Category Archives: Society

The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Leading Disability Advocate Christopher Soukup Returns to SXSW With Solo Presentation on Deaf Entrepreneurship

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Christopher Soukup, Chairman, CSD Social Venture Fund

It’s an honor to be returning to SXSW to speak again and give visibility to issues impacting the deaf community, and by extension, the rest of humanity.


AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB)

Leading disability advocate Christopher Soukup returns to SXSW with his solo speaker presentation titled: Deaf Entrepreneurs: Stories That Change Perception. Mr. Soukup is Chairman of the CSD Social Venture Fund, one of the nation’s first venture funds for deaf owned businesses, and CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), the world’s largest deaf-led social impact organization. He is scheduled to present at SXSW 2020 on March 13 in Austin, TX.

South by Southwest is one of the most diverse, collaborative and inventive conferences in the world. Mr. Soukup joins numerous and notable speakers scheduled to appear at this year’s 34th annual conference, including: keynoters Janelle Monáe, Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, and Carrie Brownstein, and other luminaries including Judd Apatow, Kenya Barris, Stephen Colbert, Gayle King, Michael Moore and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.

Soukup, a third-generation deaf man, is one of the world’s leading human rights and disability advocates. He has been featured extensively in numerous national media outlets as a leading voice on key issues impacting the deaf and disability communities, including ongoing societal bias, employment, leadership and universal design.

“It’s an honor to be returning to SXSW to speak again and give visibility to issues impacting the deaf community, and by extension, the rest of humanity,” said Mr. Soukup. “SXSW is one of the most influential platforms in the world to accelerate social change, and I will be using this opportunity to help broaden societal concepts of entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity and investment.”

Mr. Soukup’s Deaf Entrepreneurs: Stories That Change Perception will take an inside look at the CSD Social Venture Fund, one of the nation’s first for deaf-owned and operated businesses. He will share some of the fund’s success stories and how those deaf entrepreneurs are generating social impact, changing perceptions and redefining what leadership and investment mean. His presentation also will demonstrate how social-minded companies and their investors can accelerate social change in greater society. His presentation will be delivered in American Sign Language and English on March 13 at 11:00 a.m. CST in Salon J at the Hilton Austin Downtown, 500 East 4th Street. This presentation is open to all SXSW Interactive, Music, Film and Platinum badge-holders.

South by Southwest, dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, the event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together.

For more information about Christopher Soukup please visit CSD SVF and CSD.

Media Contacts:

The Durkin Agency

karen.durkin@thedurkinagency.com

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Society: Social Services

Pond Lehocky ranked 5th in Philadelphia for women attorneys

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PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB)

Pond Lehocky is proud to announce that the Philadelphia Business Journal has ranked it one of the city’s top law firms for the percentage of women attorneys. The firm ranked fifth in the list published Jan. 26.

The firm employs 21 female lawyers—47 percent of the attorneys working at the firm. More than 65 percent of the firm’s staff are women. In addition, the majority of Pond Lehocky’s managers and three-fifths of its executive team are women.

Pond Lehocky has prioritized diversity and inclusion as central values in building its corporate culture. The firm is on a mission to diversify the legal industry. It realizes that diverse perspectives and fresh insights help the firm better connect with its clients, who come from all walks of life. It also helps the firm deliver innovative legal solutions to its clients’ most pressing problems.

Pond Lehocky works to promote gender equality and put its female attorneys and staff in leadership positions—both at the firm and in the overall legal community.

WOMEN’S ISSUES IN THE LAW

Pond Lehocky acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in the fight for gender equality. The firm is focusing on women’s issues and the law, including women’s rights in the workplace, particularly gender discrimination and sexual harassment. It is also referring mass tort matters affecting women, including litigation over talc products and transvaginal mesh.

INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Here are some of the ways that Pond Lehocky has promoted gender equality and diversity—both at the law firm and in the overall legal community:

  •     The firm hosted Women Connect, a networking event for women in the workplace featuring conversations with women leaders in the business world.

  •     Pond Lehocky was recently recognized for its attorney gender diversity for three straight years by The Legal Intelligencer.

  •     Associates Kajal Alemo, Danielle Webb, Ruxandra Osgood and Erica Shikunov participated in a March roundtable discussion at the Women, Diversity & Change Summit in Philadelphia. The topic was “Women & Self Advocacy: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

  •     The firm recently named associate Erica Shikunov as the head of the Firm’s employment law department.

  •     In October 2018, associate attorney Alexis Handrich participated in The Legal Intelligencer’s Women in the Law Roundtable. Associate Kajal Alemo participated in a previous roundtable discussion.

  •     Associate Melissa Chandy participated in The Legal Intelligencer’s 2017 Diversity Roundtable.

  •     Associates Kajal Alemo, Ruxandra M. Osgood, Erica Shikunov and Danielle N. Webb spoke at the 2018 Women in Law & Leadership summit in Philadelphia.

  •     Associate Erica Shikunov authored an article providing needed perspective on the #metoo movement in the wake of the contentious Supreme Court confirmation process for Brett Kavanaugh.

Pond Lehocky opened its doors in July 2010. Today, it is the largest workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law firm in the region and has expanded nationwide with offices in New Jersey, New York and California. The firm has also recently added new practice areas for workers, including employment law and long-term disability, and has a national referral network, which has helped 86,000 clients with referrals.

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Society: Christianity

Author W. Dwightel Weathers’s new book “Jehovah, My God and Father, Is Real” is an autobiographical reflection on the relationships he has enjoyed throughout his life

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OAKLAND PARK, Fla. (PRWEB)

W. Dwightel Weathers, a Mississippi-born writer and poet who has lived with his family in Miami, Florida, since 1960, has completed his new book “Jehovah, My God and Father, Is Real”: a candid autobiography of his marriages, romances, and spiritual journey to date.

The author writes, “’Jehovah, My God and Father, Is Real’ is a love story directed by Jehovah in unbelievable fashion. It shows that God is alive and active in the lives and affairs of people today, just as he was in the days of the people in the Old and New Testament. When we love and obey him, he blesses us beyond our comprehension.”

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, W. Dwightel Weathers’s inspiring book is a deeply personal memoir paying homage to the role of his faith in every aspect of his life.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “Jehovah, My God and Father, Is Real” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Society: Christianity

Line Ally Baluwesi Mungurumia Chetesa Rossetti’s newly released “Adventure of Genet and Pangolin” shares an enjoyable tale of friendship between two forest animals

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Adventure of Genet and Pangolin”: a well-conceived children’s book about a genet and a pangolin’s unexpected friendship. “Adventure of Genet and Pangolin” is the creation of published author Line Ally Baluwesi Mungurumia Chetesa Rossetti, a writer, inventor, fashion designer, artist, entrepreneur, businesswomen, and a loving mother.

Rossetti shares, “The story is a perfect story for kids and family, a story anyone can relate to whether children or grown-ups.

“We all are going through life’s daily adventures. It is full of entertainment. It is witty, educational, and full of adventure. It is filled with inspiring messages that will inspire not just kids but the entire family:

“To see things and to live life out of sometimes what we are accustomed.

“In a sense, to enjoy life, to go with whatever the day brings us, whether it is difficult or a joyful, happy day.

“Especially in difficult days when someone is being extremely challenged with problems of the day and, in the midst of it, finding the solution not just for your problems, but how to help others overcome their problems

“In many cases we are all going through a pattern to try to help ourselves in the midst of trouble or difficulties, trying to figure out how to solve our problems or difficulties or whatever it might be in a sense without realizing that we are trying to do or to figure out something.

“Sometimes we do not have control over or things are out of our hands. They are in the hands of God always. He is the only one who has control over all things.

“That’s why God always reminds us in all things to pray and to seek His guidance through all things and no matter what sin not.

“After all, God says, in Hebrews 13:5, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee’ and in Matthew 28:20, ‘I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ Amen.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Line Ally Baluwesi Mungurumia Chetesa Rossetti’s new book inspires readers to be compassionate toward others and seek the goodness within, regardless of appearances.

Follow the spirited adventure of a genet as he deals with inconveniences and is rewarded with a kind-hearted pangolin friend in the end.

View the synopsis of “Adventure of Genet and Pangolin” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Adventure of Genet and Pangolin” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Adventure of Genet and Pangolin,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Professional CEUS Company Integrates New Technology to Increase Accessibility of its Best-In-Class Professional CEU Development for Professionals with Disabilities

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“By offering Closed Captioning and transcription to the professional population, we are able to provide access to quality CE courses to an estimated 25,000+ professionals in the Autism Industry who would previously have little to no options…” – Karen Chung, CEO at Professional CEUs


MENLO PARK, Calif. (PRWEB)

Professional CEUs announced today its move toward increasing accessibility to their Continuing Education (CE) activities by integrating exclusive technology which allows users with hearing impairments, deaf, and/or non-native English speakers to obtain CE credits with its new capabilities of on-demand Closed Captioning (CC), transcriptions and video speed controls. Professional CEUs prides itself in providing opportunities for the working professional to access CE events any time and any place and to learn the way the professional learns.

At its launch in 2019, the EduTech company provided CE opportunities through Co-Sponsorships with approved American Psychological Association (APA®), Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®), and Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis (QABA®) continuing education providers like Special Learning, Inc. and designed its platform to include Video-based courses for visual learners and audio file courses for the visual impaired. All the courses are designed for the working professional with its on-demand capabilities and break any barriers that the professional may have in accessing quality, best-in-class courses to support their professional development. To advance Professional CEUs capabilities, adding the option for the user to have closed captioning, transcriptions, and video playback speed controls was already in its pipeline development and is now available for select courses to advance its mission of accessibility of quality on-demand professional development.

PROVIDING CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR THE HARD-OF-HEARING AND DEAF PROFESSIONALS

According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population has a disabling hearing loss. The National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) report hearing difficulties and troubles. With such high statistics, professionals in the behavioral health space are not immune to these numbers. “By offering Closed Captioning and transcriptions to this professional population, we are able to provide access to quality CE courses to an estimated 25,000+ professionals in the Autism Industry…who would previously have little to no options accessing CE courses ” said CEO and Founder, Karen Chung, of Professional CEUs. Professional CEUs will continue to add transcriptions and Closed Captioning capabilities for all its current CE and future CE offerings.

ALL-INCLUSIVE CE OFFERING FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKING PROFESSIONALS

In addition to Closed Captioning and Transcriptions for Professional Development, Professional CEUs added the capabilities for the on-demand video playback speed control. The users now can slow down the recording or speed it up to 2x its recording speed directly from their account. This functionality enables professionals who are non-native English speakers to listen and watch the video slower (or faster) to fully comprehend the presentation and get the most out of their professional development.

For more information about the CE offerings, visit the Professional CEUs website at https://professionalceus.com

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Society: Social Services

Home Instead Predicts Strong Future for In-Home Care

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OMAHA, Neb. (PRWEB)

Home Instead Senior Care, the leading global provider of in-home care for older adults, is witnessing an explosive demand for home care services as more and more baby boomers are looking to live at home as they age.

A study issued by the Home Care Association of America and the Global Coalition on Aging reports that nine out of 10 Americans ages 65 and older want to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

The fast-growing wave of older Americans is expected to outnumber children by 2034, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau:


  • In 2030, when all baby boomers will be at least 65, older Americans will make up 21% of the population, an increase from the 15% today.

  • By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be 65 years or older, the number of seniors over 85 will triple, and the country will have a half-million centenarians.


In the face of this growing population of older adults, forecasts are that there will soon be fewer trained personnel available to care for this expanding senior population. Studies by Mercer, a global healthcare consulting firm, indicate that by 2025, U.S. healthcare providers will face a collective shortage of nearly 500,000 home health aides, 100,000 nursing assistants, and 30,000 nurse practitioners.

“As more and more people live into their 70s, 80s and 90s, we need to create care models that meet the needs of the growing senior population said Jeff Huber, CEO of Home Instead, Inc. “By helping older adults age safely at home, we can promote a more healthy, engaged and active lifestyle while also reducing the burden on health systems amid rising patient volume and smaller staff.”

As demand for in-home senior care continues to rise, Home Instead Senior Care is expanding its network to bring personalized support services closer to communities with growing senior populations. In fact, 15 new Home Instead franchises opened within the last 12 months, and there are currently franchise opportunities available across the U.S. and Canada, including markets such as Las Vegas, Nevada; Irvine, California; Houston, Texas; and the Greater Toronto Area.

“Through our 25 years of experience serving seniors around the world, we know they overwhelmingly want to remain independent in their own homes and appreciate the high-quality services Home Instead CAREGivers℠ provide to make that possible,” added Huber.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, visit http://www.homeinstead.com.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 12 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGivers℠ worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Special Learning, Inc. Announces the Launch of its Global Solutions in Russia to Help Those who Serve Individuals with Autism and Other Special Needs

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“…We believe helping to improve the quality of care through educational opportunities will mean that we’ve helped to improve the lives of millions of people with autism around the world.” – Karen Chung, CEO at Special Learning, Inc.


MENLO PARK, Calif. (PRWEB)

Special Learning, Inc. is the leading global provider of Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) solutions with the mission to bring quality ABA intervention to the world. The organization utilizes unique methodologies that include rigorous training, virtual services, and an educational suite comprised of curriculum and teaching materials to enable unfettered global access to quality ABA programming. The company is passionate about changing the lives of people with Autism and other special needs and it is officially expanding its global reach to the Russian-speaking market to provide access to world-class ABA training, curriculum and educational materials and access to ABA experts. You may view and access their growing list of products and services at http://www.SLGlobalSolutions.com.

The organization offers:

  • World-Class Training Programs and Packages translated into local area languages

  • Cost-effective products and services to support every parent, educator and professional

  • Access to evidence-based training materials only available in the United States

  • A Clinically Acclaimed ABA Course in Russian


(a) Includes 9 lessons of video-based training with nearly 20 hours of direct training on Autism, ABA and application to start changing lives of persons with disabilities from day 1.

(b) All lessons delivered by a world-class Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who brings her experience and expertise with an engaging approach to learning in Russian.

(c) The program is sequenced to build-upon skills for fluid learning and bringing what you learn to real-life.

(d) Includes a certificate of completion- the first of its kind to the Russian and Kazak regions of the world

  • Tools and Materials to Create the Best Individualized Plan in Russian and Kazak


(a) Social Narrative Stories to teach skills from language development to how to “behave” in certain situations (e.g. raising your hand in the classroom)

There are approximately 70 million people with autism in the world, and yet there is a worldwide scarcity of trained professionals to implement evidence-based intervention programs. Less than 10% of the world’s population with autism has access to a life-changing intervention known as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).

ABA is an evidenced-based intervention that with early and intensive application of quality ABA programming has demonstrated 47% success rate helping children with autism to mainstream. Furthermore, with proper application, ABA has been proven to help over 90% of people on the autism spectrum achieve a greater level of independence. However, the world is experiencing an acute shortage of certified ABA experts, Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBAs), to support the world’s autism population. As of November 2019, there are less than 40,000 BCBAs in the world, most of whom practice in the United States. As a result of the extreme scarcity of certified or credentialed ABA experts to treat and supervise intervention programs, quality ABA therapy is currently only accessible in a handful of countries.

Special Learning, Inc.’s evidence-based autism intervention programs will help address this global scarcity issue; making its programs and services available across all of Russia.

“We are excited to expand our global reach so that we may help meet the educational and training needs of the autism clinical communities across Russia. Our comprehensive programs have been customized and translated to give parents, educators and clinicians access to hundreds of best-in-class tools and training programs. We have spent the last 10 years developing, designing, testing, refining and now implementing the best and most cost-effective means to provide digital access to ABA. We believe helping to improve the quality of care through educational opportunities will mean that we’ve helped to improve the lives of millions of people with autism around the world.” said Karen Chung, CEO at Special Learning, Inc.

For more information about Special Learning Global Solutions products, visit Special Learning Global Solution’s website (http://www.SLGlobalSolutions.com)

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Society: Christianity

Coptic Orphans Announces the Appointment of New Board Members Mr. Hany Kadry Demian and Dr. Kamal Ibrahim

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“Dr. Ibrahim’s humanitarian work in the Middle East and Mr. Demian’s economic background in Egypt and internationally are notable. I’m honored that both men have accepted the invitation to work alongside me and the rest of the Board.” expressed Nermien Riad.


WASHINGTON (PRWEB)

Coptic Orphans announces the appointment of two new board members, Mr. Hany Kadry Demian and Dr. Kamal Ibrahim, to its Board of Directors.

“Mr. Demian and Dr. Ibrahim respectively, bring incredible skills to Coptic Orphans at a favorable time of expansion for our organization,” said Nermien Riad, Executive Director of Coptic Orphans.

“Not only are they each leaders in their fields, but their expertise in international relations, finance and healthcare will be critical as we expand the reach of Coptic Orphans and streamline our global operations.”

Mr. Hany Kadry Demian was Egypt’s Finance Minister for two years until March 2016, following an outstanding career at the top economic policy spheres in Egypt and lead international institutions.

Mr. Demian was awarded “The Finance Minister of the Year 2015 for Africa” by the Banker Magazine, a subsidiary of the Financial Times for a series of bold and courageous economic and fiscal reforms. Amongst his successes, Mr. Demian attained four improvements to Egypt’s sovereign ratings. With the economic team, he doubled economic growth in one year to 4.2% (2014-15); cut the budget deficit by an unprecedented 4% of GDP (2014-15); issued an awarded international Bond Deal of the Year 2015; revived the capital market, which deemed best performer in 2014; and obtained positive global testimonials on progress, including by the IMF, World Bank, and others.

He handled important economic files including with the African Union, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and led the Economic Dialogue with the EU, and several other multilaterals. Mr. Demian was Alternate Governor at the Arab Monetary Fund, the International Monetary Fund, and the Islamic Development Bank. In 2008, he chaired the Deputies for the highest policy committee at the IMF known as IMFC, and represented the Committee at the world leading G20 Deputies meetings. Mr. Demian is an active speaker on numerous international, regional, and domestic forums.

He also served as Board Member on several regulatory and market entities Mr. Demian holds a Masters of International Affairs (MIA) from Columbia University in NY; and Bachelors of Accounting from Helwan University in Cairo.

Dr. Kamal Ibrahim, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C) is a retired spinal surgeon and a former clinical professor of orthopedics. He is the former Chief of Pediatric and Scoliosis Surgery in the Department of Orthopedics at Loyola University in Chicago. Dr. Ibrahim also holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He sits on the board of the Scoliosis Research Society, having formerly been president.

Dr. Ibrahim has raised funds to support the Egyptian Christian Heritage chair at the American University in Cairo and has done numerous humanitarian trips to the Middle East, teaching local surgeons modern spinal and pediatric surgery as well as treating patients. Dr. Ibrahim lives in Chicago for the last 38 years with his wife Lucy, a psychiatrist.

“Dr. Ibrahim’s humanitarian work in the Middle East and Mr. Demian’s economic background in Egypt and internationally are notable. I’m honored that both men have accepted the invitation to work alongside me and the rest of the Board.” expressed Nermien Riad.

With the addition of Mr. Demian and Dr. Ibrahim as highly respected members of our Board of Directors, Coptic Orphans is committed to continuing the fulfilling work of its volunteers, staff, and supporters in this new and exciting phase of its growth.

About Coptic Orphans

Coptic Orphans is an award-winning international Christian development organization that has transformed the lives of over 55,000 children in Egypt since 1988. We believe that through long-term programs that focus on education, we can affect the vicious cycle of poverty. To learn more, visit http://www.copticorphans.org.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Big Money in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Effect on Ethical Practitioners and Client Outcomes

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“…We will…empower ABA agency owners with the knowledge and supplemental tools to make the best and well-rounded informed decision to determine the option to sell to a PE firm and the impact on their employees and ultimately their client outcomes.” – Karen Chung, CEO at Special Learning, Inc.


MENLO PARK, Calif. (PRWEB)

Special Learning, Inc. released today their full line-up of their long-awaited Live Webinar Series: Big Money in ABA which premiered on January 29th, 2020 with the introductory session called “Big Money in ABA Series- Module 1: Who’s Buying? Who’s Selling? Who’s Winning? Who’s Losing?.” This 2-hour session dove into the emerging desire for PE to enter and exit the Autism Industry, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

During this presentation, Special Learning, Inc and special guest, Dr. Jon Bailey, BCBA-D, began to deliver 2-years’ worth of data collected on the rates of acquisition and exits in the ABA space; however, this only scratched the surface of information that was collected over the past 24 months. Starting on March 25, 2020, the series will continue with “Review of the Data” and progress for 5 consecutive months ending with the final session “Big Money in ABA Series- Module 5: The Legacy of PE Involvement.” This series will uncover the truth: “the good, the bad, and the ugly” about Big Money in ABA on the Autism industry, the professionals (BCBAs, RBTs and front-line staff) and ultimately the impact of client outcomes to include persons with Autism and related disorders.

WHAT THE DATA REVEALS THUS FAR FOR PE ACQUISITIONS AND EXITS

Private Equity activity has been in full bloom over the past decade in the Autism Industry. It makes perfect business sense when some PE firms are exiting within 5 years with 10-15x of their initial investment. This combined with all 50 U.S. states mandating services for persons with Autism as of 2019, the PE activity does not seem to be slowing down either.

As of the Q1 2020:

1. 55 Private Equity firms have invested in ABA service Providers

2. There have been 20 ABA “Platform” Companies Created

3. There have been 10 PE exits to larger PE firms

4. Three (3) Pe-backed Platform companies have realized multiple exits

5. 50%+ of the 23 for-profit MEGA ABA agencies (1,000- 5,000 employees) are owned or backed by PE firms

THE SOLUTION FOR ABA AGENCY OWNERS, PRACTITIONERS, AND PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Through the 1,000+ hours of extensive research over the past 2 years, this series, Special Learning, Inc. and Subject Matter Experts will unveil the impact of the PE activity on the Autism Industry and ABA. This series will unveil which PE firms and platform companies are playing in the Autism Space, what an ideal company target would be for acquisition, the truth about what happens to an agency owner and their employees immediate following PE acquisition and 2/3/5 years post acquisition, and ultimately how does this impact clients these agencies serves and the client’s successful level of outcomes from the ABA therapy. Karen Chung, CEO and founder of Special Learning Inc, divulged that he solution to this convoluted PE activity is not to address PE as the “bad guy” but to “provide the gathered information, share it through accessible and interactive education, and empower ABA agency owners with the knowledge and supplemental tools to make the best and well-rounded informed decision to determine their option to sell to a PE firm and the impact on their employees and ultimately their client outcomes.” Karen continued and mapped out how the series will cover the following topics to equip ABA agency owners with this thought-leadership:


  • Module 1: Big Money in ABA: Who’s Buying? Who’s Selling? Who’s Winning? Who’s Losing? (RECORDED)

  • Module 2: Private Equity Consolidation: On a Positive Note… (LIVE 4/29/2020)

  • Module 3: The Roll-up Game: How Can Independent ABA Agencies Compete Ethically? (LIVE 5/20/2020)

  • Module 4: Best Practices and Standards: Driving for Quality Outcomes AND Enterprise Value (LIVE 6/17/2020)

  • Module 5: The Legacy of PE Involvement in ABA: Impact to Clients, Clinicians, and the Field of Behavior Analysis (LIVE 7/15/2020)

For more information about Big Money in ABA Series, visit the Special Learning, Inc’s website at https://www.special-learning.com.

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Society: Social Services

Penelope Case Management Software Selected by Pittsburgh Action Against Rape

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Pittsburgh Action Against Rape logo

Founded in 1972, PAAR is one of the oldest rape crisis centers in the US and provides essential services to over 12,500 people per year.

PAAR provides a lifeline of hope for victims of sexual abuse and we are honored to provide a secure platform for the highly confidential information with which they’re entrusted.


WATERLOO, Ontario (PRWEB)

Athena Software is honored to announce that Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) has selected Penelope as the cloud-based client management system it will now use to track the services provided to victims of sexual abuse and violence.

Founded in 1972, PAAR is one of the oldest rape crisis centers in the US and provides essential crisis services, therapy, prevention, and education to over 12,500 people per year.

“PAAR provides a lifeline of hope for victims of sexual abuse and we are honored to provide a secure platform for the highly confidential information with which they’re entrusted,” said Amanda McInnis, Athena Software’s Vice-President of Customer Experience.

“Penelope’s ability to improve the client experience and provide a clear picture of each person’s journey through care makes it an ideal solution for victim service agencies, and we look forward to helping PAAR free up time for their staff while improving their service and outcomes tracking.”

Penelope was selected by PAAR for its ease of use, as well as its ability to reduce duplicate data entry and track and report on services and client outcomes more efficiently.

The Penelope client management system provides a single source of truth about an organization’s clients by storing all services and documentation relevant to them in one case file. This eases data retrieval and reporting, while providing a full picture of the client’s service history for authorized staff members to view at any time. Penelope will enable PAAR to track its prevention programming and trainings in a centralized location.

Since implementing the system, PAAR staff have reported noticeable time savings when entering helpline calls using Penelope’s anonymous service feature. As well, staff have seen immediate benefits from using Penelope’s configurable smart documents and intuitive group programs tracking, and the system’s ability to easily track and report on outreach efforts.

For more information on how Penelope can assist organizations providing victim services, please visit https://www.athenasoftware.net/who-we-serve/victim-services-software/.

About Athena Software

Athena Software provides cloud-based case management software and client engagement options to health and social service agencies around the world. In 2018, the company was named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in North America.

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