Transitional Paths to Independent Living - TRPIL

A friendly reminder that the TRPIL office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, September 3rd. We wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

The monumental Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed 34 years ago today, establishing civil rights for people with disabilities. At the signing pictured here, President Bush famously stated, "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down." Join us today in celebration of this moment, along with all of the incredible dedication and hard work that it took to get there.

Pictured here with President Bush from L-to-R: Reverend Harold Wilke, Evan Kemp (Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission), Sandra Parrino (Chairwoman of the National Council on Disability), and Justin Dart Jr., Chair of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and widely regarded as "the father of the ADA” and “the godfather of the disability rights movement."

Visionaries and self-advocates worked tirelessly to fight stigmas and discrimination, securing the passage of the ADA. By pushing the limit and breaking boundaries, the ideals & effects of the independent living movement were felt far and wide on this day in 1990, an absolute paramount moment in disability history.

Photo courtesy of the incomparable Tom Olin, photographer who has documented the disability rights movement since 1984 (www.tomolincollection.com)

Thank you to our good friends at Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living for featuring TRPIL during Disability Pride & Awareness Month!

We head a little west this afternoon to our next stop, where liberty and justice for people with disabilities has been the cornerstone of their history for 30+ years!!

Transitional Paths to Independent Living - TRPIL is, dedicated to creating a service delivery system that empowers people with disabilities to take control of their lives, and become active and productive members of their communities.

Serve: Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties

Check out their July calendar and join one of their many classes they have for individuals with disabilities.

Our good friends at Voices For Independence are NOW HIRING PAS Schedulers right here in Washington, PA! For more information on this opportunity, please see the shared post below.

Voices for Independence is NOW HIRING PAS Schedulers in Washington, PA! For more information, or to apply today, simply visit: https://voicesforindependence.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2ewqp4i5dxo/aa0

Don't forget-- this Saturday, Miss Rain Day will be holding her "Walk for Hearing" in Rices Landing PA, benefiting our good friends at Voices For Independence!

To learn more about this great event, please see the shared post below!

Join Miss Rain Day 2023 Abby Ray on Saturday, July 20th at the Greene River Trail (Rices Landing trail head) for her event, Walk for Hearing. Registration by donation is at 8am and the walk begins at 9am.

In 2020, Abby was diagnosed with being hard of hearing, a moment that initially left her feeling embarrassed and uncertain. The experience has since transformed her into a source of strength and motivation. As part of her service project, she is proud to organize a Walk for Hearing.

📩 Miss Rain Day
📞 724-231-3092
🔗 https://visitgreene.org/event/walk-for-hearing/

Miss Rain Day Pageant

Proceeds will go to Voices of Independence, an non profit that provides essential resources and support for individuals with any disability, advocating for independence and accessibility for all.

Congratulations to our good friends at Voices For Independence on their 30 year anniversary, and their upcoming celebration of disability. To learn more about this event taking place in Erie, and to save the date, please see the shared post below.

SAVE THE DATE! On Tuesday, September 17, VFI presents "A Celebration of Disability" at the historic Warner Theatre (Erie Events), highlighting disability in Erie and honoring VFI’s 30 years of service to the community.

This is an all-inclusive event, in which everyone is welcome to attend, as we recognize disability awareness, disability inclusion, and disability rights. Please save the date so that you can join us in this incredible night of appreciation.

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing all additional information with you, in regard to event festivities & entertainment, sponsorship opportunities, and how to secure your tickets.

We hope to see you there!

We are just 2 MONTHS AWAY-- Register now for our 8th annual VFI & TRPIL Annual Washington Golf Outing, brought to you by Voices For Independence & TRPIL, at Lone Pine Country Club in Washington, PA on Monday, September 9th!

Registration will start at 10:30am, followed by a buffet lunch at 11:00am. We will then have a shotgun start at noon to begin golfing. Once play has completed, dinner will be served. Prizes and awards will be distributed during a brief program.

To easily register yourself and your team online, simply visit https://www.trpil.com/golf2024/

This fun and exciting event will support all of VFI & TRPIL's vital programs and services, such as the Home Modification program, which ensures that individuals with disabilities are able to access their home and continue living independently in the community, and our UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center, which allows for individuals with disabilities to stay healthy by exercising with adaptive equipment, alongside dedicated staff.

There are still many sponsorship opportunities as well! For additional information, questions, or comments, please contact Becky McClure or Heather Bonnette at (724) 223-5115 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected] respectively. You may also reach out to Chief Development Officer, Nick Consoli, at [email protected] or via the phone number above.

We hope to see you there!

A friendly reminder that the TRPIL office will be closed Thursday, July 4th, in celebration of Independence Day. We will reopen for regular business on Friday, July 5th. As always, our 24-hour emergency on-call service will still remain available for consumers.

We hope that everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July, from all of your friends at TRPIL.

DID YOU KNOW? July is Disability Pride Month! Disability Pride Month was first celebrated in the U.S. in 1990, as a way to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Now, over 30 years later, it is a worldwide celebration, focused on the contributions of individuals with disabilities, as well as disability awareness, disability rights, and more.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, we are reminded of the fact that there is still much work to do in regard to honoring the promises made by the ADA, and that there are many individuals who are in need of vital services provided by Centers for Independent Living.

To learn more about TRPIL, or to see what we can do for you or a loved one, please visit us today at www.trpil.com or call us at (724) 223-5115.

Do you have a disability? Would you like to take part in accessible activities such as classes for cooking, yoga, or even technology? If so, take a look at the shared post below to see what our good friends at Voices For Independence have planned for the month of July, right here at 42 W Maiden St, Washington, PA 15301 (please check the office address in the bottom right of the image to ensure that you're viewing the correct location's calendar)!

From our good friends at PHA: June 30 (this Sunday) marks the end of the fiscal year and the target date for the General Assembly to pass, and Governor Shapiro to sign, a balanced state budget. As the state budget comes together during this crucial negotiation period, the time to engage is NOW! Your support of our advocacy efforts is critical to securing better healthcare access for all.

Email your lawmakers TODAY at the link below-- let them know that without increased funding, they are failing Pennsylvania's most vulnerable populations.

"The biggest reason why people can't access care is because there aren't enough caregivers. And the reason why there aren't enough caregivers is because they aren't getting paid enough." -PA Governor Josh Shapiro

Without inclusive funding for the home health sector, home-based care providers cannot compete in the marketplace for qualified employees because they cannot offer competitive wages.

Urge the Governor and members of the state legislature to increase rates for Direct Care Workers and Nurses in the State Budget NOW. https://www.pahomecare.org/legislative-action-center #/68/ Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania

We are so excited to see the news that Miss Rain Day's "Walk for Hearing" in Rices Landing, PA will benefit our good friends at Voices For Independence! To learn more about this great event, please see the shared post below!

This week is set to be a hot one-- for all of our Allegheny County (and surrounding area) friends, please see the WPXI article link below, regarding cooling centers in the Pittsburgh area.

Pittsburgh-area communities open cooling centers during heat wave With a prolonged and potentially dangerous heat wave gripping the Pittsburgh area this week, several communities are opening cooling centers.

Do you have a disability? Would you like to take part in accessible activities such as classes for cooking, yoga, or even technology? If so, take a look at the shared post below to see what our good friends at Voices For Independence have planned for the month of June, right here at 42 W Maiden St, Washington, PA 15301 (please check the office address at the top left of the image to ensure that you're viewing the correct location's calendar)!

We hope that everyone had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend! As we enjoyed time with friends and family, let's also remember the true meaning of this holiday-- Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

A friendly reminder that the TRPIL office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 for Memorial Day. As always, our 24/7 emergency on-call will still be available for consumers. We will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 8:30am.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend.

ATTN WASHINGTON, PA JOBSEEKERS:
Our good friends at Voices For Independence are NOW HIRING for their Part-Time Driver position! To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please see their shared post below which also contains a link to easily apply online!

Are you looking to expand your career horizons? Would you like to know that your work makes a difference in the world? At Voices for Independence, we are improving lives every day.

We are NOW HIRING for our Part-Time Driver position in Washington, PA! Our drivers assist individuals with disabilities by providing transportation to riders via minibus, van, or car. Drivers will transport consumers, trainees, or company personnel. Our drivers also help support our mission of empowering people with disabilities and promoting independent living.

To learn more about this position and to apply online easily and securely today, simply visit: https://www.vficil.org/jobs/driver-part-time-washington-office

ATTN WASHINGTON, PA JOBSEEKERS:

Our good friends at Voices For Independence are NOW HIRING for their Employment Specialist position! To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please see their shared post below which also contains a link to easily apply online!

Are you looking to expand your career horizons? Would you like to know that your work makes a difference in the world? At Voices for Independence, we are improving lives every day.

We are NOW HIRING for the Employment Specialist position in Washington, PA! Employment Specialists assist individuals with disabilities by providing job coaching and integrated employment-related services. This position provides an array of vocational services, often at assigned employment locations, in order to facilitate job safety, skill development, and positive workforce behaviors. Our Employment Specialists help support our mission of empowering people with disabilities and promoting independent living.

To learn more about this position and to apply online easily & securely today, simply visit: https://www.vficil.org/jobs/employment-specialist-washington-office/

A friendly reminder that we are less than ONE MONTH AWAY from our good friends at Geauga Christian Youth Missions traveling to Washington, PA for their 2024 mission trip this Summer!

GCYM are a nonprofit mission group who will be visiting from June 9th-15th, to build ramps in the area-- they will be providing all of the labor and paying for the materials.

For more information, please visit their website at www.gcym.us

Our good friends at Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living (PCIL) are working on gathering stories from advocates in the community as part of an Independent Living History project-- to get started with the process of sharing your story today, simply see their shared post and fill out the form at the link!

I advocate because.....

The Pennsylvania Council on Independent Living and the network of PA Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are proud to announce the "Keystones of PA", a project that encourages advocates from all over Pennsylvania, all disabilities types, and all ages to share their story.

Come share your WHY with us: https://forms.gle/MVUyZXrQe2ft2dMTA

Please see the shared post below from our good friends at Voices For Independence for a link to a dedicated article from our good friends at UPMC, regarding the UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center, located right here at the Washington program and community center!

Thank you again to UPMC | UPMC Health Plan for their time, effort, and continued dedication to help us serve the community.

Today's final article from our good friends at UPMC focuses on our incredible UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center, located directly inside our program and community center, in downtown Washington, PA. With state-of-the-art equipment, dedicated staff, and the support of UPMC Health Plan, we aim to improve the quality of life, health, and wellness for all those who visit.

https://www.upmc.com/campaigns/life-changing-is/community/voices-of-independence/health-and-wellness-center

For more information on the UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center, please click the article link above, or call UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center Coordinator Matt Sabatini at (724) 223-5115 today! Thanks again to the incredible team at UPMC | UPMC Health Plan for all of their continued support and hard work in conducting these interviews.

TRPIL's Assistive Technology department is proud to share this wonderful article/interview from our good friends at UPMC, conducted with our very own AT Project Manager for CHC Waiver/AT Specialist, Michelle Rockwell, MBA, BA!

https://www.upmc.com/campaigns/life-changing-is/community/voices-of-independence/assistive-technology

If you live in the counties listed below, and you're in need of Assistive Technology, click the article link above and call us today at (724) 223-5115 to learn more about what Michelle and the Assistive Technology team can do for YOU!

Counties served: Washington, Fayette, Greene, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset (please note that if you are outside of our service area, you can easily connect with your designated ATRC by finding them here: https://techowlpa.org/atrc/)

Thank you again to UPMC | UPMC Health Plan for their time, effort, and continued dedication to help us serve the community.

Please see the shared post below for a link to a dedicated article from our good friends at UPMC, regarding our Washington office grand opening, and services provided by both TRPIL & Voices For Independence! A feature on our very own Assistive Technology department will be posted later today!

Thank you again to UPMC | UPMC Health Plan for their time, effort, and continued dedication to help us serve the community.

We would like to sincerely thank our good friends at UPMC for their coverage of our Washington office ribbon cutting ceremony, and taking the time to interview us & write an article about the importance of a new program and community center in the region.

For more on what both Voices for Independence and Transitional Paths to Independent Living - TRPIL are providing to the community in Washington, simply click the link below. Thanks again to UPMC | UPMC Health Plan for their continued support.

https://www.upmc.com/campaigns/life-changing-is/community/voices-of-independence/community-center

Please see below for details regarding the fantastic coverage of our Washington office and services provided by both TRPIL & Voices For Independence! A feature on our very own Assistive Technology department will be posted later today! Thank you to UPMC for their time, effort, and continued dedication to help us serve the community.

Life Changing Is | Voices for Independence At UPMC, Voices for Independence supports members of our community with disabilities or mobility issues who desire to live independently. Learn more.

Please take a look at the shared post below to see what Voices For Independence have planned for the month of May, right here at 42 W Maiden St, Washington, PA 15301 (please check the office address at the top left of the image to ensure that you're viewing the correct location's calendar)!

Please take a look at the shared post below to see what Voices For Independence have planned for the month of April, right here at 42 W Maiden St, Washington, PA 15301 (please check the office address at the bottom right of the image to ensure that you're viewing the correct location's calendar)!

TRPIL's own Assistive Technology Specialist, Michelle Rockwell, was proud to offer a tour of our facilities and the Voices For Independence Washington office to Miss Rain Day, Abby Ray! Pictured here with VFI Fitness Center Coordinator, Matt Sabatini, in the UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center, Abby continues to use her platform as a way to bring awareness to the hard-of-hearing/disability community.

To learn more about Abby, please visit/follow her at the tagged profile above, and be sure to visit the website https://www.missraindaypageant.org/

Many thanks again to Abby for visiting, and to our own Michelle Rockwell, for ensuring that Abby received a full tour of the Washington office building!

Voices for Independence would like to thank Miss Rain Day, Abby Ray, for taking the time to visit our Washington office today!

Pictured here with VFI Fitness Center Coordinator, Matt Sabatini, in our UPMC Health Plan Wellness Center, Abby continues to use her platform as a way to bring awareness to the hard-of-hearing/disability community. We can't thank her enough for making it a point to stop and learn more about VFI.

To learn more about Abby, please visit/follow her at the tagged profile above, and be sure to visit the website https://www.missraindaypageant.org/

Many thanks again to Abby for visiting, and to Transitional Paths to Independent Living - TRPIL Assistive Technology Specialist, Michelle Rockwell, for ensuring that Abby received a full tour of the Washington office building!

The TRPIL office will be closed on Monday, April 8, 2024, as a result of the total solar eclipse. As many of you know, businesses across Western PA will be working from home that day, in efforts to reduce unneeded vehicles on our roads. Due to the eclipse, there will be expected increases in traffic. This decision was made with the safety of visitors and staff in mind, and we anticipate reopening for regular business at 8:30am on Tuesday, April 9th.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope that you are able to safely enjoy the event.

Good afternoon, everyone! For those of you participating in Mission Madness where you could win $500 for yourself and $2500 for our good friends at Voices For Independence, please note the update below from the great folks at Babb, Inc., regarding the Women's bracket group! Their post below will direct you to the NEW Women's bracket group, and simply comment "DONE!" on their original post.

And if you haven't registered to take part in Mission Madness for FREE, please see our prior posts about this incredible event for details!

VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING THE WOMEN'S BRACKET FOR MISSION MADNESS!!

If you have already signed up for the women's bracket, please sign up again using the link below or scan the QR code below. There was an issue with the women's bracket and we are directing everyone who has signed up, or is interested in signing up, to use this correct link! Please comment on this post saying 'DONE!' once you finished singing up on this correct link. 😊

Thank you SO much! Let's do this!!

https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-women-2024/group?id=bbf8dcff-8419-414c-9b30-2b6feed29cc1&joinKey=66b1902e-b1c8-3640-909e-04bb9e4fce27&joining=true

Our good friends at Voices For Independence are taking part in the Mission Madness 2024 Tournament, brought to you by Babb, Inc.!

Selection Sunday is underway, with the ability to establish a randomized bracket, or pick the higher ranked opponent in every matchup, right now! Those options are available now under "My Brackets" once you register and join the bracket groups (edits will still be allowed until the tournament begins). Full brackets are open to build at 7PM!

To learn more about how you can register for this FREE bracket-style tournament and potentially win $500 for yourself & $2,500 for Voices for Independence, simply see the shared post below!

A friendly reminder that today is the first day to select your brackets as part of Mission Madness, a March Madness-style tournament pool, brought to you by our good friends at Babb, Inc.! Brackets will be open in just 5 hours, but if you're looking to establish a randomized bracket, or pick the higher ranked opponent in every matchup, those options are available now under "My Brackets" once you register and join the groups below (edits will still be allowed until the tournament begins)!

The first step in joining in on the fun of Mission Madness is to register NOW and join the groups, all at the links below. From there, you'll fill out your NCAA Men’s & Women’s basketball brackets for FREE between 7PM today and the first game on March 21. Winners of the Men’s and Women’s pools will receive $500 each, and see an additional $2,500 donated to a nonprofit of their choice-- with Voices for Independence being an option!

As noted above, basketball knowledge is NOT required, as you can randomize your entire bracket, if desired! The more participants, the more of a chance we all have to potentially help support Voices for Independence, and don’t forget-- you get to shoot your shot at winning $500!

● Men's Bracket (if prompted for a password, please use : Babbinc1): https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2024/group?id=ccd38f1e-9a30-470a-88d3-ba03628c8068
● Women's Bracket (if prompted for a password, please use: BabbInc2): https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-women-2024/group?id=bbf8dcff-8419-414c-9b30-2b6feed29cc1

We would like to thank Babb, Inc. for allowing us to join the list of local nonprofits involved with this incredible event. Join the Madness that matters by registering TODAY and completing your Men’s & Women’s brackets between 7PM and the first game on 3/21!

If you need help signing up or have questions on how to join, please reach out to the Mission Madness team at [email protected]. Babb's team will assist you with whatever you need, and can also send you step-by-step instructions on how to sign up!