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Authors Posts by Sharon Militello

Sharon Militello

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As communications director, Sharon Militello is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the association website and social media pages; editing and preparation of communications; preparing and running webcasts; cultivating media relations; and maintaining relationships with technology support vendors.

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Registration is now open for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity: Enhancing Lives and Shaping the Future!

Our impressive keynote speakers will include:

  • Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, PA Dept. of Human Services
    State of the State. The secretary will discuss current critical issues for human services providers.
  • Chaz Kellem, Highmark Health
    Beyond Accessibility: Diversity and Inclusion in the Disability Community. This session will engage participants in exploring the intersection of race and disability through the lens of consumers.
  • John T. Broderick, Jr., Juris Doctor
    Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health: It’s Way Past Time. Broderick believes that “we have the ability to change the culture and the way mental health is viewed.” R.E.A.C.T. was developed to provide clear next steps when someone sees any of the five signs of emotional suffering in another person.
We are excited to share our registration brochure, which contains a full listing of workshops, general sessions, and Connections Hall offerings, with multiple networking opportunities. We have a well-rounded roster containing workshops on everything critical to the health and human resources fields, including value-based purchasing, the workforce crisis, and artificial intelligence and technology. Visit our Conference website for the latest information. Claim your seat today!

Note: Sponsor and exhibitor spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to complete the sponsor/exhibitor brochure! Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions.

#rcpaconf

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Individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A), their families, and ID/A service providers held a rally on June 28 at the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to increase funding for services and support in the 2023/24 budget. Providers told those assembled in the Capitol rotunda that nearly 60,000 Pennsylvanians are at risk because there are not enough direct support professionals (DSPs) to care for them. Advocates pressed lawmakers to restore the $170 million in funding to invest into fee schedule rates to support DSPs and services.

“Across the state, we are seeing that there is insufficient staff to meet needs or no staff at all,” said Richard S. Edley, PhD, Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association president and CEO. “DSPs are overworked and depleted and have compromised their own health to serve individuals with ID/A. Program closures have eliminated essential services and also affected the health of individuals served. Underfunding a system where individuals and families are already waiting for or losing needed services simply compounds a dire situation. We need to come together to help those in need.”

View news clips and photos of those who advocated at this event for ID/A services funding below.

WENY (Lilly Broadcasting)
VIDEO: “The Collapse Is Here” Intellectual Disability and Autism Care Providers Issue Dire Warning to Pa. Lawmakers

Penn Watch (Featuring RCPA President/CEO Richard S. Edley, PhD)
“The Collapse is Here”

 

IDA Rally 06-28-23 Amy Lutz, Author and Parent, PAAL with Richard Edley, RCPA
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Crowd at Rally 1
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Crowd at Rally 2
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Carol Ferenz, RCPA with Rep Stephen Kinsey and Gloria Satriale, PAAL
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Sherri Landis, ARC of PA
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Karen Beaston Janeen Latin from UCP and Lynda Bowen
IDA Rally 06 28 23 Emmett IDA Child With Mother Elizabeth Tolis
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Signs from Rally Closeup
Sample Sign from IDA Rally 06-28-23
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Rep Patty Kim with Carol Ferenz, RCPA
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Rep Kinsey Signs Letter Supporting IDA Funds
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Amy Lutz, PAAL, Speaking to Supporters
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Karen Beasley, Parent of Child w/IDA, Addresses Those in Attendance
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Carol Ferenz, RCPA with Rep Stephen Kinsey
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Elizabeth Tolis and Child Emmett with IDA
IDA Rally 06-28-23 Signs from Rally
IDA Rally 06-08-23 Woman Addresses Crowd of Supporters
IDA Rally 06-08-23 All Speakers Were Well Received
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