Task force addresses needs of the disabled

Scottdale-area residents concerned about treatment of disabled people met recently.

The group, calling itself the Westmoreland County Disability Task Force, hopes to address the needs of the disabled and work with feedback from those in need of assistance.

Members from several area agencies attended the meeting to gauge the wants and needs of the disabled in the county.

"Today will be a brainstorming meeting in which we can discuss information about the people of Westmoreland County who are living with disabilities," resident Norene Price said at the initial meeting. "We are hoping to get together a good group of concerned people who are willing to go for it and work to get something accomplished."
The first topic of discussion was the major one.

"Transportation -- or lack of -- is our No. 1 concern," Price said.

An informal discussion on the issues of transportation was then held, with the layout of the county itself addressed as the cause for problems in the area.

"Unlike Allegheny County, which is made up a great deal by the city of Pittsburgh itself, Westmoreland County is a big county and it's more rural in general," said Steven E. Chopek of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. "It consists of many smaller remote towns that pose problems for public transportation."

Housing was also a topic that was discussed, stressing the lack of good, affordable living quarters for those with disabilities and also for the elderly.

"There is not enough good housing available for people with disabilities," Chopek said. "The public attitude needs to change to a more proactive attitude."

Other topics discussed at the meeting included consumer and community awareness of the Americans With Disabilities Act, veterans with disabilities, the identification of local service organizations, and voting issues and problems for those who suffer from disabilities.

The group also discussed playing host to an awareness and anniversary celebration of the ADA, with the date being set tentatively for sometime in July.

"We want to embrace all people with disabilities and not just those with physical disabilities but those with developmental disabilities as well, and we have lots and lots of work to do," said Victoria Campbell of the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living. "We need to get out there and beat the bushes. We can't get everything solved in one day. None of us can work without the other and we all need to join forces to move ahead with this."

The group is offering an open invitation to all area service groups and organization. The group's next meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Music n' More on Broadway in Scottdale.

Source:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA