The Philadelphia “Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” Steering Committee is once again celebrating this event with a month of employment success stories. Each day we will be posting another success story about someone who is contributing to their community through employment. For those who have requested to receive our employment announcements, you will receive the link to the story in your mailbox. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the successes of people with disabilities working in our communities!

Dream Big, Not Small!

October 18 – Bill Krebs

I am Bill Krebs. Labelled at an early age with an intellectual disability and developmental delays, I wanted to work, but everybody saw my disability – they couldn’t see my possibilities.  After 10 years working in a sheltered workshop,  I started advocating for myself and others, which led me to where I am today. My nickname isn’t “Trouble” for nothing!

I am proud of my accomplishments, having worked a number of jobs through the years. I worked with students at a charter school, educating them about life after high school, and I now work for Keystone Services as an Advocate Coordinator.  My responsibilities are to help people to advocate for themselves and learn about the disability system so they can have an everyday life.  I also teach new Supports Coordinators about the importance and priority of employment. I always say, “You do this for the praises, not the raises.  It is about making a difference in people’s lives, by handshakes, hugs and smiles. You will be blessed by the best!”

I also work at Liberty Resources  coordinating the Young Adult/Autism and Transition group for 20-29 year old’s talking about life after school. and the “You, You, You” group, open to everyone, discussing topics about life and employment.

If you want to know more about the groups, or would like me to talk, contact me at (215) 634-2000 ext. 197.

~Submitted by Bill Krebs