December 08, 2022 | Press Release.pdf

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — People with disabilities across Pennsylvania will soon be able to share stories of empowerment and successful employment through a project launched by national nonprofit Community Options, Inc.

Empowerment Through Employment will identify and publicize stories by and about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

“We’re excited to launch this project and to share incredible stories of people with disabilities finding success in employment,” said Lacie Parker, Community Options’ Vice President in Pennsylvania. “Success stories reduce an important barrier by promoting inclusion to employers.”

Stories will focus on Pennsylvanians with disabilities who are engaged in competitive integrated employment, higher education, vocational training, or other meaningful community-based activities. Though storytellers will have unique backgrounds and identities, all stories will promote self-determination and choice.

“We are pleased to support this project, which is directly in line with our mission to empower people with disabilities and promote the understanding of the life experiences of people with disabilities,” said Lisa A. Tesler, Executive Director at the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

The project aims to raise audience awareness about the capabilities of people with disabilities and to increase demand for supported employment services statewide. Stories will be told at events in five regions across the state. The stories will be made available to the public digitally and through print.

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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 50 offices across 11 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information, please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.