Center for Independent Living of Bucks County Helps, Inspires Woman with Disability to Give Back

Rachel Shandler may have Cerebral Palsy and use a wheelchair to get around, but the Newtown woman knows that neither of those obstacles will keep her from achieving her career goals.

“Having a disability, sometimes people try to be over-helpful,” Shandler said. “I can still do what other people are doing. I’m still able to have employment. I’m in a wheelchair, but I can still get around.”

Shandler, who graduated in 2012 from Edinboro University with a Psychology degree, had worked for a few years in behavioral health. By early 2016 she needed help finding a new career. A counselor recommended the Center for Independent Living of Bucks County, a nonprofit organization providing information and referrals, peer support counseling, individual advocacy and independent living skills training services free of charge to Bucks County residents with disabilities.

Little did she know that the referral would lead to an internship, volunteering, and, most recently, employment at the Bristol-based Center for Independent Living.

“I was always thinking if someone could just give me a chance, see the volunteer work I am doing, they will be able to see that I can do a lot,” Shandler said. “I hope to help people who come into the Center for Independent Living of Bucks County get the resources they need.”

The Center, with the same funding as previous years, in 2015 helped 25 percent more consumers, according to Executive Director Josh Pittinger. In all, 261 Bucks County residents received individualized services, as well as inclusion in peer support groups, cooking classes and more, he said.

Even with the growth in the number of residents reached, U.S. Census statistics show the organization is scraping the surface of potential need for Bucks County residents living with disabilities. Based on estimates from July 2015, 627,367 people called Bucks County home. Of those, 6.6 percent – or more than 40,000 people under age 65 – are living with a disability.

Shandler, who had never heard of the organization prior to her counselor’s recommendation, enjoyed the sense of independence she felt after meeting with Center for Independent Living staff and volunteers.

The Center for Independent Living of Bucks County exemplifies the National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme “Inclusion Works.” National Disability Employment Awareness Month has been recognized each October since 1945.

Shandler, who began at the Center as a consumer and now assists with the youth peer support group, said she was inspired by Pittinger, who also uses a wheelchair.

“That’s another reason why I love the Center for Independent Living,” Shandler said. “They’re super nice laid back and understanding. They couldn’t be more helpful.”