SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017 · 9 LENDINGAHAND people with significant disabilities in the workforce earning at least minimum wage and to make employment the preferred option for youth and adults with disabilities. The legislation was introduced this summer by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) and Rep. Dan Miller (D-Mt. Lebanon) in the House and by Senator Bob Mensch (R-Pennsburg) in the Senate. “I think if you look at the investment that’s been made in the last 20 years, the change in philosophy that has come about in terms of inclusion in schools, the next logical step is expanding those opportunities into the workplace,” said Miller, who represents the 42nd district, including Dormont and Castle Shannon. “It does us no good to spend all this time and resources in making sure that someone with a disability is afforded an appropriate public education if they can never get a job because of, perhaps, ignorance of what accommodation can look like in the workplace. To me, it’s the natural progression of the movement for people with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. We have to be sure to provide those tools and open those doors.” While thousands of students with disabilities graduate each year and are ready and able to work, the current workforce participation of people with disabilities in Pennsylvania is 20 percent. One of the greatest barriers to people with disabilities finding work in the state now, Badger said, is that when people with disabilities aren’t out in the community and the workplace in the numbers they should be, it furthers unfounded discrimination and a lack of understanding about their ability to be successful in employment. Employers also might not know that there are supports such as job coaches and OVR resources that help individuals with disabilities at their jobs. Or, they could be SUBMITTED Rep. Dan Miller (D-Mt. Lebanon, center) is all smiles during a parade in downtown Pittsburgh. He, along with Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), introduced Employment First PA legislation in the state House of Representatives. Specializing in rehabilitation services at home Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Medical Social Work Skilled Nursing Serving the Allegheny Kiski Valley: 724-337-0420 westarmhomecare.com adno=6499630 1172560 Skilled Short & Long-Term Rehabilitation A small, local business providing tender loving care. 724.352.9445 Saxonburg, PA www.saxonyhealthcenter.org CALL US FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION QCF/Saxony Health Center, LLC d/b/a Saxony Health Center. We subscribe to a non-discrimination policy adno=6493309
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