Statewide Disabilities Conference Recognizes Stairways Behavioral Health and Opportunities Unlimited of Erie

Erie, PA, December 05, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Stairways Behavioral Health, and Stairways affiliate, Opportunities Unlimited of Erie, each received recognition awards at the statewide PARF Annual Conference, held at the Nittany Lion Inn, State College, Pa.

The Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (PARF) is a statewide organization of facilities serving individuals with disabilities. The annual conference, with the theme of “2010 and Beyond: Changing Rhythms of Rehabilitation” educates and honors rehabilitation providers across the state. Among those earning awards was Stairways Behavioral Health, receiving the 2010 Gold Award for 50 Years of Service. Stairways CEO, William F. McCarthy, received the award on behalf of the organization.

Opportunities Unlimited of Erie, an affiliate of Stairways Behavioral Health that offers direct employment for persons with disabilities as well as provides vocational training, job placement and contract employment services for persons with disabilities, was awarded the 2010 Rehabilitation Agency Recognition Award. Presented by the Association to a PARF member agency for outstanding achievement or the development of an exemplary program or service for individuals with disabilities, winning agencies receive special commendations for having provided a service to a special group of persons with disabilities who heretofore have not received services, or for having developed a technique or project which has the possibility of being replicated in other rehabilitation programs.

Kathleen Horan, Director of Opportunities Unlimited of Erie (OU), as well as members of the OU board of directors and the entire OU team of professionals attended the conference, with Horan accepting the award.

The 2010 PARF conference also featured artists with disabilities, including a keynote address by popular Erie-native musician, Davy Sturtevant, performing “Dis-Ease: A Coming Out,” Sturtevant’s story, in song, regarding his personal recovery and struggle with bipolar disease. Prior to Sturtevant’s relocation to Sweden, ME, he helped rehabilitate Erie residents with mental heath disorders on their road to recovery as a Certified Peer Specialist with Stairways Behavioral Health.

In addition, conference art exhibit curator Lee Steadman, Director of Stairways’ Center City Arts, presented the work of ten Pa. artists living with a disability, from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hosp, MossRehab and Stairways Behavioral Health.

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