South Park man who’s overcome challenges recognized for achievements

Jonathan Coliny and his two brothers had a difficult childhood. The siblings were removed from their home and placed with an adoptive family when he was just 6.
Coliny’s early experience left emotional scars, so much so he suffered from anger issues and emotional difficulties as well as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD. At 15, he was placed at Southwood, a residential behavioral treatment center in Pittsburgh.
Coliny’s life improved when he turned 18 and began getting support from InVision Human Services, a nonprofit that provides customized support for people of all ages with intellectual, physical, neurological and other disabilities. He was able to move into a house supported by InVision, live independently with the help of resident counselors, hold down a part-time job and volunteer at the local fire department.
Recently, PAR, Pennsylvania’s leading disability provider and advocacy association for people with autism and intellectual disability, recognized Coliny, now 22, as Self-Advocate Employee of the Year for the Western Region. The South Park resident received the award at the PAR Annual Solutions Conference Awards Ceremony Oct. 23 in Harrisburg.
“I was very excited when I learned I got the award but was nervous when I spoke in front of the audience,” said Coliny, who thanked InVision staff and his family for their support at the ceremony.
During his Harrisburg visit, he and other awardees were recognized on the floor of the state Senate and visited the office of state Sen. Lisa Baker.
The award honored Coliny for his independence and initiative as an employee at the South Park Clubhouse Restaurant and for his volunteer support at the Library Fire Department, where he helps clean the trucks and station and assists at Bingo, gun bashes and Monday meetings. He said he’s especially fond of joining in on certain calls with the department on a squad car.
Tyler Miller, clinical specialist with InVision, has been working with Coliny on and off for the last year, but more steadily once a week for the past six months. He said that Coliny lives independently in his home with the support of resident counselors, who drive him to appointments and insure he takes his meds on schedule.
“Jonathan is mobile and verbal and can cook and take care of his own personal hygiene,” Miller said. “He holds down a job and volunteers with the fire department, and is one of the most personable, friendly and dedicated individuals I know.”
As a self-advocate, Coliny has the ability to communicate, an advantage many afflicted with similar disabilities can’t do.
“Jonathan Coliny’s excellence as an employee and a community volunteer is simply amazing,” said Shirley Walker, PAR’s president and CEO. “His drive to help others in South Park is what community membership is all about. He is an inspiration for all self-advocates.”
Each year, PAR asks its member organizations to nominate people who have been exemplary. This year it received 70 nominations in four categories. An impartial subcommittee then chooses the winner in each category.
Miller said Coliny’s nomination was an InVision team effort. The team sat down and looked at his accomplishments and picked him from a pool of possible candidates.
“Jonathan’s a good example for anyone with a disability who wants to go into the community, hold down a job and work toward independence,” Miller said. “He’s a passionate, friendly and dependable employee who takes enthusiastic pride in his work and community. Even though he likes to play video games, he still likes going out to do things like catching a ball game, seeing a movie or visiting friends.”
Coliny credits InVision for giving him more freedom and a positive outlook on life. For someone with a rough abusive childhood, he said he’s now happy and wants to continue to grow.
“Eventually, I’d like to become a paid fireman, go to college and get a job as an EMT,” he said.