Employment First Committee

PAR's Employment First Committee is composed of providers and state agencies who oversee Employment First initiatives. Members work together to address how people with intellectual disability and autism can gain and hold onto employment in integrated settings at or above the minimum wage. The committee is also involved with promoting PA Employment First legislation and public policy, including encouraging the state and its contractors to achieve 7% employment goals of people with disabilities within its own ranks.

 

Judy DotzmanJudy Dotzman, Chair

Executive Director
SPIN, Inc.
[email protected]

Judy Dotzman is the Executive Director at SPIN, providing inclusive lifespan services for children and adults with Intellectual Disability and Autism. SPIN provides supports and services to over 3500 people in Philadelphia, suburban and Lehigh counties and employs over 1200 people. SPIN has been named a Top Workplace for the past seven consecutive years. Judy began in the field in direct support as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Within her 31 years at SPIN, Judy has dedicated herself to a career providing and ensuring the highest quality, best practice services and supports. Her commitment to innovative, inclusive community service development, partnership and collaboration and to achieving nationally recognized success in the area of workforce development has been a hallmark.

 

Judy DotzmanAndrea Consigny, Chair

Division Director of Employment Services and Community Connections
SPIN, Inc.
[email protected]

Andrea Consigny is the Division Director of Employment Services and Community Connections at SPIN serving the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions.  Andrea holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Arcadia University, CESP and ACRE Certification.  She is an active board member of PA APSE and enjoys the opportunity to connect with other professionals, share strategies, and implement practices for advancing the mission of Employment First. SPIN has a successful record of providing transition, employment, and benefit counseling services to adolescents and adults with a variety of intellectual, developmental, and autism spectrum disabilities.  Andrea currently leads a highly effective and dynamic team to support over 300 individuals as they achieve their personal goals, develop meaningful relationships, obtain employment, and enjoy a life of possibilities. Andrea launched SPIN's People First Technology initiative which provides technology, training, and resources needed to enhance digital literacy skills and create opportunities for people to engage in meaningful activities more independently in their home and community. SPIN is deeply committed to engaging families through family-first experiences and opportunities as their voices and perspectives enhance the services we provide. Andrea leads SPIN Family Connections, gatherings that provide an opportunity for families to connect, share resources, and build a community together.