United Way to Partner with UCP/CLASS

United Way of Allegheny County announced this week a new program called 21 and Able at , an initiative that is working to create a roadmap for youth with disabilities who are transitioning out of the education and supportive services system to work.

The program aims to help them live independently and participate actively in their communities to the fullest extent possible for each individual.   

When young people with disabilities in Pennsylvania turn 21, they graduate from the education and supportive services system, facing reduced and oftentimes inadequate services. Many of these individuals “graduate to the couch” as they join long state waiting lists for aid and programs to become available. 

“The 21st birthday, an exciting event for most, can be a harrowing time for an individual with disabilities and their family,” said Bob Nelkin, president of United Way of Allegheny County. “21 and Able is working to bridge the transition from the education and supportive services system to adulthood to ensure that individuals with disabilities who are turning 21 are able to live their life to its fullest potential.”

21 and Able is addressing this issue by working to develop public policy and advocating to ensure that proposed system changes are funded at an appropriate level; initiating a public awareness campaign to draw attention to the urgency of this issue; and developing pilot projects that address the needs of youth and families through programs and services. 

Barbara Taylor, mother of William, a 20-year-old with disabilities, explained what his upcoming 21st birthday on Jan. 25 will mean to their family at a press conference held this week.

“For us, the transition from funding streams for children with disabilities to those for adults effectively translates into a sharp decrease in supports,” said Taylor. 

Nelkin and Taylor were joined at the press conference by youth with disabilities who currently participate in UCP/CLASS programs. 

Convened by the United Way of Allegheny County, 21 and Able is led by an advisory committee and a working group comprised of committed volunteers. 

UCP/CLASS, is a 501c3 not for profit organization founded in 1951and located in Pittsburgh, PA. The mission of UCP/CLASS is “working toward a community where each belongs." UCP/CLASS continually seeks innovative approaches that foster the independence of adults and children with disabilities and promote their full participation in communities and activities of their choice. UCP/CLASS is celebrating their 60th anniversary of empowering people and creating communities.