Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living

06/30/2023

Be sure to tune in for our President, Misty Dion of Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living to present Session 1 of the ADA Mini-Con Part 2, July 19th. Misty will provide a deeper understanding of Title I of the ADA, including the definition of disability, covered employers and employment practices, qualification standards and essential job functions, the fundamentals of reasonable accommodation, and disability-based harassment and retaliation. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/ltZIad0

Join Misty Dion for Session 1 of the ADA Mini-Con Part 2, July 19th. Misty will provide a deeper understanding of Title I of the ADA, including the definition of disability, covered employers and employment practices, qualification standards and essential job functions, the fundamentals of reasonable accommodation, and disability-based harassment and retaliation. Learn more here: https://loom.ly/ltZIad0

04/13/2023

Great Organization! Great Mission!

11/03/2022

301 Chestnut Street Suite 300 Harrisburg, PA 17101 1-800-692-7443 [Voice] 1-877-375-7139 [TDD] (717) 236-8110 [Voice] (833) 699-2110 [Fax Toll Free] (717) 236-0192 [Fax]

11/03/2022

We are so happy to announce that we will now be the Center for Independent Living (CIL) for Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties!

If you or someone you know has a disability and lives in any of these counties please contact us. We are conducting a needs-based assessment to get a better idea of what our community members are experiencing in these counties.

Please contact Latoya Maddox, Senior ILS Specialist Supervisor, for more information. (215) 634-2000 Ext. 114 or [email protected]

10/28/2022

Dignitaries speaking at the Harrisburg Disability Pride Day!

10/28/2022

Great Topic!

  Judi’s Room Wednesday, November 2, 2022 3:00 PM Pacific 4:00 PM Mountain 5:00 PM Central 6:00 PM Eastern & Atlantic Standard 6 AM Eastern Australia, 12 PM Hawaii, 7 PM Brazil Standard, 11 PM in Ireland & UK   Pre-registration is required. To register click HERE   Becoming an Advocate for Chan...

07/18/2022

For our friends with Mental Health issues.

📞Who can call 988?
988 can be used by anyone, any time, at no cost. Trained crisis response professionals can support people with a behavioral or mental health crisis or people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis. Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no cost to the caller.
Find out more about 988 in Pennsylvania: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Pages/988.aspx

07/15/2022

Great Place to Work! Come join their team!

We are !!
IL Part-time Coordinator for the Lebanon Area
If interested contact Jackie Nagle, Executive DIrector at [email protected] for full job description.

07/01/2022

Meeting the candidate for an important cause!

LRI’s CEO, Thomas Earle with PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro and friends discussing home & community-based services and supports for people with disabilities, as well as improving living wages and healthcare for Direct Care Workers in Philadelphia & across Pennsylvania.
Our homes, not nursing homes!

06/08/2022

Congrats to all the speakers!!! Your voices were heard!

06/08/2022

Important Information.

an update on the baby formula crisis from U.S. Senator Bob Casey:

"Families in need of infant formula across the Commonwealth and Nation will soon see relief thanks to Operation Fly Formula. While the Biden Administration has made progress in getting millions of bottles of formula on store shelves and the FDA is working with Abbott Nutrition to restart operations at its Michigan facility, much more needs to be done. This kind of crisis can never happen again.

I have been hard at work on this issue, pressing the FDA and Abbott for answers and manufacturers for action.

HOW TO FIND MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Department of Health and Human Services' website to find information about safe substitutes, the foreign formulas being imported and additional resources through local community action agencies like United Way, accredited milk banks, and more. You can also sign up for email updates from HHS and the FDA. Both agencies also provide the latest updates via Twitter through and Sarojini Nagar

05/25/2022

Congrats!!!

We welcome Brianna McGovern as ’s new Disability Resource Manager! She is assisting in the growth of AIM’s Core Services, Community Outreach, and STARS programs. She is excited to work with consumers on a personal level and forge new paths for AIM.

05/09/2022

Important Sign up Information!

04/29/2022

Very important information!

“What happened to David Italiano can happen to anyone you love too. Courts, Area Agencies on Aging, Adult Protective Services and even ombudsmen, who are routinely misapplying guardianships that strip us of our rights to live independently in our own homes, to communicate freely with friends, families and advocates and other basic civil liberties, needs to end! The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has the opportunity in this case, with the help of CILs, to ensure that David is set free and receives his long-term care services in the least restrictive setting appropriate to his needs.” Misty Dion, CEO, Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living



Read full press release here:http://psychrights.org/States/Pennsylvania/DavidItaliano/220425PCILNewsRelease.pdf

04/28/2022

“Our organization is broadly recognized by both federal and state agencies as qualified and experienced to advocate for disabled and older people seeking services to preserve and promote their dignity and rights. Warehousing David in an institution and depriving him of his right to connect with loved ones and friends, while prohibiting us from continuing to provide him the essential services he requests, is a gross violation of his legal and human rights.” Misty Dion, CEO, Roads to Freedom CIL.

“What happened to David Italiano can happen to anyone you love too. Courts, Area Agencies on Aging, Adult Protective Services and even ombudsmen, who are routinely misapplying guardianships that strip us of our rights to live independently in our own homes, to communicate freely with friends, families and advocates and other basic civil liberties, needs to end! The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has the opportunity in this case, with the help of CILs, to ensure that David is set free and receives his long-term care services in the least restrictive setting appropriate to his needs.” Misty Dion, CEO, Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living



Read full press release here:http://psychrights.org/States/Pennsylvania/DavidItaliano/220425PCILNewsRelease.pdf

04/28/2022

“Our organization is broadly recognized by both federal and state agencies as qualified and experienced to advocate for disabled and older people seeking services to preserve and promote their dignity and rights. Warehousing David in an institution and depriving him of his right to connect with loved ones and friends, while prohibiting us from continuing to provide him the essential services he requests, is a gross violation of his legal and human rights.” Misty Dion, CEO, Roads to Freedom CIL.

Wormleysburg, Pa. -- On April 18, disability advocates and Independent Living Centers filed an Amicus Brief with the state Supreme Court regarding long-term care services for people with disabilities.

04/12/2022

Very Important Meeting...Please register.

Sharing for on Independent Living. Happening TOMORROW at 10 am.

03/29/2022

Please attend this great event!

Please join us at Day at Millersville University on Monday April 4. Register Here: https://pihec.regfox.com/mu-disability-pride-day

03/10/2022

Great Resource Offered by one of our members!

03/09/2022

Great Work RTF!!!

02/10/2022

Great company to work for...with great opportunities!

is HIRING! We are searching for talented candidates and encourage individuals with disabilities to apply! To learn more, click here: https://abilitiesinmotion.org/careers

02/07/2022

DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Lancaster, PA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is seeking a progressive executive, grounded in the independent living movement, who will lead the organization through transition to its next stage of growth and expansion. The purpose of DEC is to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives and to promote a barrier-free community through public education and advocacy. The organization is governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities who bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to their work in assisting consumers.

The Executive Director is responsible for implementation of the Inclusion Policy for integration into all aspects of society, where every member of the community experiences myriad opportunities, not a multitude of barriers. The intent of the Inclusion Policy is to establish a culture of inclusion as a means of undoing marginalization as an outcome in all activities of the Disability Empowerment Center.

The Executive Director maintains administrative responsibility for all aspects of the Disability Empowerment Center’s (DEC) operation.

Reports to:

DEC Board of Directors

Principal Duties
The Executive Director:

• Develops and implements DEC’s programs and activities
• Establishes procedures consistent with agency policy
• Develops a sustainable financial portfolio
• Supervises staff, completes performance evaluations, and takes disciplinary action when necessary; hires and terminates staff as needed
• Has responsibility for all fiscal matters
• Oversees agency, individual, community, and legislative activities and coordinates these with local, state, and national groups.
• Promotes the Independent Living (IL) movement through education and community action,
• Represents DEC on committees, boards, and task forces as appropriate
• Researches available grants and prepares or supervises the preparation of grant proposals
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in an appropriate field
o Masters preferred
• work experience in disability rights and the development of supports and services
• Personal experience with the disability culture and related supports
• Computer skills to include Microsoft office Suite
• Fiscal Management experience
• Supervision experience
• Good organizational skills and verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and multi-task
• Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act

Employee Acknowledgment
I have reviewed this job description, discussed the contents with officers of the Board of Directors, and am aware of my duties and responsibilities.
Employee Signature ____________________________ Date ___________

The Disability Empowerment Center is an equal opportunity employer. DEC does not discriminate in regard to race, creed, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability status. DEC has a policy of employing persons with disability, when possible.
Interested Applicants please provide;

 Resume,
 Letter of interest,
 An example of a grant or request for funding
 Three letters of reference,

To: Deborah Herr ([email protected])

01/24/2022

Great Place to Work!!!

01/20/2022

Dan was a great guy...he will be missed by all of us! RIP.

Share memories & support the family

01/07/2022

Broadband opportunities!!!

[TEXT]: Need help paying for broadband service and Internet? The US government opened up applications for a new program that offers qualifying residents up to $75 off their monthly internet bills per month. Called the Affordable Connectivity Program, the initiative is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission and funded through the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law, passed in November.
[LINK]: http://ow.ly/czMX50HmeMQ

01/07/2022

Great opportunity to learn about finance planning for people with disabilities.

Free sessions open to anyone interested in learning more about teaching personal finance to people with disabilities

Part 1 - Best Practices That Work – Expert Panel Shares Techniques
January 12, 2021 at 12:00pm
Part 2 - Shared Experiences: What Worked For Us – People Share Their Experiences
January 26, 2021 at 12:00pm

Follow the links above to register for each session. If you have any questions or need assistance with registering, please contact PATF at 888-744-1938 or [email protected].

Learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program!
Free webinar for individuals with disabilities, families and professionals.
A PA ABLE Savings Program account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. The state and federal tax-free investment options are offered to encourage Eligible Individuals and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life.
To help you learn about the important features and benefits of PA ABLE, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is hosting free webinars.
Some of the topics that we will discuss include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits of PA ABLE, and how PA ABLE account interacts with current benefits.
· Wednesday, January 19, 2022 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
· Tuesday, March 1, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Employers and HR professionals can participate in an overview webinar about the PA ABLE program, learning:
· What PA ABLE is
· Who is eligible
· How employees use accounts
· How to set up payroll deduction

01/07/2022

Great company to work for!

01/07/2022

Great winter tips!

Do you live on a state-maintained road? We have some shoveling tips for you! By clearing a spot before your driveway, the plow is able to unload snow there. This means less snow will be left in the opening of your freshly shoveled driveway.
❄️👉 www.penndot.gov/winter

01/07/2022

Useful information regarding Social Security

11/10/2021

Pennsylvania caregivers say low pay has become a crisis. They held a rally Tuesday morning in Harrisburg calling on lawmakers to make changes.

11/10/2021

Great Event!!! Awesome Testimonies!!

Testimonials from Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver recipients in Pennsylvania, regarding the current state of services, caregiver pay, and more.

11/03/2021

READ and SHARE!

MindFreedom International (MFI) in conjunction with Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living (RTFCIL), has issued a Shield Alert for David Italiano, a person with a disability who was placed under by the court because of a physically abusive wife who later died.

Read more here:
https://3f2c1a28-59d6-49c1-8cc2-61edc0ef25ef.filesusr.com/ugd/78db76_8982fb148bb24c03982bd7fe8b49183c.pdf

Check out our website to see how you can help:
https://www.cilncp.org/

Image description: A photo of David's writing in his journal. The words "Please Don’t Murder Me” circled and written in dark red stand out towards the bottom of the page.

10/25/2021

Such an important rally!!! Join us!

Consumers and Direct Care workers Unite!
We demand quality Home and Community Based Services and Livable Wages for our workers!

Join Us!
November 9th 11AM-12PM
Harrisburg, PA.
Outdoor fountain of the capitol building on Commonwealth Ave.

Contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) to Coordinate legislative visits with your Reps.

Find your CIL here:
https://pasilc.org/independent-living/

Image: Black and white pic of a man sitting in his wheelchair holding an American flag. The capitol rotunda is in the background. Information layered on top of and around the image on the flyer states: PA SILC and PCIL present Rally for Our Lives.

10/23/2021

Consumers and Direct Care workers Unite!
We demand quality Home and Community Based Services and Livable Wages for our workers!

Join Us!
November 9th 11AM-12PM
Harrisburg, PA.
Outdoor fountain of the capitol building on Commonwealth Ave.

Contact your local Center for Independent Living (CIL) to Coordinate legislative visits with your Reps.

Find your CIL here:
https://pasilc.org/independent-living/

Image: Black and white pic of a man sitting in his wheelchair holding an American flag. The capitol rotunda is in the background. Information layered on top of and around the image on the flyer states: PA SILC and PCIL present Rally for Our Lives.

09/29/2021

Still Time to get in!

[TEXT]: On Sept. 30 at 3pm ET, Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) and Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley will host a virtual program about Supported Decision-Making for Professionals and Educators.
Register here: [LINK]: https://jfslv.org/sdm101

08/31/2021

Two great educators!

08/31/2021

Great Event!

08/31/2021

Thanks for helping us out.

[TEXT]: Show off your by donating your gently worn, used and new shoes to our fundraiser! Every pair you donate turns into funds for us, is kept out of landfills and helps micro-entrepreneurs around the world!

Thanks to the following businesses and organizations in the community who are supporting us by having drop boxes for shoe collection: Aardvark Sports Shop - Bethlehem, Guardian Life, AMC Theatres Allentown 16, Tilghman Square 8 and Center Valley 16 locations, Lehigh Carbon Community College, and Traditions of America at Saucon Valley. More locations to be announced!

Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) is partnering with Funds2Orgs who will collect these shoes from LVCIL and deliver them to people in developing nations who start micro-businesses that will create a sustainable income for their families.

All shoes can be dropped off at LVCIL's Allentown office.
The only thing we can't take is ice skates and rollers skates, but we'll take all cleats, flip flops, shoes, sneakers, boots, and slippers in good condition with no rips, holes, or tears.

08/31/2021

Good Information to know!

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced that over 323,000 borrowers who have significant and permanent disabilities will qualify for the relief from student loan debt.

08/31/2021

Great opportunity for our Artist!

[TEXT]: It's no secret that you're all talented! Why not show it off? Our Virtual Talent Show will be on Wednesday, September 15, from 2:15-3:15 PM. We will also be hosting a Paint N Sip during the show using art supplies from our conference swag bags! Register today to get your complimentary swag!

[LINK]:Conference Registration: https://thefightgoeson.secure-platform.com/?fbclid=IwAR1NHgQo9GJxlcydND-9ctK9pAkmcDz-lIGgGUI092DXfSDZ5_Ig_nEEjaQ

[LINK]: Talent Show Registration: https://thefightgoeson.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/login/3?returnUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fthefightgoeson.secure-platform.com%2Fa%2Fsolicitations%2F3%2Fhome