Type Of Business:
State government committee
Expertise:
Advocating for people with cross disabilities
Major Product/SVS:
Advocacy for people with disabilities
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading; Attending the opera and baseball games
Education Degrees:
Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Pittsburgh (1982); Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Edinboro University; Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Edinboro University
Affiliations Awards:
Member, Board of Directors, Three Rivers Center for Independent Living; Legislative Chairwoman, Governor's Advisory Committee; Member, Advisory Committee, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Founder, President, Big Heart Bridges; Member, Board of Directors, United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh; Member, Allegheny County 365 Committee; Co-Founder, ACCESS Para-Transit System of Allegheny County
Industry:
Disability Advocacy
Date of Distinction:
2/8/2012
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is that the Office of Disabilities is an executive order, which is a big thing for the state of Pennsylvania, as it will help others with disabilities who are coming behind her.
Number Of Years In Profession:
53
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her devotion to make a better life for people with disabilities, and her father, Charles, who encouraged her to do what she needed to do to better her life.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after gaining experience in advocacy while volunteering with United Cerebral Palsy.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Stypula assisted in the creation of Pennsylvania's ACCESS Para-Transit system for people with disabilities. Though she isn't monetarily compensated for the support and guidance she offers consistently, Ms. Stypula feels that her efforts are greatly appreciated by people to whom she has given a voice, an opportunity to be heard.
A major obstacle she - along with many others - has had to live with is the preconceived notions and judgments of disabled people, which have caused some to trivialize their conditions or regard them as helpless. With a startling unemployment rate of 70 percent among those with disabilities, it serves as motivation for her to affect change. Her goal is, through these programs, to facilitate processes that will make the lives of disabled individuals easier by helping them to realize that they deserve adequate services as much as anyone else.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Advocating for people with disabilities in the state of Pennsylvania on issues such as transportation, employment and housing
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Stypula intends to continue advocating for services for people with disabilities, including obtaining a grant from an interested agency that will help with the funding for people with disabilities who need to travel with loved ones visiting the emergency room.