The photographs in this collection feature Pennsylvanians with disabilities who use HCBS — Home and Community-Based Services — to live the life they choose. HCBS provides supports and services that empower a person to live in the community of their choice rather than a nursing home, state intellectual disability center, or other congregate care setting.
Mark - Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Mark is a vocal advocate for disability justice and intersectionality, well-known in and around the Pittsburgh area as a motivational speaker and energetic presenter.
As an augmentative and alternative communication device user, Mark relies on the home support professionals not only to help with his daily living needs, but as technical support as well.
Mark and his assistants work together to keep his communication device in good working order so he can
- complete his paid speaking engagements,
- meet with friends and family,
- and engage his many followers on social media.
Oh my gay goodness…I am very grateful to be using HCBS. With my supports, I have a choice to live my life the way I really want to. I see the people I want to and I can work the way I want to.
Mark Steidl
About HCBS
Home and Community Based Services, or HCBS, provide new opportunities for people with disabilities to have the kinds of community services they want. HCBS.
This project is supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council; in part by grant #1901PASCDD-02, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.
For more information please contact
[click-for-email]215-204-1356