Category Archives: Stories & Musings

Can it be??!!

Unbelievably, yes, Networks is now 25 years old!

While it’s certainly time to celebrate, it is also important to remember all those who have traveled with us, helped us, challenged us, cheered us on, & joined with us over these amazing 25 years.  You helped us realize our vision & assisted us to become more of who we are today.

Together we have

• fought injustices & discrimination
• encouraged others to find & raise their voices
• re-imagined schools, workplaces, communities, & lives
• assisted groups to coalescence around important issues
• found solutions (or at least some parts of solutions) to change the world to embrace ALL people.

We are still going strong & look to the next 25+ years of hard but exhilarating work.

But first, we will be taking time each month this year to look back, honor, & celebrate.

This month we are overjoyed to bring you some thoughts from a few more of Networks’ folks…. their perspective on what Networks is! ♥

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Networks is … helping people to grow where ever they are.  My first memories of Networks go way back to the 1990’s.  Not long after I received my Master’s degree and was having problems finding a job, I realized I would need to plan my own destiny and figure things out for myself.  So, I decided to apply for a grant and I asked Networks to look over the proposal because I had never written anything similar before.  I still remember Harriet Gordon sitting with me on my apartment floor reading through piles of printed pages to make sure everything was in order.  Back then, I was using a computer, but it was necessary to have several copies of the proposal, and for a blind woman with very little computer experience, it was no small feat.  But Harriet came over and proofed everything and I actually did get the contract.  Since that time, I have often sought help from Networks, and now I am part of it—helping others in their efforts.

    – Suzanne Erb; Accommodations Specialist, Networks

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Networks is…..

Never ending encouragement and positive support

Equal opportunities for all

Teamwork

Way of Viewing the world of accessibility … Universal Access and opportunities

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things

Ready and willing to provide training and support

Kind, caring and knowledgeable

Sharing of hopes and visions

   — Tracy Lapreziosa; Assistive Technology Lead, Networks

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Several years before there was a “Network” Mike and Rosa asked me what I saw for my son’s future.  Mitchell was almost 8 at the time.  I shared my vision of what I hoped his future would be and little did I know at that time that Networks would play a role in making my vision a reality.  I saw my son living as independently as possible in a place of his own, having a real job and making spending money.  He liked being around people and was already a part of his community, but I hoped for more.

When Networks was founded, I sometimes was invited to present at training sessions as  a parent to give my perspective to trainees; primarily employees in the ID system in Philadelphia.  Mike felt it was important for them to hear from real people living with children and adults with disabilities and what we would need and expect for the future.  Keeping a finger on the pulse and bringing reality rather than just theory into the classrooms was always important to Mike.  Just presenting theory was never enough.

When Mitchell reached transition age I happened to run into Mike one day near my office, a block away from Networks’ office downtown, and we caught up.  He offered to get involved with Mitchell’s transition and our district agreed to contract with Networks to do just that.  Networks staff got to know Mitchell during the spring and used the extended school year time to do community based assessments and job development for him based on his skills and interests.   They saw the strengths and potential in a young man who most people only saw his multiple severe disabilities.

Mitchell came out of that summer with a job he still has today; 17 years later.  Additional work opportunities were developed for him when he was leaving school.  At about that time, I was asked to serve on the Networks board where I still serve today.  While we have all changed over the years since then, Networks has maintained it’s philosophy supporting a ‘can do’ attitude.  As we celebrate a quarter of a century of Networks, my hope is that while changes continue to occur in the organization and the ID system and service areas expand, the basics of the beginnings of Networks will carry forward as the guiding principles of the organization for the next 25 years!

— Ruth Landsman; Long-term Friend, Advocate, and Networks’ Board Director

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Networks is… opportunity, possibility, dignity and choice. Networks is… passion, hard work, creativity and discovery. Networks is… holistic, honest and open-minded. Networks wholeheartedly believes in each individual person and their potential. Other people ask, “why?”. Networks asks, “why not?” Why not do everything we can to provide people the supports they need to live their best lives? Networks is… giving it your all even when meeting resistance from The Way Things Have Always Been. Networks is… progressive and forward-thinking. The only way to be.

— Nikita Arnett; Transition and Research Liaison, Networks

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Networks is a group of beautiful people, working to serve others in the ways they are inspired to help.  It’s about empowering, healing, supporting, making connections…and I don’t even know the half of what all these wonderful folks do!

— Jeremy Duke; Wholistic Practices Team Member, Networks

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At its core, Networks is an organization of people devoting their lives and careers to help other people.

These days it seems that such an occupation is becoming less and less “fashionable”.   Starting with the “me decade” of the 70’s, success has been increasingly defined in terms of personal achievement and self-service.  Yet Networks has been steadfast, continuing to pursue Mike and Rosa’s original vision with consistent and remarkable success.  While my contribution has been marginal, I am proud to have been a part of the family for these 25 years.

— Paul Bartolomeo; Attorney, Friend, Inaugural Board Director, and Board President

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And last of all, Tracy offers us a look back at this 25^th year and how we have celebrated…

Networks: Celebrating 25 Years!

While it’s certainly time to celebrate, it launched us into a year of reflection, sharing, and gratitude to all those who helped us realize our vision and joined in our journey to where we are today.

Where to begin?

Rosa started us off with a launch of the historical video of the “birth” of Networks sharing how it all came to be!    We began meeting regularly eagerly planning fun surprises and ways to show our thanks to our supporters.

In January, we honored our 2^nd most senior individual still at Networks, George Callaway.   Did you check out the video?   We expressed our gratitude to Anthony Gallasso a former Networks team member for leading and guiding George to his employment at Networks.

March began with a giant thank you to the Assistive Technology Advisory group participants who helped guide the direction of our focus and delivery of Technologies for Independence and Control.  The group included friends of Networks and others in and outside of the field to bring objective insight and considerations of our AT work.

Jessica shared a beautiful description of our Wholistic Practices in June to celebrate our work in this area.  Alternative modalities such as massage, meditation, energy work, breathing techniques aromatherapy and much more are real options for EVERYONE, not just tree hugging folks!

In September, Shauna shared how our Community and Organizational Development has evolved and changed to meet the needs of those we serve and support.   Styles and topic areas have changed with the times as we assist groups of varying sizes.  Networks may be small but our ripple effect has been instrumental in bringing change and growth to many over the years!

Throughout the year, staff members, board members, Networks friends and supporters have been sharing personal thoughts of what Networks is to them.  As you read each one, it is evident how much Networks has impacted not only those we support with our services but our own team members and our personal supporters.

And, of course, we will end the celebration year, with good eats, games, music, dancing, singing, playing, sharing and reminiscing at our Anniversary Party in Philadelphia.  Looking forward to the energy of a room filled with love and gratitude!

Plans are in full swing for the future of our next 25 years!  This coming year will be filled with more trainings, plans for expansion, and helping other organizations.

Can it be??!!

Unbelievably, yes, Networks is now 25 years old!

While it’s certainly time to celebrate, it is also important to remember all those who have traveled with us, helped us, challenged us, cheered us on, & joined with us over these amazing 25 years.  You helped us realize our vision & assisted us to become more of who we are today.

Together we have

• fought injustices & discrimination
• encouraged others to find & raise their voices
• re-imagined schools, workplaces, communities, & lives
• assisted groups to coalescence around important issues
• found solutions (or at least some parts of solutions) to change the world to embrace ALL people.

We are still going strong & look to the next 25+ years of hard but exhilarating work.

But first, we will be taking time each month this year to look back, honor, & celebrate.

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This month we are overjoyed to bring you some thoughts from a few Networks’ folks…. their perspective on what Networks is! ♥️

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Networks is a lot of things but for me, Networks is an idea.  It is an idea that every single being must be fully included, heard, respected, and treated well and wholly… all in creating and visioning a more equitable and just society and world.  Networks is a safe place to ask “Why?”, “Why Not?”, and even admit, “I don’t know… but let’s figure it out.”

When I came to join Networks nearly 15 years ago, I was a bright-eyed energetic 20 something and thought I knew it all.  I think they brought me into the “family” for my tendency to (sometimes) be a spitfire.  As I moved through the days, weeks, months, and finally years of being with Networks I came to realize I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and where I had the opportunity to stretch and grow (sometimes painfully!).  I was given a solid foundation in my previous “lives” with other organizations and employers in various positions.  

My greatest teachers were those who worked (and work) at Networks, who are affiliated with Networks, and whom Networks has had the honor to “walk along with” (individuals, families, teams, etc.) over the years – and even those who have pushed back against Networks and the work we do.

Networks is a BIG, bright idea that is now 25 years wiser.  I am honored to call Networks my employer, my teacher, my family.

(Jessica Stover:  Director of Training and Consultation)

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Ever since I can remember, there was Networks. My mom, Michelle Sparling, started working for Networks when I was a baby.  So for me, Networks is family. I grew up going to beach retreats where Rosa taught me to float and where Mike taught me to surf.  It was during a Christmas party at Networks that I first learned I loved BBQ chicken pizza.  Going to the Valley Forge office and drawing ridiculous pictures of Mike on white boards was always fun, but most importantly, learning that EVERYONE deserves to be treated as an equal.

Networks isn’t just a business, it’s a family. When I was in high school, Mike passed away. I remember being very confused and wondered what would happen with Networks. For my whole life, I knew Networks as Mike and Rosa.

In college, I decided to study Psychology. I loved working with people and growing up I had incredible examples such as my mom, Rosa and Mike. I wanted to do something like them. I wanted to work with people, I wanted to change lives like I saw them doing. In college, I had to complete an internship. I asked my mom if I could do an internship with Networks.  I absolutely loved it! I remember thinking how cool it was that I grew up a child of Networks and now I was interning with them!

After I graduated college, Jessica Stover asked me if I wanted to help with event planning for Networks. I was going to be WORKING for Networks! I no longer was a child learning how to float in the ocean, drawing pictures of Mike on the white board, or eating BBQ chicken pizza while the adults played “cut throat Santa” (a fun version of gift giving), I was an employee of Networks for Training and Development!

Networks to me, is family. Ever since I started working for Networks I’ve thought to myself, “I want to make Mike happy.” I think to myself, “If Mike were here, would he be pleased with how I am handling myself? Would he be impressed with me?” Networks, isn’t just a business, Networks is home.

Surfer Life

The ocean was clear
The tide was still
Surfers sitting on their boards,
waiting for a wave.
I thought of you.
The sky was blue
The clouds were serene
The sun piercing down its rays,
I thought of you.
I stepped in the water
My heart beating fast
The waves were coming with force.
I closed my eyes,
and thought of you.
I gripped the board,
taking a breath,
and laid it on a wave
Knowing you were there.
My body against the board,
looking at the open blue water
waiting for the perfect wave.
I saw you smiling from behind
As the wave rolled under me
I kicked my feet
pushing me forward
my heart was pounding
I stood to my feet
I thought of you.
I heard your voice
your laughter was loud
I knew you were with me
just like when I was a little girl
holding my hand cheering me on
I felt you there
thatʼs why I thought of you.

(Laura Sparling McCall:  Social Media and Marketing Coordinator)

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For me, the seeds of this Networks dream were sown more than 25 years ago over a slice of pizza in center city Philadelphia.

Our founders, Mike and Rosa, had a dream to help people and I was asked to help with tax and business setup.

Many slices and stories later, here we are still celebrating the Networks dream.

(Michael Fittipaldi: Former Treasurer, Board Member, and Friend)

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Networks is a small organization, but we are big in passion and commitment to what we do. I have seen that all at Networks truly believe in what they preach and practice: People with disabilities, any type of disability, should be fully involved in every aspect of their community. True full community involvement allows people to live the quality of life they should have, and I have seen how that effects people, both the person with the disability, and their family and friends, in a very positive way. It has been very rewarding to have worked for Networks these past 19 years and I look forward to continue helping with Networks mission for many years to come.

(Doris Kalina: Director of Administrative Services

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A place I call home.  A place for believing, trying, practicing, learning, experimenting, stretching and growing.  It’s a place for sharing, guiding, and giving, too.  Really, when you think about it, isn’t home a place to do all these things?

I remember when I began working at Networks, more than two decades ago.  I thought, “What have I gotten myself into?” Working the “Networks Way” was different than any place I had worked. It didn’t take long, however, to get into a groove and figure out how I fit into such a unique place, but I sure had lots of learning to do, and that’s one of the great things about Networks.  It is a place to continually learn and not rest on our laurels.  It is a place for standing up for what’s right, for people, and for situations. It is also a place to work with a great group of people!  Over the years, we have all had some great times working and playing together, living life, raising families, and being there for one another all the while, doing what we love, in a place that we feel we can make a difference.  That is what home is all about! 

(Michelle Sparling:  Employment and Transition Director)

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The pediatricians examining my three-year old son delivered what they presumed was very bad news.  There are special places for children like this, they concluded solemnly, and once that was settled I could think about starting over, having other children, enjoying a new life.  They saw only one barrier to achieving this sensible outcome, and that was my unreasonable attitude:  I had spent the diagnostic evaluation telling them how well-adjusted, bright, funny, and interesting this child was.  Fortunately, a hefty dose of realism was within their healing mandate to provide: they wrote a script for psychological counseling and treatment, to begin at once.  For me.   

It is this kind of incident, played out by any number of well-meaning people in our lives – medical professionals, family members, school staff, neighbors – that can demoralize a person with disabilities (yes, even a small child) and their parents.  It is all too easy to start doubting ourselves in the presence of deeply entrenched belief systems wearing the protective camouflage of expert knowledge, common practice, common sense, or what “everyone knows” to be true.  Who do we think we are, anyway, to argue, to annoy, to insist that the world needs to change?

Being part of a community of like-minded people becomes urgent.  You can’t be a parade of one wearing an inclusion heart on your sleeve and carrying the banner for diversity.  You need a circle of friends who share your vision.  So I began watching and listening for the messages and the actions that let me know I was in safe company, and would not have to defend or explain the attitudes that, in the eyes of my son’s diagnosticians, called for corrective treatment.  Every time I met such people, it felt like a homecoming to a family I had not known I had.  It was a great relief to be among others who understood my and my son’s experiences, and who connected, shared, advised, laughed, brainstormed – and, at crucial moments, just showed up for us. 

Is it any wonder that these homecomings began to multiply, person by person, into an entire community?  While my son was still in his teens, many of the people I had gravitated toward during his early years were in the initial stages of organizing a community, Networks for Training and Development, now known to many in Pennsylvania and beyond simply as “Networks.”  That single word hints at how it works:  you don’t need to be an employee of Networks to identify yourself as a member of this evolving community of practice, values and support.  Through Networks, the “unrealistic” expectations that got me into trouble with my son’s diagnosticians continue to be nurtured rather than dispelled.   It remains my destination when I want to think clearly and breathe free.  

Happy 25^th, Networks!   Please keep a light in the window for all of us!     

(Pat Amos: Longtime Friend, Collaborator, and Board Member)

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Networks is… a family.  My involvement with Networks began when my parents founded the organization when I was 12 years old, and I’ve seen firsthand how close-knit everyone at Networks has been throughout the years, with a feeling much more like family than simply co-workers.  They treated me like family when I was a teenager, they welcomed me in as a family member when I began working with them while in college, and they’ve continued to support and accommodate me as family does when my life took me to new places and in new directions.

(Michael Landes: Webmaster)