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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Miller, AHEDD (717) 763-0968, ext. 118 or john.miller@ahedd.org
Campaign
to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities in Pennsylvania
CAMP HILL, PA (October 12, 2009) 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,
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
provide the guidance they need to make a decision about employment. Information is also available at www.WorksForMe-PA.org.
In PA, 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 all of 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.
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
mission-based nonprofit 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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