In recognition of the eighty-first anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a proclamation celebrating the many advancements across the Commonwealth in creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  NDEAM is an annal recognition of the positive changes that have been made to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities who want to work. As an Employment First State, Pennsvylania supports individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive integrated employment in their communities. Please join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in celebrating the individuals who are working to provide equal opportunities and inclusivity to all individuals.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is Reissuing the 2025 Employment First report. The purpose of the reissue is to update data contained in Appendix A and B. 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 2025 Employment First report by clicking here. This document can also be found by visiting the MyODP Employment Home page.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-117 Now Available Employment Service Definition Question and Answer Version 3 and Employment Services Quick Guide Version 2.  This communication is intended to inform all interested parties of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) publication of updated versions of the Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Employment Services Definition Question and Answer (Q&A), and the Employment Service Definition Quick Guide for ID/A Waivers and Base-Funded Participants.

NOTE: The release of this communication obsoletes ODP Announcement19-025 – Now Available Updated ID/A Waiver Employment Service Definition Question and Answer Document and ID/A Waiver Employment Service Definition Quick Guide.

October 2025 is the eightieth anniversary of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is a celebration of the many changes that have been made to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities who want to work. Pennsylvania is an Employment First State, encouraging individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive integrated employment as the first consideration and desired outcome. In honor of NDEAM, Governor Shapiro has issued a proclamation celebrating the many contributions and advancements in disability employment. Please join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in celebrating the individuals who are working to provide equal opportunities and inclusivity to all individuals.

The Office of Developmental Programs requests your assistance sharing the attached reissued communication, ODPANN 25-028: What the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's Memo Regarding the Order of Selection and Waiting List Means for the Office of Developmental Programs' Services. This announcement is being reissued to update the name of the Individuals with a Non-Significant Disability (NSD) priority category. On July 1, 2025, the NSD category was renamed to Individual with a Disability (D). The change in the priority category name has not affected the relevant eligibility criteria for the D, formerly NSD, category. Please note: Changes are in red.

Please review the announcement for updated information and details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the release of the 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 Employment First report by clicking here. This document can also be found by visiting the MyODP Employment Home page.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication; ODPANN 25-028: What the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's (OVR) Memo Regarding the Order of Selection and Waiting List Means for ODP Services. This announcement clarifies how OVR’s Memo on March 15, 2025, regarding the Order of Selection and the OVR waiting list for services impacts referral requirements and access to ODP-funded employment services. An ODP/OVR Virtual Office Hour (VOH) will also be offered.

Please review the announcement for registration information and additional details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-001: Guidance for Benefits Counseling Services . The purpose of this announcement is to provide information about:

• The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, including when referrals to a WIPA program are required.
• How to locate WIPA programs in Pennsylvania.
• Benefits Counseling services funded through ODP’s Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Supports (P/FDS) Waivers. To reach out to the MA Help desk if the student does not pass their second attempt at the Post Test for account reset.

Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.

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.

From OVR:

Hello SE Providers!

• 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.

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.