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Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Press Release

Labor & Industry Creates InVEST Program to Help Individuals with Disabilities, Secure Good Jobs through Competitive, Integrated Employment
Sheetz, Inc. is the first PA employer to commit to the new program, which leverages millions of dollars in federal funding to help transition individuals with disabilities away from subminimum wage positions to competitive, fulfilling careers.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today announced the launch of a new program through its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), leveraging a $14 million federal grant to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities earning a subminimum wage obtain competitive, integrated employment (CIE).

The new Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program builds on PA’s commitment to uphold and advance Employment First. InVEST aims to eliminate some of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities working in sheltered workshops, which typically pay people with disabilities subminimum wage and are often segregated from the greater community. InVEST will empower participants to pursue competitive wages through economically stable career paths by facilitating the transition from subminimum wage positions to CIE.

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Reminder from OVR to Supported Employment Providers

From OVR:

Hello SE Providers!

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National Employment Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM) Proclamation and Calendar of Events

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Although the work to support individuals to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment continues throughout the year, NDEAM presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and confirm our commitment to ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to employment opportunities.
Proclamation From Governor Josh Shapiro
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Josh Shapiro issued a proclamation to highlight Pennsylvania’s efforts in ensuring everyone has the right to competitive integrated employment opportunities. The proclamation is attached.
Employment Events Across the Commonwealth
To celebrate NDEAM, the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) is highlighting some of the many NDEAM and other employment related events happening across the Commonwealth this October. Please note this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other events happening in your local community.
 
Employment Data:
As of January 2024:
*8,239 individuals, ages 18-64, enrolled with ODP had “Competitive Integrated Employment” or CIE.
*4,548 individuals enrolled with ODP were utilizing ODP’s employment services.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines Competitive Integrated Employment as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:
  • Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience.
  • The Individual receives the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions; at a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and presents opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in other positions.

Upcoming ACRE Training(s) with Arc of PA

Please see the attached informational flyer for several upcoming ACRE Basic Training sessions.  All are welcome to join!  Please direct all questions to the contact listed on the flyer.

The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Policy Team Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Individuals and Families: Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Collaboration with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Policy Team Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Individuals and Families: Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Collaboration with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families to join in a virtual conversation with ODP’s policy team. The conversation will cover basics about the services ODP offers and it is an opportunity for individuals and families to ask questions. These sessions are informal, meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams. Click the link below to register for the session. 
What Will Be Covered?
This next session will consist of policy members from ODP and staff from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The session will provide an overview of employment services available through ODP and OVR as well as some current initiatives that aim to assist individuals to discover, obtain, and maintain meaningful competitive integrated employment in their community.
Date:
October 2, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration:

Access to Good Jobs for All: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Employment First, and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

Access to Good Jobs for All: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Employment First, and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate and promote inclusive work environments. Join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for an insightful discussion on the history of NDEAM, the Employment First movement, and Pennsylvania’s commitment to advancing inclusive employment opportunities. Discover how Employment First has shaped ODP’s evolving supports and services, empowering individuals with disabilities to secure and sustain competitive, integrated employment, and supporting access to good jobs for everyone.
Audience: All Stakeholders
DatesOctober 25, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

September Provider Office Hours Materials

Below is the information from the September Provider Supported Employment Office Hours.  This email includes:

Basic ACRE Training with Bucks IU- October 2024

Please see the informational flyer for ACRE Basic Training sessions that can be scheduled with Bucks IU. Please direct all questions to the contact listed on the flyer.

The October class will be October 16-18, and it is in person or virtual.  Bucks IU is also able to schedule in your agency location if you have 5 or more participants.

PA ABLE Virtual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Education Day Save the Date

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) every October to celebrate and highlight contributions people with disabilities make to America’s workplaces. 

The PA Treasury Department's PA ABLE Savings Program is hosting a virtual event on October 1. Registration is open and details will be available soon!

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Releases 2022-2023 Employment First Report

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the release of the 2022-2023 Employment First report. ODP believes that all people with an intellectual disability and/or autism must be encouraged to pursue their vision for an everyday life, which may include working in competitive integrated employment. Competitive integrated employment offers a person an opportunity to achieve economic independence, build self-confidence, enhance self-determination, and meet new people while building new skills. The Everyday Lives: Values in Action publication, developed by the ODP Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) which includes self-advocates, reads, “Employment is a centerpiece of adulthood and must be available for every person. The benefits of employment for people with disabilities are significant and are the same as for people without disabilities.” This report serves as an update to all stakeholders on the progress that has been made to support individuals served by ODP on finding and maintaining competitive integrated employment.

Access the 2022-2023 Employment First report by clicking here. This document can also be found by visiting the MyODP Employment Home page.

Employment Symposium & Job Fair Registration Now Open

Registration Now Open: Employment Symposium & Job Fair
October 10, 2024
9 AM – 4 PM
Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel
This conference is for employers, business owners, people with disabilities, their family members, and anyone interested in competitive integrated employment!
Please see the flyer for registration information and additional details.

Invitation to Provide Brief Program Overview at OVR Office Hours

Message from OVR:

As you all know, OVR has resumed their Supported Employment Office Hours. They are held once per month for the providers, and then also once per month for OVR staff.

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