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Message from the Department of Human Services (DHS):

Harrisburg, PA — Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier and Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead today announced the Wolf Administration’s goal of using a $14 million federal grant to help Pennsylvanians with disabilities earning subminimum wage transition to competitive, integrated employment.

“Individuals with disabilities contribute their valuable skills, talents, time, energy and perspectives to Pennsylvania’s dynamic economy every day in professions and industries as diverse as our population. They deserve the same protections as all other workers, including the right to earn at least minimum wage for their work,” Secretary Berrier said. “The Wolf Administration will use this funding to help individuals with disabilities and their families learn about and take advantage of opportunities in competitive, integrated employment. There can and should be a role for everyone who wants to and is able to work, and we are grateful to those employers who have already committed to providing competitive, integrated employment.”

Pennsylvania is one of 14 states to receive grant awards from the federal Department of Education for the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) demonstration project. L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and DHS’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will use the funding to develop a five-year plan to support Pennsylvanians with disabilities in transitioning out of subminimum-wage employment — including more than 5,400 people who currently work in “sheltered workshops,” most of whom have intellectual disabilities or autism — as well as students and youth with disabilities seeking to enter competitive, integrated employment (CIE).

“There can be an end to the subminimum wage exception for individuals with disabilities, but it is incumbent on all of us to make that happen. Workplaces should examine their policies to see which ones are outdated or intentionally or unintentionally discriminating against individuals with disabilities,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism are vital members of our society and of our workforces, and DHS is proud to support opportunities to help them find gainful competitive integrated employment. We are grateful to the federal government for this grant so we can continue this work.”

The practice of paying individuals with disabilities subminimum wage is legal under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, a federal law. In September 2020, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights called for an end to subminimum wage in a report, saying that the program has been “inconsistent with the civil rights protections to which people with disabilities are entitled.” To date, several states have, or are in the process of, ending subminimum wage for people with disabilities or are in the process of phasing it out.

The federal grant will fund Pennsylvania’s Integrated Vocational Engagement and Supports Team (InVEST) Project, a wraparound model for assisting individuals with disabilities — including those considering or currently engaged in employment at subminimum wage — their families and employers, to move from subminimum wage employment to competitive, integrated employment.

The project aligns with the commonwealth’s Employment First philosophical approach that CIE be the first and preferred option and will enhance the commonwealth’s existing network of community rehabilitation service providers by allocating additional resources for staff who will work directly with CIE employers proactively engaged in supporting employees with disabilities and creating a culture of accommodation for all employees. These employer liaisons and employment specialists will be embedded with CIE employers to support employees with disabilities, facilitate communication, create a smooth hiring process, and provide on-the-job supports to ensure success. An interdisciplinary and collaborative resource team will anticipate and respond to the SWTCIE participants’ employment-related needs.

The Wolf Administration encourages all employers to consider learning more about this topic and becoming involved in Employment First, which requires any group receiving public funding to ensure that employment is the main focus for education, training, or support services for anyone with a disability who is eligible to work. Employers can explore opportunities to enhance their workforce by hiring people with disabilities who are invaluable members of our communities, workforce, and economy.

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Thursday, September 8, 2022
Start time: 9:00 am
End time: 1:30 pm

This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The public is invited to call in to this meeting using the following information:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Sept 8, 2022, 09:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: PA State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting
Use this link to join the webinar:
Passcode: 528240

Or One Tap Mobile:
US: +19292056099,,88584838897#,,,,*528240# or +13017158592,,88584838897#,,,,*528240#

Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1-929-205-6099 or +1-301-715-8592 or +1-312-626-6799 or +1-646-931-3860 or +1-669-900-6833 or +1-253-215-8782 or +1-346-248-7799 or +1-386-347-5053 or +1-564-217-2000 or +1-669-444-9171
Webinar ID: 885 8483 8897
Passcode: 528240

The agenda for this meeting is below. Anyone who would like to make public comments prior to the meeting may submit their comments via email.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE BOARD OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Zoom Virtual Meeting
September 8, 2022
MISSION STATEMENT: To assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to secure and maintain employment and independence.

PUBLIC AGENDA

9:00 am – 9:20 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks, Jennifer Berrier, Secretary, Labor & Industry

  • Roll Call of Board Members
  • ACTION: Approval of Agenda
  • ACTION: Approval of Minutes, March 3, 2022

9:20 am – 9:30 am
Discussion on 2023 State Board Meeting Dates & Locations, Jennifer Berrier

  • *NOTE: Public Comment will be taken prior to any official board action.
  • ACTION: Approval of 2023 Meeting Dates & Locations

9:30 am – 10:00 am
Executive Director’s Remarks, Ryan Hyde, Acting Executive Director, OVR

10:00 am – 10:30 am
State Board Task Force Committee Update, Michael Kiel, Board Member

10:30 am – 10:45 am

  • BREAK
  • OVR BUREAU DIRECTOR REPORTS

10:45 am – 11:45 am
Hiram G. Andrews Center, Jill Moriconi, Director
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Marci Katona, Acting Director
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Dawn Sokol, Acting Director
Bureau of Central Operations, Ryan Hyde, Director

  • STAKEHOLDER REPORTS

11:45 am – 12:25 pm
Statewide Independent Living Council, Matthew Seeley, Executive Director
PA Rehabilitation Council, Paul Fogle, Chair
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Melissa Hawkins, Director
Client Assistance Program, Steve Pennington, Director

  • TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS

12:25 pm – 1:00 pm
Report on Summer Internships, Doug Rand, Business Services Outreach Division Chief

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

  • PUBLIC COMMENT

1:30 pm

  • ADJOURNMENT

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Harrisburg, PA — For the first time since 1994, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will reopen the order of selection (OOS) to significantly disabled (SD) and non-significantly disabled (NSD) individuals, terminating the waitlist for all SD and NSD applicants seeking vocational rehabilitation services. The change goes into effect today, August 8.

L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment while keeping their independence. Since 2016, nearly 370,000 individuals have received services from OVR, including vocational counseling, evaluations, medical diagnostic services, medical restoration services, employment training, placement services, and career support services.

Under federal law, the OOS occurs when there are limited resources to provide vocational rehabilitation services. The OOS allows state vocational rehabilitation programs without adequate funding or staff to provide services to customers who qualify on a priority basis, by category. By law, the highest priority must be given to customers with the most significant disabilities.

“Every individual should have the opportunity to pursue their passion, earn a living wage and build wealth in Pennsylvania,” L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier said. “OVR makes this possible for individuals with disabilities by connecting them to employers who wisely recognize the value of employing people with different backgrounds and experiences — and who make their workplace open to all through reasonable accommodation.”

Due to the decrease in economic activity during the pandemic, OVR has a surplus of federal funding available to remove the waitlist and use those unspent resources to serve more Pennsylvanians.

The removal of the waitlist for services expands participation in OVR services, along with more in-demand services, such as counseling and training. Over the last year, almost 55,000 individuals benefitted from those services.

“Our goal with this process has always been to serve people with disabilities by giving them the tools they need to obtain and maintain employment,” said OVR Acting Executive Director Ryan Hyde. “Removing the OOS allows us to serve more Pennsylvanians with disabilities, aiding them on their journey to be successfully and gainfully employed.”

Individuals currently on the waitlist for groups SD and NSD will be notified by their vocational rehabilitation counselors that they will be able to access services as of August 8. New, eligible customers seeking services in groups SD and NSD will be able to receive services without waiting. This change is effective through June 30, 2023, when OVR will review the fiscal outlook and decide whether the services to all groups can remain open, without the waitlist, beyond this date. On July 1, 2021, OVR reopened the OOS for individuals with a Most Significant Disability (MSD), eliminating the waitlist for any MSD applicants.

Determination of MSD, SD, or NSD is by the following criteria:

  • An individual with a most significant disability has a disability that results in serious functional limitations in three or more functional capacity areas.
  • An individual with a significant disability has a disability that results in serious functional limitations in at least one functional capacity area.
  • An individual with a non-significant disability is determined eligible for the OVR program but does not meet the MSD or SD requirements.

For more information on OVR services, visit your local OVR office or apply for OVR services online via PA CareerLink®.

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The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has updated the Benefits Planning Provider Agreement to include two more services as well as some updated language. The document includes the full agreement, along with example templates for the deliverables for each service.

Jennnifer Radick, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with OVR that specializes in the Ticket to Work Program and Benefits Counseling/Planning, has shared a letter reaching out to employment service providers. If, after reviewing this agreement, you are interested in becoming an OVR Benefits Planning Provider, you can contact Jennifer using the below information:

Jennifer Radick, MS, CRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
Department of Labor & Industry
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Bureau of Central Operations
(610) 329-4814

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ODP Announcement 22-063 announces rate increases for Supported Employment (SE) services and OVR Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is committed to providing quality services to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Effective partnership with Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) is essential to fulfilling this commitment. Recognizing the unique challenges affecting our CRPs, OVR is modifying service rates for both Supported Employment and Pre-Employment Transition Services. Please see the Supported Employment and Pre-ETS Rate Increases Memo for full details.

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The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is committed to providing quality services to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Effective partnership with Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) is essential to fulfilling this commitment. Recognizing the unique challenges affecting our CRPs, OVR is modifying service rates for both Supported Employment and Pre-Employment Transition Services as outlined in a memo from OVR Acting Executive Director Ryan Hyde. This change will provide equitable compensation for comparable services funded through both agencies.

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Photo by Headway on Unsplash

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) will be hosting two public Listening Sessions to seek input from stakeholders as it prepares to apply to the Rehabilitation Services Administration for a competitive discretionary grant. The public is invited to attend and share comments. CART and ASL services will be available.

Listening Sessions

  1. Wednesday, May 11, 2022, from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
    May 11 Listening Session Zoom Registration
  2. Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST
    May 12 Listening Session Zoom Registration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Grant Information

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) was issued to support innovative activities aimed at increasing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), as defined in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act) (Gov Regs Definitions), for youth and other individuals with disabilities.

The priority of the grant is: Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Innovative Model Demonstration Project. The project seeks model demonstration projects designed to develop, implement, refine, evaluate, and disseminate, for easy adoption, new or substantially improved model strategies or programs to transition individuals in subminimum wage employment into CIE in any one of the following 6 topic areas:

  1. Essential Workers;
  2. Green Job Workers;
  3. Home and Community-Based Service Workers;
  4. Arts;
  5. Transportation Industry and Related Industry Workers; or
  6. Field-Initiated: Field initiated projects will identify and implement innovative strategies that assist SWTCIE program participants to secure CIE. A field-initiated project may (1) address innovative topic areas not otherwise included in this notice or (2) combine two or more topic areas described in this notice into one application.

The purpose of this competition is to increase competitive-integrated employment opportunities for students, youth, and adults with disabilities contemplating, actively seeking, or engaged in subminimum wage employment. To achieve this purpose, projects funded under this priority will create innovative models, for dissemination and replication, to:

  1. Identify strategies for addressing challenges associated with access to CIE (e.g., transportation, support services);
  2. Provide integrated services that support CIE;
  3. Support integration into the community through CIE;
  4. Identify and coordinate wrap-around services for any individual served by the project who obtains CIE;
  5. Develop evidence-based practices and share those practices with other entities holding 14(c) certificates, State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, local rehabilitation providers, State and local workforce agencies, and regional and local employers; and
  6. Provide entities holding section 14(c) certificates with readily accessible transformative business models for adoption.

Access the OVR Competitive Discretionary Grant Request for Information (RFI) here. The public is invited to also share written comments if unable to attend a listening session. Written comments should be submitted via email with the subject line “12 OVR SWTCIE Discretionary Grant” before 5/10/2022 at 4:00 pm.

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The Department of Labor and Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek input from its stakeholders as it prepares to apply to the Rehabilitation Services Administration for a competitive discretionary grant through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116-260).

The grants are intended to support innovative activities aimed at increasing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The priority of the grant is the “Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Innovative Model Demonstration Project.”

Details on submitting responses for the RFI can be viewed here.

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The Statewide Provider Partnership (SPP) shared feedback gathered from providers regarding the Pre-ETS provision throughout the Commonwealth. We would like to thank Joe Michener, Director of Employment Services at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), for coordinating this response advocating for improved OVR services.

We would also like to congratulate Joe as the recipient of this year’s Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association’s Philadelphia Founders Award for demonstrating an outstanding community leadership role by supporting activities that have a far-reaching impact and that have made a contribution toward the rehabilitation of a considerable number of citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

You are an inspiration to all. Thank you, Joe!

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