HARRISBURG, Oct. 20, 2015 – With some lawmakers wearing vision-distortion glasses and others using a wheelchair or a walker for the first time, decision-makers got the chance during state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s “Disabilities Day at the Capitol” to experience life as a person with disabilities.

The senator also won unanimous approval of a resolution making October “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

“We should be reminded that advancements in the cause of employment for the handicapped have required the sacrifice of generations of workers and their supporters,” Tartaglione said this afternoon during Senate floor remarks.

“While highlighting the importance of work in maintaining strong families and communities, we acknowledge those individuals who have overcome challenges to fulfill their career ambitions,” she said.

During the lawmaker’s “Disabilities Day” expo, where lawmakers could experience life as a person with disabilities, representatives from L&I Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, PA Statewide Independent Living Council, Penn State University Extension, PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Self Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, UniqueSource, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania helped to drive home an important message.

“They are an example of the hundreds of support organizations across Pennsylvania that, everyday, help to make employment possible for people with disabilities and possible is the world to remember what’s necessary and good,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “We must encourage Pennsylvania’s labor force and its industries to create better strategies to work together in hiring, training and retaining our friends, neighbors and loved ones with disabilities.”

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