St. John's is different from other agencies. We decided in the 1990s to tear down the walls and provide services for people with disabilities where they can learn and grow the best–right in their own communities. Education services are provided to children in SJCS staffed classrooms in local public schools; adults are supported to have competitive jobs where they are employed directly by the business where they work, not SJCS; or when they are not working, people are encouraged to volunteer because we believe the best way to be a part of one’s community is to contribute to it; and people receiving residential services receive support within homes they own or rent, and where they have control to make choices impacting their everday lives. SJCS has a history of being a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities on federal, state and local levels to ensure the highest quality of services, civil rights, and opportunities to pursue choices and dreams. We are committed to self-direction, full citizenship, advocacy and equal rights for people with disabilities. SJCS has driven social change for 146 years through the development of litigation, legislation, training, technical assistance as well as through direct services. Based in Washington, D.C. , SJCS provides support and services to people living with disabilities in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Delaware.