The InVisionary
One of the many things I enjoy about my job as Communications and Outreach Coordinator at InVision Human Services is having opportunities to expand my knowledge in the industry. I have found myself continuously learning new things and asking questions pertaining to how I can best represent the company, complete my work with meaning and passion, and most importantly, how to best support the people we serve as a team member who works in the corporate office.
Recently, I was able to attend the Disability and Mental Health Summit hosted by PA Representative Dan Miller. On April 18 and 19 this year, Representative Miller and his staff hosted the 11th annual occurrence of this summit at the Beth El Congregation of the South Hills. The purpose of this summit is to bring together individuals and organizations from all over Western PA to increase advocacy – including self-advocacy – for people who experience disabilities.
The two-day event featured a variety of expert panel discussions on topics such as: lawful protections of people with disabilities, dating for people with a diagnosis, intersectionality of mental health and LGBTQ+, transportation advocacy, technology in mental health treatment, supporting the needs of veterans, the loneliness epidemic, and so much more. Governor Josh Shapiro and County Executive Sara Innamorato were also present as keynote speakers – touching on their plans to act toward these causes.
In addition to the expert panel discussions and keynote speakers, the summit offered time for networking during the Resource Fair, as well as presentations of art and music from the disability community through Creative Citizen Studios and Band Together Pittsburgh. The summit also held a Student/Parent Transition Panel and Futures Fair for high schoolers and young adults who experience disabilities to explore resources as they transition into adulthood.
I am thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the summit and hear Governor Shapiro and others speak. Not only were the expert panel sessions I attended educational, but I also felt an emotional pull toward the messaging. These sessions helped me gain new insight on challenges taking place within the industry but also those outside of our industry who are personally impacted by mental health.
It was beyond inspiring to hear members of our government acknowledge the disability community and the need for the increased budget proposed in Governor Shapiro’s PA Budget Address in February. To know that there are people in power who are dedicated to making the advocacy efforts of InVision, and many other organizations, a reality, is truly encouraging.
Thank you to Representative Miller, Governor Shapiro, County Executive Sara Innamorato, the expert panelists, and all volunteers who made this event possible!
For more information regarding Governor Shapiro’s keynote speech, check out this article by the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.
Recently, I was able to attend the Disability and Mental Health Summit hosted by PA Representative Dan Miller. On April 18 and 19 this year, Representative Miller and his staff hosted the 11th annual occurrence of this summit at the Beth El Congregation of the South Hills. The purpose of this summit is to bring together individuals and organizations from all over Western PA to increase advocacy – including self-advocacy – for people who experience disabilities.The two-day event featured a variety of expert panel discussions on topics such as: lawful protections of people with disabilities, dating for people with a diagnosis, intersectionality of mental health and LGBTQ+, transportation advocacy, technology in mental health treatment, supporting the needs of veterans, the loneliness epidemic, and so much more. Governor Josh Shapiro and County Executive Sara Innamorato were also present as keynote speakers – touching on their plans to act toward these causes.
In addition to the expert panel discussions and keynote speakers, the summit offered time for networking during the Resource Fair, as well as presentations of art and music from the disability community through Creative Citizen Studios and Band Together Pittsburgh. The summit also held a Student/Parent Transition Panel and Futures Fair for high schoolers and young adults who experience disabilities to explore resources as they transition into adulthood.I am thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the summit and hear Governor Shapiro and others speak. Not only were the expert panel sessions I attended educational, but I also felt an emotional pull toward the messaging. These sessions helped me gain new insight on challenges taking place within the industry but also those outside of our industry who are personally impacted by mental health.
It was beyond inspiring to hear members of our government acknowledge the disability community and the need for the increased budget proposed in Governor Shapiro’s PA Budget Address in February. To know that there are people in power who are dedicated to making the advocacy efforts of InVision, and many other organizations, a reality, is truly encouraging.
Thank you to Representative Miller, Governor Shapiro, County Executive Sara Innamorato, the expert panelists, and all volunteers who made this event possible!
For more information regarding Governor Shapiro’s keynote speech, check out this article by the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.
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