Vision for Equality has spearheaded change and progress in Pennsylvania’s Intellectual Disability Rights Movement for the past 26 years. Alongside many advocates, supporters, and leaders a legacy has been built: click here to learn more about the Visionary Voices | Leaders Lessons Legacy project of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University that collects the stories of those who played a part, or were first hand witness, to the events that changed the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the Right to Special Education and the 50-year fight for it here
A federal judge ordered the closure of Embreeville State Hospital in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The state institution housed people with disabilities from 1938-1997. In 1996, VFE was awarded a contract to establish the Consumer and Family Satisfaction Teams to initially meet people at Embreeville and participate in their Person Centered…Read More
Through ongoing Advocacy efforts, Vision for Equality’s goal from its founding until today is for people with disabilities to live safe and productive lives and to assure that they are given every opportunity to gain full citizenship in their home communities. Advocacy activities include: educating public officials, support systems and…Read More
Vision for Equality was awarded a PEW Grant when Health Choices came into Pennsylvania. Peer Mentors were trained throughout the City of Philadelphia to provide accurate, up to date information to families and self-advocates.
Vision for Equality was amongst agencies chosen in 13 counties throughout Pennsylvania to participate in a pilot project of Independent Monitoring Teams in Philadelphia which became the impetus for the development of the state-wide Independent Monitoring for Quality program.
Vision for Equality established the “Pennsylvania Waiting List Campaign” in response to an outcry of individuals and families in crisis throughout Pennsylvania who were waiting for state funded supports and services in their own communities. Their battle cry is “End the Wait!”
Vision for Equality was named an Independent Monitoring Team, IM4Q. IM4Q is a Pennsylvania initiative that collects information from people and families across the state to assess their levels of satisfaction and improve the choice and quality of life and outcomes of people who receive Intellectual Disability services. CONTINUES TODAY…Read More
Vision for Equality began the only HIV/AIDS Prevention Training for individuals and their families in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The curriculum was designed by VFE to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. …Serving as trainers to inform and educate to keep people safe.
Vision for Equality began providing training for families and self-advocates in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Trainings are offered for individuals living with Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities, Autism, their families, caregivers, support groups, staff and agency employees. CONTINUES TODAY …Supporting the advancement of knowledge and empowerment for all.
Vision for Equality formed The Philadelphia Parent Support Groups which are individual grassroots groups throughout the City of Philadelphia who share and network with each other to inform families about resources and address issues in Philadelphia, the state and in their local communities. CONTINUES TODAY …Empowering families in their quest…Read More
Vision for Equality began providing technical assistance to the Latino Family Support Group in Philadelphia. This bi-lingual group was established for families in the Latino communities. CONTINUES TODAY …Serving families in the Latino Community so they have a voice in the services and supports their sons and daughters need.