PA Connecting Communities( PACC) imagines a world where people with disabilities have equal access to the rights, opportunities and benefits enjoyed by all other citizens, which includes the support they need to live meaningful, productive, happy lives. Founded in 2004, the mission of PACC is to empower individuals with disabilities and provide opportunities to improve their quality of life.
PACC achieves its mission by implementing a broad range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, including Behavior Services, Connecting Me Home, Home and Community, Events, Programs & Activities, and Transition Services.
SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
Connecting Individuals, Disabilities, Communities
One of its longest-running and mostsuccessful programs is through Supportive Employment Services and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation( OVR).
The focus of PACC’ s Supportive Employment Services and OVR team is to increase competitive integrated employment for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. PACC has a vocational center to evaluate and place individuals of all ages who have various forms of disabilities. The OVR team evaluates each participant’ s ability to seek employment and provides community assessment opportunities, job coaching, and employment preparedness.
In fiscal year 23-24, the OVR and Supportive Employment Services team assisted 140 unique individuals with job finding and job skill development.
These skilled and caring professionals thoughtfully build meaningful relationships with the individuals they support. One example of successful progression can be found in Bryan’ s story. Bryan worked in an administrative setting at The Pittsburgh Conference( Pittcon) with support from PACC’ s OVR team for over two years, during which he experienced significant personal growth.
Bryan has always been triggered by loud noises and was unable to perform his duties when they occurred, and could not handle work responsibilities that were loud. Pittcon eventually needed to move offices, and he was responsible for helping to pack up boxes. When some glass was broken, not only was Bryan able to pick up the pieces but also used the vacuum cleaner in the process— this was a major feat for him! His mother and support staff were so proud. Since then, Bryan has been able to vacuum at the office when asked.
For more information about this amazing program or to join the PACC team, call 412.621.6151.
8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com