For the second year, disabled residents in Bucks County will have the chance to explore and have questions answered about county and state resources meant to serve and assist them at the Bucks County Disability Resource Fair in New Hope.
The event is hosted by State Rep. Tim Brennan (D, Bucks County 29th District) and State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D, PA 10th District).
“If you are a caregiver or someone living with a disability it’s important to understand and access the critical services available. I am proud to work with Rep. Tim Brennan to raise awareness and directly connect our constituents to the many state and local resources available,” said Sen. Steve Santarsiero.
The fair will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 10 at New Hope-Solebury High School, 180 W. Bridge Street in New Hope. It is free and open to the public.
Denise Glick, Brennan’s office event coordinator and constituent services advisor, said it can be difficult for people to navigate the resource process to connect with the appropriate agencies for themselves or their loved ones – from how to find the right group, where to go to access services, and how to get there.
“Parents and families don’t have a lot of time and don’t know where to go,” Glick said.
For the first time, an American Sign Language interpreter will be available to those who suffer from hearing loss or are deaf.
“Even if no one needs her services, it’s important to Tim [Brennan] that no one is left out,” Glick said.
“Families and folks with disabilities have a difficult time connecting with resources or knowing what’s available. My first year in office we did this and it makes it a little bit easier to find the resources they need and it empowers folks with disabilities,” Brennan said.
According to a press release, participating event agencies and non-profit groups include:
- Bakeability
- Bucks County Center for Independent Living
- Bucks County HUB
- Bucks County Intermediate Unit
- CHOP Center for Autism
- Habitat for Humanity
- PA Assistive Technology Foundation
- PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
- PA Disability Pride
- PA Navigate
- PA Treasury
- PA ABLE
- U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s office (for SSDI & other federal services).
Brennan said the fair brings together county, state and non-profit agency resources and materials along with representatives to answer questions and provide appropriate direction.
“Working with them gives us a chance to talk with folk who have disabilities and hear what they want and need – that is one of the huge benefits,” Brennan said.
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The event was the “brain child” of the late Carol Spiewak, Rep. Tim Brennan’s chief of staff and office director, according to Glick. Spiewak died in December 2024.
“Carol wanted us to put together an event where people could come and ask questions and have them answered. She was particularly interested in helping families with children who have disabilities – anything that require assistance,” Glick said.
“It’s one of those things we do that make you feel good at the end of the day,” Brennan said.
