Altemare Organizes Art Exhibition

In concordance with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), THIS intern Ashley Altemare organized an art exhibition to be put on display in the Harrisburg Capitol Building during the month of October. The purpose of NDEAM is to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Artists with disabilties whose work is featured include Charles Domsky and Linda Fry Goschke. More information about the exhibit can be found in this News Release. Also, for more information on the artists and their work view the Reverberation Information Booklet.

Ashley is a student of California University. She is an intern in the Office of the Speaker of the House.

*The photo is of a few pieces of art showcased in the exhibition.

Reapsome attends dinner, hears Rice speak

Current THIS intern, Lacey Reapsome attended the 25th Annual Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry dinner in Hershey on September 29, 2009. (To visit the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry's site click here.) The keynote speaker for this event was Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Reapsome said that the Secretary of State focused on promoting the United States as a leader in the world, especially during these hard economic times. Reapsome noted that Rice said that if the United States cannot be optimistic during these hard times, then what country will be? During the speech, Rice made the valid point that with the free market in our country, we are in a better position to recover and get back on track after this slump in the economy. Reapsome liked that Rice talked about her perspective as a federal working during and after the attacks on 9/11.

Lacey Reapsome is a student of Shippensburg University. She is an intern at the Governor's Office of the Budget.

*The photo is of Lacey Reapsome and Condoleezza Rice at the dinner.

Week 5 Seminar

At the Week 5 seminar, we had the opportunity to meet Gabrielle Sedor Communications Director from Pennsylvania Association of Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (more commonly known as PAR). During the discussion with Gabrielle, we learned about the role of PAR. PAR is a non-profit association that works with state agencies and the public sector. They are responsible for a variety of tasks. PAR represents various providers who offer services to families and individuals facing the issues associated with autism and intellectual disabilities. In addition, we learned more about the regulations in place to protect individuals. Our discussion with Gabrielle allowed us to learn more about PAR's role in the lives of families and individuals and in state government.

(Former THIS intern Tori Bayliff, who also works at PAR, was unable to attend due to illness. She has talked with THIS interns each semester since she graduated. Tori was an intern in the Spring of 2007. Her dedication to helping THIS interns shows her personal support of the program.)