PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT (PCA)

One of the fastest growing employment needs in Pennsylvania is the position of Personal Care Attendant (PCA). Since the advent of Home- and Community-Based Waiver programs, designed to enable people with disabilities to remain in their own homes rather than long term care facilities, the demand for skilled personal care workers has tripled in the last few years.

As word of the Home- and Community-Based Waiver programs continue to spread, an increasing number of people are signing up for these programs. Forecasts predict that this growth will continue in these programs, which in turn will further increase the demand for personal care workers. The current and anticipated demand has even resulted in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania instituting several initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the recruitment and retention of skilled Personal Care Attendants.

Community Resources for Independence,Inc. provides in-home personal care in 28 counties of Pennsylvania, and is the largest provider of these services contracted by Pennsylvania, serving over 750 people utilizing over 1,100 Personal Care Attendants. CRI is headquartered in Erie, with offices in Altoona, Bradford, Clarion, Hermitage. Lewisburg, Lewistown, Oil City, Warren, and Wellsboro.

Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Links

Bureau of Blind and Visual Services is a state agency that assists Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.

Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) lets Pennsylvanians with disabilities take a fulfilling job, earn more money and still keep their full medical coverage.

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is a State Agency that provides services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, start, and maintain employment.

Ticket to Work Programs aim to reduce the barriers to employment for people with disabilities by placing an increased emphasis on work incentives.

Transition from School to Work is available through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for high school students with disabilities.

Social Security Administration

Transitioning from School to Adult Life

Transitioning from high school to adult life can be both scary and rewarding for any young adult. For young people with disabilities this transition can be more difficult. One key to success is having information about services and programs available to assist you. The following links provide information on transition and organizations that provide transition services:

Transition to adult life for students with disabillities, Education Law Center
http://www.elc-pa.org/brochures/TransitiontoAdult601.htm

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation services
http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=128&Q=168262

Information on applying for Social Security benefits
http://www.ssa.gov

Social Security information on work supports
http://www.ssa.gov/work

As a Center for Independent Living, CRI is committed to helping young adults achieve their independent living goals. We can assist you with defining your goals, accessing appropriate support services, and assisting you with learning about self advocacy. Call or email us today.