Oct 19, 2017 2 min read

On Sept. 28, Nancy Thaler, the deputy secretary of the state’s Office of Developmental Programs, toured Arc Human Services’ training center and participated in a self-advocacy meeting.

More than 50 staff, city and state administrators, advocates and their families were in attendance. During the evening, Thaler and attendees shared opinions, thoughts and concerns about health care, new regulations and the state of their community.

After the tour, guided by a training center employees, Thaler led a discussion on the new Community Participation Service program.

Pennsylvania instituted the program July 1 to broaden the types of life-long learning experiences available to individuals, helping them become more active in their neighborhoods.

“The point of Community Participation Service is to recognize the right people have to be in their community, and to create opportunities to meet people and be involved in their community” Thaler said.

When asked about ways to advocate, Thaler responded, “Keep close to your elected officials, your state senators and your representatives,” she said. “Personal contact makes them feel we’re worth investing in. They can see what good comes out of it.”

The Community Employment program was also discussed. Several of the advocates spoke about their jobs, from working at the police station to City Hall to the Washington Hospital gift shop.

“Without Arc, I wouldn’t be where I am now, today,” said Cheryl Parrino, an advocate and Community Employment participant.

Thaler, who spoke with each advocate personally, said the group “feels like being with a family.”

“You all obviously know each other well and for a long time,” she said. “There is a nice spirit in the room.”