Former Intern Obtains Account Coordinator Position at Local Marketing Firm

(Dillsburg, Pa.) - Suasion LLC, a marketing and communications agency that provides communication expertise to health care organizations and nonprofits, has selected Karyn Boyer to serve as Account Coordinator. As Account Coordinator, Boyer will provide assistance with day-to-day client activities, market research and public relations to ensure all clients’ needs and objectives are met.

Boyer studied public relations and marketing at the York College of Pennsylvania and recently graduated in May 2010. Prior to graduation, Boyer completed a four-month internship at Suasion. “Karyn dove right in as an intern. Instantly, she grasped and understood our mission and really developed a passion for what we do here at Suasion,” said Megan Kurtz, Vice President of Client Services.

After completing her internship, Boyer continued to conduct market research for the agency.  Then, shortly after graduation, Boyer was brought on to the Suasion team. “After working with Karyn as an intern, I knew she would be a great fit for us. She brings a fresh perspective and a great deal of passion to our agency,” said Victoria Radabaugh, President of Suasion.

 “I was eager to obtain an internship in my field and I wanted to make an impact at my internship location. I was given that opportunity at Suasion and realized I had a deep interest in nonprofit and mission-based organizations. Essentially, Suasion helps organizations help people, and I was thrilled to be a part of their mission,” stated Boyer. “Now, I can use what I learned as an intern and continue to help the clients and agency grow. I’m looking forward to building relationships with our clients and using communications to make a difference in the community.”

Boyer resides in New Cumberland, and spends her free time working out, hiking and spending time with her friends and family.

About Suasion
Suasion is a marketing and communications firm providing successful communications including public relations, advertising, Web site development, market research, grassroots marketing, branding, customer service training and strategic planning to organizations driven by a social mission. Organizations in the health care, social service, long term care and educational markets receive effective services in the most efficient means possible.

Call for Nominations to Recognize Accomplishments and Contributions for People with Disabilities

(Camp Hill, Pa.) – The nonprofit organization, Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), is seeking nominations for its first Central PA’s Living Well With A Disability Awards. The Awards will recognize individuals and organizations in the Central PA area that truly demonstrate what it means to live well with a disability.

 

Living Well With A Disability was developed by the Center for Independent Living of Central PA to open doors to new opportunities for people with disabilities, and assist them in finding the resources they need to live well. Whether it’s finding transportation, or assistive technology for your job, Living Well With A Disability is designed to meet each individual’s needs to live independently.

 

Theo Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP, states that the Awards have been developed to highlight the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities as well as honor the contributions of groups and volunteers.

 

“Our Living Well With A Disability program has been such a success that we wanted to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge not only individuals with a disability that are fulfilling their own dreams and reaching their goals, but the organizations, groups, or volunteers that aid in empowering individuals to live well with a disability,” says Braddy.

 

Nominations will be accepted for the following categories: individual with a disability (adult and youth); group (business and nonprofit); and volunteer. The individual, volunteer, or group must live or be located within Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin, or Juniata counties. A committee of selected judges, who are leaders in the disability community, will review all submissions and select a winner in each category. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on September 22.

 

Individuals may visit www.LivingWellWithADisability.org or call 717-731-1900 ext. 138 to obtain the nomination form and rules.  All nominations must be submitted by August 20, 2010 to Central PA’s Living Well With A Disability Awards, 207 House Avenue, Suite 107, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

 

About The Center for Independent Living of Central PA
For over 20 years, CILCP has been serving people with all types of disabilities who live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin, and Juniata counties. CILCP is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent life styles. From achieving a small task to accomplishing a life-changing goal, CILCP is helping people with disabilities exceed their lifestyle expectations through one point of contact. For more information on Living Well With A Disability visit www.LivingWellWithADisability.org, and for more information on CILCP, visit www.cilcp.org.

Event Supports Need for Accessible Fitness

Center for Independent Living of Central PA Hosts Event to Raise Dollars for Accessible Fitness Resources

(Camp Hill, Pa.)—If you had a disability, would you workout at the same gym you attend now? If you used awheelchair, would you be able to use the same equipment you use now? The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) recognizes that a “typical” gym is not always accessible. So, once again CILCP is finding ways to provide options for people with disabilities – even for physical fitness. In order to help fund more accessible fitness resources for people with disabilities, CILCP is hosting their 2nd Annual Walk ‘N Roll for Living Well. People of any age, with any type of disability or ability, are invited to come to the event on Saturday, July 24th at City Island.

Participants will walk, roll, or jog three laps around City Island in Harrisburg, rain or shine. Following the Walk ‘N Roll at 10 a.m., attendees will be able to visit exhibitors’ tables, and enjoy food, music and other entertainment.

CILCP recognizes that adding exercise to daily life is just as vital for people with disabilities as it is for people without disabilities; therefore, by taking part in the Walk ‘N Roll, participants will help CILCP provide more opportunities for people to live healthier lifestyles. CILCP is the only organization in the area that offers cutting-edge, fully adaptable and accessible fitness equipment. By providing specialized equipment like the Magnum ADA Advantage Trainer and MOTOmed, individuals can secure their arms and legs, and let the machines provide smooth, steady movement. The equipment allows people who have no or limited feeling in their limbs to use it.

By incorporating exercise into their daily lives, people with disabilities can help eliminate many problems that are often encountered. The various equipment and fitness programs help strengthen weakened muscles, improve circulation, reduce spasticity, lessen swelling in lower limbs, and decrease the chance for potential infections from cuts. Whether it’s providing the specialized equipment, one-on-one training, or a fitness program, CILCP seeks to provide endless options and accessibility for all.

All proceeds go towards expanding accessible fitness resources – so everyone can workout and improve their health! The event, sponsored by PinnacleHealth, CBS21, and CW15, will also highlight the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is the law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

Everyone is encouraged to participate by forming teams or joining individually. Participants who register by July 2, 2010, will receive a free Walk ‘N Roll t-shirt and a discounted registration fee of $20.00. After July 2, 2010, the registration fee is $25.00, and participants are not guaranteed a t-shirt. Children age 5 or younger may participate for free, but will not receive a t-shirt.

“The Walk ‘N Roll for Living Well was such a success last year, and it brought people of all ages and disabilities together to participate. We are excited to do it again this year to benefit accessible fitness, as living a healthy lifestyle is so important for anybody. It’s also the perfect time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of such a vital law in the independence movement for people with disabilities,” states Theotis W. Braddy, Executive Director of CILCP.

Tanya Foster, evening news anchor from CBS21, and Central PA’s Living Well With A Disability spokesperson, will serve as host for the event. Additional speakers will also be on hand, including Mayor Linda Thompson. Mayor Thompson will make a proclamation in support of the ADA and in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

For more information or to register, visit www.CILCP.org or call 717-731-1900 / 717-737-1335 (TTY). Participants may also register on the day of the event at the Carousel Pavilion. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the Walk ‘N Roll starts at 10:00 a.m. All City Island facilities and the route are accessible.  A sign language interpreter/CART service will be on site.

About CILCP

The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent lifestyles.  The organization assists individuals with any type of disability to find resources available to meet their needs, wishes and aspirations through Living Well With A Disability. To learn more about the CILCP visit their Web site at www.cilcp.org, and to learn more about Living Well With A Disability, visit www.livingwellwithadisability.org.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz by email at Megan@TheSuasionWay.com or by phone (717) 432-2468.

Much-Needed Resource Arrives in Newport to Assist People with Disabilities

Center for Independent Living of Central PA Expands to Further Serve Rural Residents

(Newport, Pa.) — The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), an organization that has been serving the needs of people with disabilities for over 20 years, will begin offering specific services in its Newport office on June 29th.  Located in the old Newport Hotel, at 2 North Second Street, Suite 100, the new office will provide people with disabilities and senior citizens residing in Perry, Juniata and Mifflin counties essential programs and services to ensure independent lifestyles.

Services for independent living; advocacy; peer counseling; information and referrals; community integration; support coordination; as well as Living Well With A Disability will be available. Through Living Well With A Disability, a free lifestyle survey is conducted to determine a person’s needs as well as their interests, goals and dreams. People interested in these services can meet with specialists at the Newport office during business hours or by appointment. Surveys can also be scheduled to take place in the person’s home.
Overseeing the new office, its staff and integration into the community will be the Rev. Nancy Firestone. As a dedicated member of the community who is living with a disability, Rev. Firestone has years of experience in advocating for people with disabilities and managing assistance programs. She will perform community outreach to acclimate the community to the first-of-its-kind resource. Among these efforts, Rev. Firestone will give presentations to educate residents and businesses about CILCP’s services and the needs of people with disabilities. She will also work with surrounding businesses to support accessibility at their establishments. 

“Although CILCP has always offered services to people with disabilities in Perry County, having an office here will make it possible to reach more people. As a person with a disability, I know how important the role of advocacy is to address the barriers people with disabilities face and why we must educate people without disabilities as to why it is vital to support accessibility and sensitivity to people with disabilities,” states Rev. Firestone.

From the feedback so far from residents, it seems as though this approach is what the community wants. Rev. Firestone adds, “We even heard from one resident who stated that ‘this is what we’ve been praying for.”
In August, the office will also offer personal assistance and consumer employer services, as well as a fully-accessible fitness center with specialized equipment designed to meet the needs of both senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Heidi Koch, a local resident, is one of the many people excited about a new neighbor in Newport. A busy community leader involved in various organizations, such as Newport’s Lions’ Club and Senior Citizens Center, Ms. Koch is the proud mother of a son, Matthew, who is living with multiple disabilities. Matthew is legally blind and has a learning disability. Throughout the years, Ms. Koch has been frustrated with the lack of services for people with disabilities in the rural areas of Perry, Juniata, and Mifflin counties.
“When I found out about CILCP opening another office here to assist people with disabilities, I was very excited about the new opportunities and services. We have many needs here, from transportation and employment, to recreation and exercise. People know what they need, but don’t know where to go or how to go about getting it. With CILCP coming in, now they will.”

 Services at the new office will begin June 29th. The office will be open Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are subject to change depending on demand.

CILCP also has a Camp Hill office location, which has an accessible fitness center. For general questions about the Newport office contact 1-800-323-6060 and for questions about CILCP’s services, including Living Well With A Disability, call 1-877-TO-LIV-WELL (1-877-865-4893) or visit www.cilcp.org.
About Center for Independent Living of Central PA

For over 20 years, CILCP has been serving people with all types of disabilities who live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. It is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent life styles. From achieving a small task to accomplishing a life-changing goal, CILCP is helping people with disabilities exceed their lifestyle expectations through one point of contact.

 

New Hope Ministries Invites Community to Celebrate Its New Mechanicsburg West Shore Center

(Mechanicsburg, Pa.) - To celebrate the opening of New Hope Ministries’ new Mechanicsburg West Shore Center, the Christian social service agency is holding an open house and dedication ceremony on Monday, June 28, 2010 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Located at 5228 E. Trindle Road in Mechanicsburg, the event will feature guest speakers at 2:00 p.m., including Congressman Todd Platts.

Founded in 1983, the three centers (Dillsburg, Dover and Mechanicsburg West Shore Center) provide emergency crisis assistance, including food, transportation for job purposes, financial assistance for utilities, counseling, and referral services to local, low-income families and individuals. The community-based organization also offers after-school and summer youth programs. Overall, New Hope serves approximately 7,000 people each year in areas within York and Cumberland counties.

According to Eric Saunders, Executive Director of New Hope Ministries, “Congressman Platts was one of the community leaders who brought the unmet human needs of the West Shore area to New Hope’s attention. With the expansion of New Hope Ministries’ services and new building, the communities of Mechanicsburg, Enola, Wormleysburg, Camp Hill, Lemoyne, and New Cumberland will now have access to basic needs services such as food, heat and utilities, and assistance with housing, transportation, and/or healthcare.”

Because of its state-of-the-art features, including loading docks and forklifts, the new location is able to accept larger quantities more efficiently. Unlike other organizations that provide food pantries, New Hope now has the ability to accept large donations from businesses because equipment is available to lift the items. In addition, the center has 15,000 square feet available to stock the donated items, and refrigeration to store food for a longer period of time. By reaching out to members of the communities and area businesses, New Hope is striving to provide over 750 tons of food each year to families and individuals in need.

“The current economic conditions have had a big impact on the nonprofit community; donations are down, but peoples’ needs are up. However, we hope that with the new building, people will be just as excited as we are to help the communities that were being missed when it came to receiving basic needs services. Whether it’s volunteering, donating food, or providing a financial contribution, New Hope welcomes the support,” states Saunders.

Due to limited parking space at the new location, parking for the event will be at 5275 E. Trindle Road, with regular shuttle vans taking guests to and from the center. Should you need special accommodations, please contact New Hope Ministries at 717-432-2087.

About New Hope Ministries
New Hope Ministries is a community-based, Christian, social service agency that shows the love and hope of Christ by meeting the needs of low income families and individuals through our crisis assistance centers in Dillsburg, Dover and Mechanicsburg West Shore. New Hope provides help with food, housing, utility, transportation needs, and medical care to approximately 7,000 individuals from 3,000 different families every year. As New Hope meets the urgent needs of clients in crisis, they also endeavor to counsel them towards long-term stability. In addition, New Hope provides structured after school programs for underprivileged youth to help them learn educational and life skills in order to prepare them for success in school and life. For more information on New Hope Ministries visit www.nhm-pa.org.

New Quality Data on Local Health Care Providers Now Available Online

(York, Pa.) – Recently, Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) – South Central Pennsylvania released new Coronary heart disease care results for more than 50 health care practices in York and Adams counties. AF4Q – South Central PA is known for conducting the I Can! Challenge, which focused a portion of its 12 week challenge on the need to use quality data.

The results can be found at www.aligning4healthpa.org under the Community Checkup. It’s for both the patient and health care provider to use to help take control of chronic conditions like heart disease.

With the overall goal of improving the quality of health care, AF4Q-South Central PA is focusing on chronic conditions first. On the basis of 2005 mortality rate data, nearly 2,400 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day – an average of 1 death every 37. Within York and Adams counties, approximately 5 of every 100 people have heart disease. Patients need to be able to make informed choices about their own care, and doctors need to know what they can improve upon; this new data will help guide patients and doctors in that direction.

Overall, the data shows how well the doctors’ offices are providing care, and how well patients are participating in their care. Specifically, the results indicate whether the practice and patients have good control of the patients’ blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. The data also shows the percentages of patients being prescribed a daily aspirin or aspirin alternative, and what percentage of patients had their body mass index checked during the past year. By using this information, patients can see the types of tests that need to be done for chronic conditions, and ensure they are receiving the appropriate tests.

AF4Q-South Central PA’s Project Director Christine Amy states, “Often, patients aren’t sure what they can do to improve their chronic condition. Therefore, the overall goal with releasing the information is to educate patients and help them see what they can be doing to improve their health. One of the first steps a patient can take to improve his or her chronic condition is to strengthen their relationship with their doctor. Having access to this data helps the patient and physician to work better together as a team in controlling the disease.”

Those who volunteered to participate in the Community Checkup were given evidence-based guidelines and supporting medical literature. As part of the guidelines, doctors were asked to identify all patients in their practice who have heart disease, and submit the data to be analyzed and reported. No personal information that could identify patients or individual physicians was shared. Some of the organizations who volunteered to participate include: Family First Health, Hanover Hospital, Memorial Hospital, WellSpan Health, and many independent primary care physicians.

When viewing the data, individuals can see the name, address, and phone number of the practice, as well as the names of the providers and the link to the practice’s Web site.

The information has been designed to benefit everyone from the patient and doctor, to employers and health plans. Doctors can learn from each other, and do a comparison against other practices. Employers should use the information to share with employees and ensure their benefits cover the needs of their employees, and encourage healthy behaviors.

About Aligning Forces for Quality – South Central Pennsylvania
Aligning Forces for Quality – South Central Pennsylvania (AF4Q – South Central PA) is an initiative of Healthy York County Coalition. Since its establishment in 1994, Healthy York County Coalition (HYCC) has worked to bring together stakeholders from across the community and to unite them in health and wellness efforts. Our Aligning Forces for Quality – South Central Pennsylvania initiative created in 2007, works to improve the care that individuals with chronic disease currently receive. It also conducted the I Can! Challenge, a 12-week challenge developed to give people the direction and support for improving their health. For more information on I Can! Challenge, visit www.ICanChallenge.com, and for more details on AF4Q – South Central PA, visit www.aligning4healthpa.org.

About Aligning Forces for Quality
Aligning Forces for Quality, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) initiative, brings together those who get care, give care and pay for care to improve the quality of health care in entire communities. RWJF’s unprecedented commitment of resources, expertise and training is turning proven practices into real results in 15 communities, including Albuquerque, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Humboldt County (Calif.), Kansas City (Mo.), Maine, Memphis, Minnesota, Puget Sound (Wash.), South Central Pennsylvania, West Michigan, Western New York, Willamette Valley (Ore.) and Wisconsin. For more information, log onto www.rwjf.org/qualityequality/af4q.

Dedicated Trial Lawyer Reappointed to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

(Harrisburg, Pa.) - Stewart L. Cohen, of the Philadelphia law firm Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., has been reappointed to his second, three-year term with the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Cohen, an experienced trial lawyer, represents clients across the country in a variety of individual and class action cases.

The Disciplinary Board is an independent agency funded by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and consists of 13 members, of whom 11 are attorneys and two are non-lawyers, from across the state. The Board assists the Supreme Court in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The members meet regularly to decide cases, policies and board administrative matters.

“It’s an honor to be reappointed to the Board,” says Cohen. “The work we do is important, both to the public and to our profession. It has been a pleasure to serve the last three years with such distinguished members and I look forward to my next term.”

After obtaining his law degree from Temple University School of Law, Cohen was admitted to the Pennsylvania and New York Bar Associations. He practices before the United States District Courts in the Middle, Western and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania; the U.S. Court of Appeals; the Third Circuit Court; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 2010, Cohen is included again in the Best Lawyers of America, the oldest peer-review legal publication. He received the “Distinguished Alumni” award from his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University, where he recently gave a graduation speech. Cohen was also an adjunct law professor at Widener University School of Law for 10 years.

In addition to his prior experience as a Board member for the Disciplinary Board, Cohen was a member and Chair of the Board’s Hearing Committee. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.

Not only is Cohen very involved in legal associations, but he is also dedicated to advocating for people with disabilities. He is the founding Board Member and former president of the Board of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, and Vice President of the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Philadelphia and Vicinity.

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

Former President Judge of the Court of Judicial Discipline Appointed Vice-Chair of Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

(Harrisburg, Pa.) - Private practice lawyer and former President Judge of the Court of Judicial Discipline, Sal Cognetti, Jr., has been named the new Vice-Chair of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for a one-year term. Cognetti has held the position of Board member since 2006. Cognetti is a partner at the law firm of Foley, Cognetti, Comerford, Cimini & Cummins, specializing in civil litigation.

“I feel deeply honored that my colleagues have shown their faith in me by this appointment. I look forward to utilizing my past experience as a Board member to assist Board Chair Carl Buchholz in fulfilling the duties of the Board,” states Cognetti, a native of Scranton, Pa.

The Disciplinary Board is an independent agency funded by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, consisting of 11 attorneys and two non-lawyers from across the state. The Board assists the Supreme Court in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The members meet regularly to decide cases, policies and board administrative matters.

In 2000, former Governor Tom Ridge appointed Cognetti to serve as a judge of the Court of Judicial Discipline. In 2003, Judge Cognetti was elected President Judge of the Court, becoming the first lawyer to ever hold that position.

After earning his law degree from Georgetown University of Law in 1973, Cognetti’s professional career has been diverse. He started with the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He was also an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania.

Currently, Cognetti is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals, U.S. District Courts, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, American Bar Association, and Pennsylvania Bar Association. He has also served on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Policy Council Violence Prevention.

In addition, Cognetti has a background in the corporate world as former owner, vice-president and general counsel for Jos. Notarianni & Co., Inc., which was then one of the largest fresh fruit and produce wholesaler on the East Coast. Cognetti was also Chairman of the Board of First Family Bank in Clifton, N.J.

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

Campaign to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities in Pennsylvania

CAMP HILL, PA - Many people with disabilities want to work, but need training and help to find a job.  In addition, many individuals are afraid of losing social security and medical benefits.  AHEDD, a private, non-profit agency announces the “Works for me” campaign.  The initiative will expand awareness about how people with disabilities can join the workforce.

Launching in October to coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the campaign will respond to what research has found to be several of the greatest barriers to employment among individuals with disabilities - the fear and/or misunderstanding of not receiving the support or training needed to obtain a job or losing financial security and health care benefits if employment is achieved.

“People with disabilities may be able to join the workforce and increase their financial well being,” according to John Miller, AHEDD Vice President.  “The Social Security Administration and PA Department of Public Welfare have made improvements to policies and introduced new initiatives to promote employment.  These efforts complement existing resources and services provided by the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Career Link system.  There are numerous options available to help individuals find employment and increase their financial well being.  “Works for me” helps individuals navigate what is sometimes a confusing system.”

“Works for me” is a resource for people with any kind of disability including mental health, physical, sensory or developmental.  Through a Hotline number (1-866-902-4333 ext. 192), an individual can quickly and easily connect with a coordinator to determine which program is best for them and receive the guidance they need to make a decision about employment.  Information is also available at www.WorksForMe-PA.org.

In Pennsylvania, there are over 530,000 working aged individuals with disabilities (ages 18-64), and over 60,000 youth receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration.  According to a National Beneficiary Survey conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, 44% of beneficiaries reported a goal of getting a job or a better paying job within the next five years.  Of these, over half were working or actively seeking employment during the prior year of the survey.  This study and related initiatives contrast a common stereotype that people with disabilities can not work and will rely on government benefits for their entire life.  According to Miller, “this represents a profound economic development opportunity for the state and local communities.”

On an individual level, there are countless benefits associated with employment for people with disabilities.  “Employment gives a sense of purpose, pride, accomplishment and becomes part of a person’s identity,” he explained.  “It provides an opportunity to take part in the community, develop new relationships and give back to society.”  The “Works for me” program will encourage those who want to be employed and have the drive and motivation to join the workforce to do so without facing intimidation from complex and confusing rules and other barriers.

The “Works for me” campaign kick-offs in October with statewide television and billboard advertising in addition to the launch of a new Hotline and Web site.  The campaign will share personal stories of people with disabilities who, through employment, have benefited both personally and financially.  One such featured story will be that of Oni, a 50-year-old, Philadelphia woman employed as a Community Work Incentive Coordinator.

Oni is working because it helped her improve her quality of life.  She discovered the WIPA program and found out what she’s eligible to receive without losing benefits.  “Since working, I’m getting to a point where I don’t have to rely on social security anymore,” Oni said.  “And it’s opened doors for things I wasn’t aware of.”

“I was scared that I would start to work and lose my benefits,” she explained.  “But, I found out about WIPA, and realized that’s not true.  I’ve had improvements made to my home to make it more accessible and received funding for my wheelchair.”

“Works for me” represents resources that can direct you to agencies and programs that help people with disabilities in Pennsylvania get a job.  We will review your specific situation and guide you to resources that will help you find a job, obtain training, keep health insurance, get assistive technology, or find other support you may need.  There are many great reasons to work and, with the resources we have available, it is possible!  And, contrary to what some people believe, you can work without losing your financial security or health care benefits.  “Works for me” is here to help answer your questions about working!

To learn more about personal stories or obtain additional information, please contact Karen Gross at (717) 432-2468 or visit www.WorksForMe-PA.org.

About AHEDD
AHEDD is a private, non-profit agency with a mission to serve the community as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with disabilities.  Established in 1977 with headquarters in Camp Hill, PA, AHEDD serves the community by collaborating with business, government and people with disabilities.  AHEDD provides employment services and community education through a field office network throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.  AHEDD has collaborated with Suasion, LLC of Dillsburg, PA to design and launch the “Works for me” campaign.  Suasion is a marketing and communications firm providing services to nonprofit and mission-based for-profit organizations such as health care providers; educational institutions; social services; advocacy, protection and education organizations; associations; and, long term and continuing care facilities.

This document was produced with funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA# 93.768).

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Experienced Trial and Appellate Attorney Named Vice-Chair of Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz at 717-432-2468 or email at Megan@TheSuasionWay.com.

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