog in training for one month
$100 – Harness for a working service dogs
$250 – Supplies to get a new partner started with their service dog
$500 – Cost of puppy training class for one month
$750 – Vet care, including hip and elbow X-rays, for one dog for one year
$1,000 – Food for all dogs in advanced training for one month
$1,500 – Flea and tick medications for all dogs in training for one month

The Power of Roles
2020-07-16 09:00 - 16:30, 2020-05-14 09:00 - 16:30, 2020-03-12 09:00 - 16:30, 2020-01-09 09:00 - 16:30 UTC | Keystone Human Services, 3700 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, United States

2020 Summer Dog Camp
2020-07-13 08:30 - 2020-07-24 15:45 (America/New_York) | 1078 Gravel Hill Road Grantville, PA 17028, 1078 Gravel Hill Road, Grantville, PA, 17028, United States
For everyone’s safety, we have decided to cancel our 2020 Summer Dog Camp. We know that many of you have been looking forward to camp this year, but we feel that canceling is best for everyone. We hope you’ll join us virtually from now through June 30 for the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community and watch some our youngest service dogs in training grow on our puppy cams.

Spend a week with Susquehanna Service Dogs and the dogs in training! Children ages 10–14 are invited to attend Susquehanna Service Dogs’ Summer Dog Camp on July 13–17 or July 20–24. Each day, campers have the opportunity to work hands-on with their own service dog to perform the tasks the dogs need to become working dogs, including taking their dog out in public.
Led by our professional staff, campers learn the fundamentals of basic dog care and clicker training, the positive training method we use to train our service dogs. Campers also learn about Susquehanna Service Dogs and how service dogs assist people with disabilities.
Parents, family, and friends are invited to the graduation ceremony on the last day of camp to see each camper perform the task they chose and taught their dog during the week. Each camper receives a graduation certificate.
Summer Dog Camp is a unique opportunity for kids to learn a valuable skill that will ultimately assist people with disabilities.
Week 1 July 13 – 17, 2021 8:3o AM to 3:45 PM Eastern
Week 2 June 20-24, 2021 8:3o AM to 3:45 PM Eastern

Disaster Management to Include People with Disabilities: Health Priorities through the Lens of the Puerto Rico Disability Community Relief Network
2019-06-13
Side Event to the 12th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

“If we can get disaster management right for people with disability, we can get it right for all people.”
—Marcie Roth, CEO
People with disabilities have the right to protection and safety in situations of risk, including natural disasters. Yet they are disproportionately impacted during disasters and are often left out of relief and recovery efforts due to the lack of emergency healthcare to address their needs, accessible shelters and transportation, access to effective communication, and community supports.
Even before Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, nearly half of the disability community was living below the poverty line. Since then, mental and physical health needs have increased. People with disabilities struggle to access basic healthcare and medical supplies, and community-based services face even greater barriers. The Puerto Rico Disability Community Relief Network offers one example of disaster management model that takes the needs of people with disabilities into account, effectively demonstrating how stakeholders across sectors can work together to involve and support people with disabilities.
What can we learn from the experience of Puerto Rico? How can we improve communication and collaboration among CSOs, DPOs, government agencies, and service providers to improve outcomes for everyone? How can the Sustainable Development Goals support disaster management that addresses the needs of people with disabilities?
On June 11, 2019, a panel of experts and activists from Puerto Rico and the mainland United States explored disaster management and the potential of stakeholders across sectors to work together to involve and support people with disabilities.
Highlights from the panelists and audience:

Coordinated collaborations between the state and federal government, the government and NGOs, and among NGOs themselves is critical at every stage of the disaster management process.
Disaster management that truly includes people with disabilities can only be done when people with disabilities are part of the planning process.
If disaster management strategies address the needs of people with disabilities, outcomes will be improved for everyone and communities will become more resilient.

For more information about the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, visit the UN’s website

Panelists
Charlotte V. McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor, World Bank Group
Marcie Roth, CEO
Dr. Carol Salas Pagan, Executive Director, Institute on Developmental Disabilities, University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the University of Puerto Rico
Betzaida Ramos Charriez, Executive Director, Center for Independent Living: MAVI – Movement for Achieving Independent Living
Barbara Merrill, CEO, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR)
Moderator
Charles J. Hooker, III, President & CEO, Keystone Human Services

Just Include Me: Making Good Health a Reality for All of Us
2019-06-13
Side Event to the 12th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

“When I decided to move into the community, I faced a lot of resistance from the staff of the institution,” said Diana Zgherea, an advocate from Moldova. “They scared me that I would not survive in the community. For me, it was very difficult….I was afraid not to lose everything. But I wanted to change my life. That is why it is very important to tell our personal story to our peers and to other people at local, national, and global events.”
On June 13, 2019, Diana represented Keystone Moldova at a side event at the United Nations’ Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The side event Just Include Me: Making Good Health a Reality for All of Us was organized by the New South Wales Council for Intellectual Disability.
Keystone Human Services International was proud to co-sponsor the side event along with the International Disability Alliance, WHO Collaborating Center on Family Medicine and Primary Care, the Australian government. Diana joined panelists Alanna Julian, Project Officer for the Council for Intellectual Disability; Kory Earle, advocate representing People First Canada, and Professor Michael Kidd, Director of the WHO Collaborating Center on Family Medicine and Primary Care.
This side event explored the connection between full participation in the community and health for people with disabilities. According to the WHO, people with disability seek more health care than people without disability and have greater unmet needs, especially people with intellectual disability and psychosocial disability, people from developing countries or remote areas, women and children, and cultural minorities.

“People with intellectual disabilities living in institutions are poorly informed about their health and treatment and are even denied the services they need,” said Diana. “As advocates, we must partner with the government and civil society organizations to promote full participation in the community and good health so people with disabilities receive support according to their rights and will.”

Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Institutions: Lived Experiences and Ways to Achieve Deinstitutionalization
2019-06-12 | United Nations Headquarters, New York City, United States
Side Event to the 12th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

“In the institution, I was humiliated and ignored. In the community, I’m treated with respect and dignity,” said Diana Zgherea, an advocate from Moldova. “People with disabilities must collaborate with civil society organizations to advocate for deinstitutionalization. People with intellectual disabilities have the right to live independently and be included in the community. We are committed to change public attitudes toward people with disabilities.”
On June 12, 2019, Diana represented Keystone Moldova at the United Nations for a side event, “Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Institutions: Lived Experiences and Ways to Achieve Deinstitutionalization,” at the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Advocates from around the world shared their personal stories about living in institutions and talked about their challenges and successes in leaving the institution to live in the community. The panel discussed government partnerships to develop alternatives to segregated, institutional care and how being included in all aspects of society leads to meaningful life in the community.

Keystone Human Services International was proud to co-sponsor this side event, along with the International Disability Alliance, Young Adult Institute, and the permanent missions of the Republic of Moldova and New Zealand. Diana joined panelists Tia Nelis, an advocate and Policy and Advocacy Director for TASH; Krista Carr, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Associate for Community Living; Robert Martin from the CRPD Committee, and Consuelo Senior, Assistant Coordinator Training from YAI.
“I hope my personal story empowers people with intellectual disability around the world to demand their rights,” said Diana.

Who Gets a Seat at the Table?—When “All” Means Only Some Perspectives from the Global South and Global North
2018-06-13 08:15 - 09:30 UTC | United Nations Headquarters, New York City, United States
Side Event to the 12th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
In partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations
Behind the promise of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) lies the assumption that human societies function best when everyone participates. Nevertheless, some deeply marginalized groups are being left out of efforts to fully implement the commitments of the Convention.
Are there groups of vulnerable people, such as people with psychosocial and developmental disabilities, being systematically left behind in the struggle for voice, space, and place in society? How do the intersecting elements of gender, race, and region affect this exclusion? What strategies and means can be used to increase and strengthen efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals for all?
On June 13, 2018, a panel of change agents shared perspectives from the Global North and Global South and highlighted the work that remains before everyone has a seat the table. Together we must continue to raise our voices to hold fast to the commitment that no one is left behind in the implementation of the CRPD.
For more information about the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, visit the UN’s website.

Organizer
Keystone Human Services International
Charles J. Hooker, III, President and CEO
Sponsors
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations
The Hans Foundation
International Disability Alliance
YAI
Panelists
Carolina Popovici
Counsellor
Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations
Dr. Ludmila Malcoci
Executive Director of Keystone Moldova
Regional Director for Keystone Human Services, Central and Eastern Europe
Reginald Redish
Self Advocate
Tom Ott
Social Worker, YAI
Nidhi Goyal
Disability Rights and Gender Justice Activist
Founder and Director of Rising Flame
Moitreyee Sinha
CEO of citiesRISE, a global multi-stakeholder initiative on mental health
Jane Akinyi
Self Advocate
Moderator
Genevieve Fitzgibbon
Deputy Director, Keystone Human Services International

Sign interpretation and CART will be provided.

Giving Tuesday
2017-11-28
Share the possibities this #GivingTuesday and support children at the Unitate Community Center in Moldova!
November 28, 2017 is #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving to make the world a better place.
This #GivingTuesday, Keystone Human Services International is raising money to support our Unitate Community Center in Tudora in the Republic of Moldova. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with 19% of people in rural areas living in poverty.

Children in Moldova are especially vulnerable. One or both of their parents often live abroad to work, and without a stable family environment, many children are exposed to abuse and neglect, in addition to poverty. It’s a difficult situation for any child to grow up in.
The Unitate Community Center in the rural village of Tudora offers the most vulnerable of these children a safe and structured place where they can be children and thrive. Children attend the Center every day before and after school, even on weekends. It’s a place where they can get a nutritious meal, have access to safe running water, and have a safe place where they can focus on their schooling. But even more than that, it’s a place where children can build their self-confidence and social skills so they can grow and find success in school and life.
“I started attending the Center when I was twelve. The Center is a home for me,” said Mihaela. “The people who work here welcomed me as if I was their child. I felt safe here, loved and protected. I’ve learned to have patience and to understand and support others. Now I am a volunteer at the Center. I wish that our Center would become bigger and could help more children.”

Galina and Andrei’s Story
When she was 13 years old, Galina gave birth to her son Andrei. She always wanted her children to have a better life than she had, so she enrolled her son in the Unitate Community Center. She wanted him to learn, gain social skills, and learn other new and useful skills.
At first, Andrei was shy, selfish, and reserved, and he lacked confidence. He didn’t have any friends and was not prepared to school.
Since he began attending the Center, Andrei has flourished. He learned to count and write numbers, and he knows half the alphabet. Additionally, he has made lots of friends and communicates well with his friends and teachers.
Galina is very happy with Andrei’s successes.
Cristina and Maxim’s Story
When Cristina and Maxim’s mother passed away a few years ago, their father began drinking and stopped taking care of them.
These two siblings came to the Center as very quiet, anxious children. Through the psychological support at the Center, they have opened up and become more active and confident. They have made many friends.
Life at home has also improved for them. Their father started to get involved in their lives again, becoming more responsible and attentive to their needs. Although he refused to talk with anyone from the Center at first, he now participates in parent meetings and other activities organized by the Center.
Why Should You Give?

By attending the Unitate Community Center, children have discovered that their futures are full of possibilities. One girl said, “I’ve realized that I can do much more than I thought I could.”
All children need a safe place to learn, healthy meals, clean clothes, a place to play, and access to running water.
The Unitate Community Center is entire dependent on private funding and charitable donations. Your donation to support the Center will give children a chance to thrive.
The Unitate Community Center is empowering children and families with a better hope for their future. Donate today and share the possibilities!

Making Deinstitutionalization Real: Moving from the Idea toward the Ideal
2017-06-14 11:45 - 13:00 UTC | United Nations Headquarters, New York City, United States
Side Event at the 10th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Developing real strategies for people with intellectual and psychosocial disability to have the opportunity to live full, rich, meaningful lives remains a daunting task. Governments and private organizations continue to congregate and segregate people in institutions, resulting in oppression, brutalization, and loss of identity and opportunity, as well as robbing our communities of the talents and gifts people with disability have to offer.
Almost everyone agrees that deinstitutionalization is necessary, but how do we make it happen? What does it take to build a community-based service system? What are the building blocks of support within communities?
Join a panel of change agents from India, the Republic of Moldova, and the United States to examine and explore questions that surround this issue. Keystone Human Services and YAI in the US have worked to establish a community system to support people in typical lives, often learning lessons the hard way through pioneering. The Republic of Moldova is in the midst of highly successful partnerships with families, government, NGOs, and people with disability to develop culturally competent models that work. India is laying strong groundwork for action toward this end. The experiences of these countries and organizations illustrate some of the most difficult issues around creating a society where everyone belongs.
For more information about the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, visit the UN’s website.
View Side Event Flyer
Speakers

Charles J. Hooker III, President/CEO
Keystone Human Services
Dr. Ludmila Malcoci
Regional Director of KHSI, Central and Eastern Europe
Executive Director, KHSI Moldova Association
Elizabeth Neuville
Executive Director, Keystone Institute (US)
Director, Keystone Institute India
Anastasia Oceretnii, Deputy Minister
Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family
Government of Moldova
Shweta Rawat, Chairperson
The Hans Foundation
Ravi Dahiya, Chief Program Officer
YAI
