PAR Names Don Barney 2007 Pennsylvania Advocate of the Year

Sept. 30, 2007 - PRLog -- Don Barney, Executive Director of Keystone Community Resources, has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) as one of two recipients of the Pennsylvania Advocate of the Year Award for exemplary service and leadership in political advocacy on behalf of people with autism and intellectual disabilities (also referred to as mental retardation).  

This award recognizes an individual, who by their tenacity and perseverance publicly demonstrates effective advocacy in the Pennsylvania political process at the local, regional and statewide level; and who offers, as well as embraces, new ideas to advance the quality of community mental retardation services and supports. PAR does not give this award every year.

This honor was bestowed upon Mr. Barney for his advocacy not only surrounding the most recent budget cycles in Pennsylvania, but for his constant focus and dedication to educate policymakers about the needs of some of their most vulnerable constituents.

Mr. Barney’s efforts enabled both staff members who work at Keystone Community Resources and individuals with intellectual disabilities who receive services through his agency to participate directly in the legislative process. Their advocacy, combined with strong grassroots activity throughout the state, resulted in a 3% cost of living increase for community-based mental retardation services, as well as additional funding for mental retardation and autism services in the FY2007-2008 Pennsylvania budget.

Founded in 1964 as a home for persons with mental retardation, Keystone Community Resources now consists of more than 40 community homes, family living, supported living and vocational training/supported employment programs. Its mission is to provide people with developmental disabilities diverse opportunities to lead fulfilling lives. For more information, visit http://www.keycommres.org.

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About PAR: PAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the continuous quality improvement of services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and children and adults living with autism and their families. PAR member agencies support over 45,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities as well as over 8,000 people living with autism in over 5,600 locations in the Commonwealth. For more information, visit http://www.par.net.

Website: www.par.net