How My Job Has Changed My Life

Stephanie Tate

My name is Stephanie Tate and I am 28 years old and live on the South Side of Pittsburgh. I have had Cerebral Palsy since birth and, as a result, use a power wheelchair for mobility. When I am not working, I enjoy playing with my dog, going to the movies, finding walking paths through Pittsburgh, and basically anything that involves being outdoors!

I currently work for UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Health Plan as a customer service representative for the Insurance Services Division. However, getting here wasn’t so easy…

I graduated from Edinboro University in 2005 with my Master’s degree in Communication Studies. Shortly after graduating I started a job with TRCIL (Three Rivers Center for Independent Living). I worked as a service coordinator for individuals with disabilities that live in nursing homes and taught them basic living skills, such as: calling and scheduling a ride on the local transit, encouraging them on how to voice their opinions in an assertive and constructive manner, and many other duties as well.

A friend from college then referred me to Bender Consulting Services, who set me up with an interview at UPMC Health Plan. I interviewed with UPMC and two days after the interview they chose me as a potential employee. I would be subcontracted under Bender Consulting but work and perform required duties at UPMC in a temporary position. Then, if UPMC decided to hire me as a direct staff member they could. I had no idea what I was in for because everything happened so fast.

When I first moved to Pittsburgh it was extremely hard to find an apartment – so I lived in a hotel with my mom for three months. It was very frustrating because what a landlord considers “accessible” and what really is are two different things. Finally, after endless searching and many tears I found an awesome fully accessible apartment on the South Side of Pittsburgh. My parents helped me move my things in and shortly after that I got enrolled in personal attendant care services. My mom then left and it was me and my dog on our own. It was scary at first because I knew no one in Pittsburgh. While all the chaos was happening in my personal life I still continued to work for Bender consulting at UPMC Health Plan.

I worked as a Customer Service Representative for the Insurance Services Division of UPMC Health Plan. I was responsible for taking inbound telephone calls and answered questions relating to medical benefits, claims, and billing. This job was great for me because I did everything on my own! I worked on the telephone and the computer all day and didn’t need any physical assistance to complete my job.

I am the only person at the Health Plan with a “visible disability” so it was very interesting at first. My supervisors and managers were always asking me how I was and if I needed anything. UPMC was very accommodating to me as far as accessibility. They installed power operated doors where I worked so that I was able to get in and out freely. They widened a bathroom stall so that my wheelchair could fit and they lowered a microwave for me so that I could use it independently in the cafeteria. One piece of advice that I can give to other people with disabilities is that someone doesn’t know that you need assistance until you tell them. My manager at first understood very little about my disability because she told me I was “the first” that she ever had.

I continued to work as a Customer Service Representative and was hired by UPMC directly in April of 2008. My job responsibilities are about the same but with a few added responsibilities.

I have been able to live well with a disability because my job has taught me several things. I can be a productive, independent, self sufficient individual. My disability does not stop me! My job has inspired me to become more independent and as a result I am in physical and occupational therapy to be taught how to do more for myself and also in June I am scheduled to start driving lessons! I would have never wanted to do this before. My job through TRCIL and UPMC has changed my life in ways that I could have never imagined!

A piece of advice that I want to give to other people with disabilities is best quoted by Albert Einstein in which he states "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." Life will not always go as smoothly as we want but keep striving for what you want and the possibilites are endless.

Written by: Stephanie Tate

Centers for Independent Living Assist Consumers in Finding Employment

The main goal of Centers’ for Independent Living (CILs) is to assist people with disabilities in making personal choices and living independently. If someone’s goal is to become employed, a Center for Independent Living will work with the individual in setting the groundwork to get a job and maintain steady work. Setting the groundwork may include assisting a person with a disability find a place to live, get personal care, find assistive equipment, or organize public transportation to get to and from the job.

CILs can also assist people with disabilities by keeping an eye out for job opportunities. To help locate jobs, CILs, such as the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP), often refer consumers to Employer Networks. Employer Networks are approved agencies that assist people with disabilities in locating jobs available. Employer Networks also provide job training and aid consumers in adjusting to new co-workers, supervisors and work environments. Once a job is identified, CILs offer support by assisting the individual with the job application process, and going to the interview (if requested).

In addition, there are a number of employment programs available for people with disabilities. As an example, CILCP works with consumers to establish Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) with the Social Security Administration. PASS allows a person with a disability receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) to set aside a portion of their earnings for future job-related items and not be charged fees for the "extra" income. Another employment program which CILs may refer people to is the Ticket to Work program. Qualified individuals are provided a ticket that can be given to an Employer Network in exchange for the Employer Network’s services.

Another service often used by people with disabilities who are seeking employment is the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). For example, the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL) has an OVR counselor who comes in and meets with consumers to determine if they are eligible for OVR services. These services include: vocational and diagnostic evaluations, medical services and equipment, funding for training, job search and placement assistance, and assistive technology. Volunteer opportunities are also explored for individuals who may not be ready for paid employment, but who still want to participate in their community.

Living Well With A Disability means different things to different people. Many people realize that having a job is much more than simply earning money. Working can provide people with a sense of who they are. It also allows them to take part in their community, develop new relationships, and much more. If someone with a disability has the goal to volunteer or become employed, CILs can make that goal a reality through their services and dedication.

To learn about CILCP’s services, contact:
(717) 731-1900 / (800) 323-6060
Fax (717) 731-8150
TTY: (717) 737-1335 / TTY: (800) 829-7404
Web site: www.cilcp.org

To learn about TRCIL’s services, contact:
Phone: (412) 371-7700
Toll Free (PA Only): 1-800-633-4588
Fax: (412)371-9430
TTY: (412) 371-6230
Web site: www.trcil.org

For other locations, or to locate a CIL near you, contact:
Voice/TTY: (717) 920-0530 or (866) 302-7245 [PCIL]
Fax: (717) 920-0532
Web site: www.pcil.net

Experience the Great Outdoors at French Creek State Park

Offering Fully Accessible Trails and Camping Features

Goose family

French Creek State Park is one of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) state parks in Pennsylvania. The park is located in Berks County and it offers many ADA accessible features that make it a beautiful location to get outside and enjoy nature and the fall colors. Wetlands and streams flow through rich valleys, and the forest is made up of large oak, poplar, hickory, maple, and beech trees. Beginning in the mid-1800s, nearly all the forests in Pennsylvania were harvested by the developing nation for agriculture and wood products.  The land surrounding French Creek State Park was timbered several times since the 1700s for the production of charcoal to fuel the iron industry at Hopewell National Park. 

Park Ranger, Phil McGrath (pictured center) designs ADA trails and leads group tours at French Creek.

Trails & Picnics

ADA accessible trails cover wooded areas and are located along Hopewell Lake. The trails go through several accessible picnic areas overlooking the lake. These scenic trails also provide a home for various plants, animals, and wildlife. ADA trail group tours are given by Park Ranger, Phil McGrath.

Fishing at the lake.

The Lake

Hopewell Lake provides 68 acres of prime water. Visitors may fish on the fully accessible fishing pier that goes out into the lake. A wide variety of Pennsylvania warm water fish including, northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, and many others, can be found at the lake. For more information about fishing at this location, please visit the French Creek State Park Web site. For other places to fish throughout Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Camping

French Creek State Park also has several accessible cabins. These cabins have ramps, low counters and sinks, and other accommodations. In addition to French Creek, there are 22 state parks with fully accessible cabins for people with disabilities. For further information, please visit the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks’ Cabins Page.

To locate the nearest park and information about accessibility, please visit PA State Parks or PA Greenway and Trails.

For more information about French Creek, call 610-582-9680 or email frenchcreeksp@state.pa.us.