Disability Awareness Day at Pennsylvania Capitol

The Pennsylvania Capitol became a one-stop resource for people living with physical and cognitive disabilities today as a multitude of public and private providers gathered in the Main Rotunda for State Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s annual Disability Awareness Day in Harrisburg. 

Legislators and visitors to the Capitol met with staff from AgrAbility PA to learn more about those working in agriculture who have a disability or long-term health condition. Exhibitors including AgrAbility PA shared information about assistive services and technologies to kick-off National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Pennsylvania during October. The observance calls attention to disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities.  

“People living with physical and cognitive challenges often face an uphill battle

Kendra, Abbie, and Jackie at Disability Awareness Day in October 2018.

as they seek to work, go to school and manage their daily lives,” Tartaglione said. “Fortunately, Pennsylvania has many public agencies and private organizations whose mission is to help.” 

Additional exhibitors included the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Assistive Technology, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Einstein/Moss Rehab, Living Well Your Way, the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA, and Uniquesource.  

“People with disabilities fulfill a vital role in Pennsylvania’s workforce and they should be given every opportunity to participate,” Tartaglione said. Senator Tartaglione has long been a leading advocate in Pennsylvania for people with disabilities. She was instrumental in creating the state’s Office for People with Disabilities, which serves as a go-to source for information about the many state and county agencies that offer services for people who need assistance in their daily lives.