2022 PRA Annual Presidents Message
As I wrap up my term as President of the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association, I wanted to leave you with some highlights from the year.
Like every other year for PRA, 2022 began with the introduction of some new board members. We welcomed Jennifer Radick, Sue Soderberg, Katie Young, and Jess Hanula. Seth Acosta and Janet Fiore, both long time members of PRA, also joined to fill two board vacancies due to resignation.
At the end of 2021/beginning of 2022, PRA renewed two Zoom Pro Licenses to continue to operate efficiently, effectively, and safely. This decision allowed PRA to successfully offer its member-related services as we have in the past, along with some additional services with the capacity to reach individuals across the state of Pennsylvania and beyond.
This year, The Pennsylvania Rehabilitation utilized its approval to be a CRCC Alternative Provider to bring valuable continuing education to its members. This was accomplished through our Professional Development Institute and Lunch & Learn series. The second annual Lunch & Learn series included topics such as Intro to Youth Mental Health First Aid, Alopecia Areata and Cosmetic Health Conditions: Implications for VR and Quality of Life, Domestic Violence Among People With Disabilities, Enhancing Opportunities in Apprenticeships for Persons with Disabilities in Pennsylvania, and the Art of Flourishing: Positive Psychology. In 2022, PRA had the opportunity to provide these credits at no charge to participants. Historically this was offered to members at no cost and to non-members at a nominal cost. As a way to introduce non-members to PRA, increase diverse topics to professionals across the field of rehabilitation, and increase membership, we voted to provide these continuing education opportunities at no cost to non-members. We look forward to continuing this series next year as it was highly successful and well received.
In April 2022, PRA hosted the Professional Development Institute virtually using the zoom platform. PRA was able to offer 6.75 CRC credits, 3.5 of which were Ethics credits. Mental Health Advocate, Motivational Speaker and Comedian, Gab Bonesso delivered an outstanding opening keynote on mental health and resilience. Our AM breakout sessions covered topics such as Disability Life Planning, Meeting the Vocational Rehabilitation Needs of Individuals with Serious Mental Illness, Fundamental Trauma Principals, and A Stepwise Approach to Vocational Rehabilitation After TBI. The 4th Annual Ralph Pacinelli Policy Forum facilitated a conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice with panelists Hattie McCarter, Jamar Thrasher, and TaLisa Ramos. Our PM breakout sessions covered topics such as Evidence Based Mindfulness Interventions for Neurodivergent Individuals and Individuals with Treatment Needs and Involved in the Criminal Justice System. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion and Entrepreneur, Hattie McCarter closed the conference with a powerful keynote on Intersectionality. A special thank you to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for supporting PRA by nominating staff from each district office & central office to attend this conference, as well as provide interpreters for the event.
Our Awards Committee continue to work hard on reaching out to secure nominations for various PRA Awards as they do each year. I would like to thank Bonnie Bluett, Judy Pena and the entire PRA Awards Committee on their diligent, enthusiastic and hard work each year on behalf of PRA.
This year, PRA had the opportunity to write a letter of support to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) backing the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s efforts in obtaining the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) grant. PA OVR was among just 14 states to be awarded this almost 14-million-dollar grant which is aimed at decreasing the amount of individuals currently working in or seeking subminimum wage environments and increasing access to competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities.
In October, PRA participated in the PA Disability Pride event at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Disability Pride PA promotes visibility and cultivates the pride felt within the community as they advocate for an inclusive world. PRA was proud to have representation at the event and network with other agencies, organizations, and individuals in the disability community to promote inclusivity and equity.
As with other years, our Past-President, Jennifer Radick worked in partnership with the National Rehabilitation Association to initiate the process of 2023 Board Member nominations and voting. At the last PRA Board meeting, Katie Young volunteered, and was approved by the board to fill the role of the Second Vice President for 2023. Five board vacancies (4 annual board positions and 1 vacancy due to resignation) have been filled for the 2023. Welcome to Thomas Blumenthal, Shaina Shelton, and Katie Acosta, and a special welcome back to Dr. Rebecca Dalgin and Seth Acosta. We look forward to having you all join the PRA Board bringing your passion, enthusiasm, and experience.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the PRA team for all of their hard work and dedication to this organization this past year. Because of your commitment to PRA, we have been able to provide continuing education opportunities to professionals through the state of Pennsylvania and beyond. We have advocated for the funding of programming to ensure that all individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to pursue competitive, integrated employment. We have developed a strategic plan to ensure the stability and prosperity of an organization which fights for the rights of all Pennsylvanians with diverse abilities. And most importantly we have embodied our mission and commitment to the advancement of rehabilitation to promote full inclusion of people with disabilities in our communities and abroad.
Together we can strive for a world that doesn’t just aim for basic human rights, but provides opportunities to crush barriers, celebrate diversity, and THRIVE in the face of adversity. I have been honored to serve as the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association President for the past year and look forward to continuing to serve on Executive Board as the Past President for the 2023 term.
Be well,
Amy L. Moore, MS, CRC
2022 PRA President