Today, June 5, members of the Coalition for the Preservation of Employment Choice and RCPA urged the PA General Assembly to preserve protections and programs meant for those with IDD, including preserving Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Those speaking detailed how a loss of such programs would limit those with IDD to education and workplace options.
Richard Edley, PhD, President and CEO of RCPA, defended the programs, stating, “When you systematically limit choice, you are taking away a basic principle of helping people with disabilities.”

Also speaking at the rally was Colleen Stuart, CEO of Venango Training and Development Center, Inc., President of the Coalition for the Preservation of Employment Choice, and incoming Board Chair for RCPA. Colleen spoke of those with IDD in the workforce and education, asserting, “Without adequate rates that cover the cost of services, they will lose this choice, as providers will not be able to maintain.”

George Gwilliam of Cori’s Place, who also serves as an RCPA Board Member, was present, as well, speaking on behalf of those with IDD who would be impacted by the loss of protections.

Read the full press release here.


















Those who spoke at our rally included RCPA President/CEO Richard Edley (left) and RCPA SUD Treatment Services Policy Director Jason Snyder (right). The two spoke of insufficient funding, overbearing regulations, and other issues deeply affecting human services providers in the Commonwealth.



Lloyd Wertz, Executive Director of Family Training and Advocacy Center (left), and Sherri Landis, Executive Director of The Arc of PA (right), were also in attendance. Both spoke passionately on the challenges facing those working in health and human services.







