Posted on June 13, 2017
On Tuesday, June 20, York area business leaders and influencers will lead a free public forum and share insights on creating a path to inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that promotes shared social value and independence for all in society.
This first-time York County business forum entitled “From Exclusion to Inclusion: What the ‘inclusion revolution’ means for adults with disabilities and the powerful role business leaders play,” is being organized by Penn-Mar Human Services and the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), and will be held at PeoplesBank Park in York.
Led by of Penn-Mar and YCEA, the forum will include a panel of local York County business owners and leaders:
• Anthony P. Campisi – President and CEO – Glatfelter Insurance Group
• Eric Menzer – President – York Revolution
• Michael O’Neill – Executive Vice President of Fixed Operations – Apple Automotive
• Larry Scoggin – Director of Operations – Perform Group LLC
• Julia Dugan – Employee – Perform Group LLC
Less than a decade ago, most people with disabilities, who had a desire to work, were in “sheltered workshops” producing products for contract work for manufacturers. Most of the individuals made a piece rate or a subminimum hourly rate based on Department of Labor regulations.
In 2012, Penn-Mar, a recognized leader in providing innovative, quality supports and services to hundreds of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania and Maryland, shuttered its sheltered workshop, and initiated its Competitive Employment Program. The program is successfully partnering with numerous Pennsylvania businesses to provide employment in an integrated community setting, enabling individuals to earn a competitive wage, receive benefits equal to the job’s responsibilities and enjoy the satisfaction of working to maximum potential. To date Penn-Mar has assisted more than 80 residents with intellectual and/or physical disabilities in careers within industries such as Automotive, Clerical, Child Care, Custodial, Customer Service, Engineering, Food Service, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, and Sports Maintenance.
From Exclusion to Inclusion: A Business Forum
WHAT: York County business leaders, owners, administrators and influencers are invited to join Penn-Mar Human Services and the York County Economic Alliance in learning more about the talents and incredible work ethic of people with disabilities, and how Penn-Mar can support business initiatives and job creation for people who once felt invisible, but now through inclusion, invincible.
WHO: Participants in this first-time York County business forum include representatives from Penn-Mar Human Services, York County Economic Alliance, Glatfelter Insurance Group, York Revolution, Apple Automotive, and Perform Group LLC.
WHY: There is a painful history for people with disabilities being excluded from society and while we’ve come a long way, there is more to do. Inclusion is the ultimate goal because inclusion, interaction and engagement can lead to greater independence. More than exposure or integration, inclusion fosters experiences and interactions that will serve people with disabilities for a lifetime. Penn-Mar’s guiding belief is that there is a job for everyone who wants one, regardless of disability. Our goal is to secure employment in an integrated community setting, enabling individuals to earn a competitive wage, receive benefits equal to the job’s responsibilities and enjoy the satisfaction of working to maximum potential.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 2017, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: PeoplesBank Park
5 Brooks Robinson Way
York, PA 17401
There is no charge to attend the forum, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Jackie Summer by e-mail at, jsummers@penn-mar.org, or call 410.343.1069 x286.
About Penn-Mar Human Services
Penn-Mar Human Services, founded in 1981, serves more than 400 adults with intellectual disabilities through its residential, respite, educational, vocational and supported employment programs in northern Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties in Maryland, and in southern York County in Pennsylvania.