Advocate
ProBerco is dedicated to advocating for the rights and needs of adults with disabilities and their families. We want to ensure that their voices are heard and that their rights are protected. Our advocacy efforts focus on promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including employment, vocational training, healthcare, residential housing, and community participation. By collaborating with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders, we strive to create a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can thrive. Join us in championing the cause and making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Vocational Program
Vocational Program is looking to connect businesses with talent based on the unique needs of the company and the worker(s) with a disability. Our program provides reliable, effective, and timely services whereby Vocational staff train and support workers on-site at the job.
Requirements include:
- Minimum wage paid of $7.25
- Only 3 to 5 production workers at the site
- We are also interested in training production workers to become an employee of an off-site business. We can provide the training but ultimately the individual would become an employee.
- We will also consider volunteer opportunities for the production workers to get out in the community and for obtaining additional job skills.
Community Participation Supports Program
We are looking for more outside connections to fulfill life skill opportunities which would need to be during the week from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and within ½ hour distance of our facility.
Opportunities are geared toward relationship building with community members and in giving back to the community. Program participants have been active with Meals on Wheels, shopping for senior citizens with Berks Encore, working on activities at local churches, visiting senior centers, stocking shelves at ReStore etc.
PA ABLE: A Valuable Savings Tool for Individuals with Disabilities
Did you know that adults with disabilities can save money for future needs without jeopardizing important benefits? The Pennsylvania ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program offers a tax-advantaged way for eligible individuals with disabilities to save and manage money while maintaining eligibility for many needs-based benefits.
PA ABLE accounts are available to individuals whose disability began before age 46 and can be opened by the individual or an authorized representative, such as a parent, guardian, spouse, or power of attorney. Funds in the account can be used for a wide range of qualified disability-related expenses, including housing, transportation, education, healthcare, assistive technology, and other supports that enhance quality of life.
One of the program’s key advantages is that account earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. Participants can contribute up to $20,000 annually, with employed individuals potentially eligible to save even more through the ABLE to Work program.
PA ABLE accounts can also help individuals build financial independence by providing a safe and flexible way to save money, manage expenses, and plan for the future. A reloadable Visa® prepaid card is available to make accessing funds convenient and secure.
Families interested in learning more about PA ABLE accounts and determining eligibility are encouraged to visit www.paable.gov. This valuable program may provide an important opportunity to save for the future while protecting access to essential supports and services.
PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources
for Autism and Intellectual Disability)
PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability) proudly represents provider organizations whose mission is to serve and support Pennsylvania’s children and adults with autism or intellectual disability. 2020 will mark our 50th year as the only statewide provider association in the Commonwealth with this exclusive focus.
PAR Members provide the full range of support and services for individuals with Autism and Intellectual Disability in Pennsylvania. With a workforce of over 50,000 Pennsylvanians supporting tens of thousands of individuals and their families, the association promotes the highest standards of service through advocacy, information, training and education, and the resources provided by our members.
You can help to increase awareness about the importance of this industry by contacting your legislature and government officials. Visit www.par.net to stay current on issues and to provide you with the necessary talking points, tool kits and materials to be an advocate.