';
Policy Areas

OVR is seeking information to refine its “Request for Proposals” for the InVEST (Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team) Project.

Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) would like to hear from interested parties about the management of services delivered through the Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team (InVEST) Project. The goal of the InVEST Project is to provide services and supports to individuals and their families, community businesses, and providers in successfully transitioning individuals receiving subminimum wage to competitive integrated employment (CIE). Additionally, the InVEST Project aims to address barriers to CIE for individuals with disabilities in a person-centered, strengths-based and community-integrated approach by using the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) Framework and tools.

One step in achieving this goal was issuance of a “Request for Proposals” in March 2023 for the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) 84.421D Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Grant (SWTCIE). The “Request for Proposals” sought an entity to manage the delivery of services included in the InVEST Project throughout the 5-year term of the project.

Please, join us on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 9:00 am for a Supplier Forum. Registration is required; please use this link for additional information. An RSVP to the supplier forum is due via email to Nicole Moyer by COB Monday, May 15, 2023.

Questions: Contact Nicole Moyer at 717-346-7667 or via email.

DSPs are a vital part of agencies everywhere.

MITC is awarding $5,000 in September to Direct Support Professionals (DSP) who stand out and go above and beyond to provide exemplary service. MITC values the hard work put forth by DSPs every day and is hoping to show our appreciation through these prizes!

Your participation is important — it shows DSPs that you appreciate their hard and, at times, dangerous work. Three prizes will be awarded:

  • First place prize of $3,000
  • Second place prize of $1,500
  • Third place prize of $500

We will share the awardees’ stories with providers. The winners will be announced during DSP Recognition Week in September 2023.

The deadline to nominate a DSP is August 1, 2023.

Nominate Your DSP

The COVID-19 Mitigation Unit is currently evaluating devices that can eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens from air and surfaces simultaneously. The devices could be stand-alone or wall mounted, utilize a standard outlet for power, and would come with 2 years of supplies that may be needed to run the device.

If funding is approved, the Department of Health (DOH) would purchase and distribute the devices free of charge to small businesses, nonprofit entities, healthcare providers, and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other diseases. If you are interested in receiving a device that could greatly reduce viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens in your facility, please complete this application. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2023.

Currently, the application is being used to gauge interest in receiving a device, and those who complete the application are not guaranteed a device; however, the application must be accurately completed in order to be considered when and if funding becomes available. At that point, DOH would reach out to the facilities chosen to receive devices to confirm delivery details and provide an approval notice. Devices will be awarded based on the amount of funding available and on a first come first served basis. DOH will also consider factors such as foot traffic versus square footage and COVID-19 risk in the community served, prioritizing underserved communities.

If you are interested, please complete this application. Feel free to email with any questions.