DRP Applauds Governor Wolf’s Executive Order on Employment First

Disability Rights Pennsylvania Applauds Governor Wolf’s Executive Order on Employment First

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 11, 2016

Contact: Peri Jude Radecic, CEO

(717) 236-8110 ext. 302

Harrisburg, PA – Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP), a leader in disability rights legal and advocacy services for nearly forty (40) years, applauds Governor Wolf for his Executive Order to establish administrative policies that competitive and integrated employment shall be considered the first option when serving persons with disabilities of transition and working age in Pennsylvania.

Governor Wolf’s Executive Order contains specific recommendations and action steps to ensure that state agencies prioritize, coordinate, and implement Employment First policies.

“We are heartened by the progress Pennsylvania has made with one signature,” said Peri Jude Radecic, Chief Executive Officer of DRP.  “The Governor took an important step toward providing many people with disabilities, including students in the critical stage of preparation for adult life, the opportunity to work in the community, earning a living wage, versus spending their days in a workshop or day program earning nothing or a subminimum wage.”

The Governor’s Executive Order can be found at https://www.governor.pa.gov/executive_orders/executive-order-2016-03-establishing-employment-first-policy-and-increasing-competitive-integrated-employment-for-pennsylvanians-with-a-disability/

The Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) is the statewide protection and advocacy agency for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.  DRP protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities so that they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation.  DRP’s vision is a Commonwealth where people of all abilities are equal and free.  www.disabilityrightspa.org.

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