Welcome to the CLASS Community Engagement Update! We are excited to share our new quarterly update, packed with resources, events, policy changes, and opportunities. Everything you need to get involved, find support, and celebrate our community's achievements is right here. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community for individuals, caregivers, and families.

If you are interested in continuing to receive this Quarterly Update, please sign up here.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT!

We were especially honored to host Miss Pennsylvania 2024, Page Weinstein, and Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2025, Kelly Barrett, as our keynote speakers. Their inspiring words set the perfect tone for an afternoon where every individual's unique beauty was celebrated.



The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the atmosphere of pure happiness and connection. As one attendee, Carly, beautifully expressed meeting Miss Pennsylvania, "A very sweet lady... She told me I could do anything that you put your mind to. No matter what we have we are not different from normal people. We are the same... Just remember we are all beautiful and unique in our own way." This sentiment truly captured the spirit of Beauty Beyond Limits. We are already looking forward to next year's event, scheduled for April 2026, with details to be announced soon. Be sure to sign up for updates to join us for another unforgettable celebration of beauty and confidence!

Stay in Touch!

Disability Pride is a powerful celebration that represents acceptance and honors the individuality of those living with disabilities . . .

National Accessible Air Travel Day launched August 20, 2022. It is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for accessible air travel.

National Service Dog Month is dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions service dogs provide

MEDICAID: A Vital Program

Established 1965, Medicaid provided healthcare for low-income individuals and people with disabilities. Over the years, it expanded to include services such as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), Assistive Technology (AT), Durable Medical Equipment (DME) purchase and repair, and more.

Recent legislation may impact how these services are paid for. Medicaid funding is a shared responsibility between the federal government and the states. This legislation may impact how Pennsylvania funds our state Medicaid program. CLASS is following this issue closely and continues to provide quality services and supports to the disability community, their families, and caregivers.

We suggest following:



• The Pennsylvania State Independent Living Council

• The Pennsylvania Health Access Network

Subminimum Wage: U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) Withdraws New Plan

The DOL has withdrawn its proposal to phase out "subminimum wage certificates" under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What is Section 14(c)? This section allows employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage; a practice permitted since 1938.

What does "phasing out" mean for subminimum wage certificates? It would mean ending the practice of allowing employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage.

Why was the proposal withdrawn? According to the DOL, key reasons include concerns about the DOL's authority to end a mandate by Congress, as well as concern for job loss.

FULL REPORT

Senator Christine Tartaglione of Philadelphia has several pieces of legislation and policy changes that impact the disability community. PA Senator Tartaglione is no stranger to living with a disability. In 2003, she sustained a spinal cord injury in a boating accident. Since then, she has been a strong advocate for those living with disabilities.



Accessibility Advisory Board (AAB)

In the near future, legislation will be introduced to grant the Accessibility Advisory Board (AAB) the authority to review and adopt future accessibility codes. This legislation promotes greater public accommodations and access for the disability community.

LEARN MORE

Nothing About Us Without Us!

(SB 592)

Through the expertise of lived experience, the office established will support Pennsylvania’s disabled population by undertaking basic but necessary functions: Identifying and resolving funding and service gaps in disability programs

LEARN MORE

Insurance Coverage for Wheelchair Maintenance (SB594)

The average wait time for wheelchair repairs can be anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months. This piece of legislation calls for maintenance of wheelchairs every 6 months to get ahead of problems before they start.

LEARN MORE