Nearly $10 Million State Grant Aims to Help Students With Disabilities Reach Career Goals
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
OVR Release of Act 26 SFY 21–22 Q1 Report
A Message from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR):
The SFY 21–22 Q1 report required by the Work Experience for High School Students with Disabilities Act (Act 26 of 2016) is now available. A copy of the report can be found here. It can also be found on OVR’s website on the Act 26 Information web page.
Thank you and happy holidays!
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Seeks Public Comment
The PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) will hold a 30-day public comment period (October 1, 2021–October 30, 2021) on the draft 2-year modification of the 2020–2024 VR Services Portion of the Combined State Plan. All comments should be sent here.
In addition, virtual public meetings will be held on October 19, 2021, from 1:00 pm–3:00 pm, and October 21, 2021, from 10:00 am–12:00 pm. The meetings will be held via Zoom. Meeting details, including information for CART and sign language interpreting, and a copy of the draft plan will be posted on OVR’s website.
Paid for with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars.
OVR Contact Information for Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Coordinators Update
On February 14, 2019, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released Bulletin 00-19-01, OVR Referral Process for ODP Employment-Related Services. Attachment 4 to the bulletin is the OVR Contact Information for Intellectual Disability/Autism Coordinators. Attached, please find an updated version of this contact information. This version, dated 8-10-21, replaces all prior versions of this attachment. This updated contact information and Bulletin 00-19-01 in its entirety can be found on the MyODP Employment page.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Reopening of the Order of Selection
The purpose of this message is to advise that the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has announced the reopening of their Order of Selection effective 07-01-21.
The Office of Long-Term Living’s (OLTL) Employment Bulletin details the process for accessing employment services when OVR is operating under an open order of selection. Referrals to OVR must be made before Medical Assistance waiver-funded employment-related services can be authorized unless the participant has already been deemed ineligible by OVR and/or has a closed OVR case. Also, if OVR has not made an eligibility determination within 120 days of a referral, then OVR services are considered to not be available to the participant, and OLTL employment services may be provided under an OLTL Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program.
If you have any questions, please contact Edward Butler in the OLTL Bureau of Policy Development and Communications Management at 717-214-3718 or by email.
OVR Executive Director Shannon Austin to Speak at RCPA Employment Subcommittee
College of Employment Services Available
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that the College of Employment Services (CES) Online Association of Community Rehabilitation Education (ACRE) Basic Employment Certification Course is now available. Effective immediately, ODP and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) have allotted seats for up to 500 learners across Pennsylvania. Because this is a limited resource, providers are asked to only enroll those staff who are required to hold the ACRE Basic Certificate of Achievement. ODP and OVR also ask that no single provider enroll more than 15 trainees prior to September 30, 2018. Please note the following:
- If your organization is already providing training through College of Direct Support (CDS), you do not need to obtain additional administrative rights.
- If your organization is new to CES, you will need to contact the Elsevier organization to purchase administrative rights based on the number of CES learners your organization wishes to train.
- If your organization is interested in both CDS and CES, your organization will need to contact the Elsevier organization to purchase administrative rights based upon the number of learners your organization wishes to train.
For questions regarding the cost of administrative rights, please contact Leigh Evans, Account Specialist, Elsevier Clinical Solutions, via email or phone 404-799-4009. The announcement, Communication Number 041-18, can be found here.
Vendor(s) Sought to Transform 2390s – Time Sensitive
OVR Invitation to Participate in Employer Survey
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is conducting a comprehensive statewide needs assessment designed to meet and satisfy the state plan requirements in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. As part of this assessment, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is asking Pennsylvania employers and workforce professionals to complete a brief survey to identify how OVR can better support employers and employees across Pennsylvania.
This project is being conducted in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council and with the assistance of the Institute on Disabilities. If you are an employer or a workforce professional you are encouraged to complete this brief survey by Monday, August 1. Once you’ve completed the survey, you can enter in a drawing to win a $20 Target gift card.
The Institute on Disabilities is also seeking employer stakeholders to participate in brief phone interviews and share their expertise with the Institute. Interested employers can email or call 215-204-9544.