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!
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Start time: 9:00 am
End time: 12:30 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: September 16, 2021, 09:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: PA State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting
Please visit this link to join the webinar:
Passcode: 815687
Or One Tap Mobile:
US: +13017158592,,81273334764#,,,,*815687# or +13126266799,,81273334764#,,,,*815687#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: 1-301-715-8592 or 1-312-626-6799 or 1-929-205-6099 or 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799 or 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID:
812 7333 4764
Passcode: 815687
CART and sign language interpreters will be available during this meeting via Zoom.
Those using a screen reader can connect here.
The agenda for this meeting is below. Anyone who would like to make public comment prior to the meeting may submit their comments via email.
Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please email your request.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE BOARD OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENDA
September 16, 2021
9:00 – 9:20
Welcome & Opening Remarks, Jennifer Berrier, Secretary, Labor & Industry
9:20 – 9:40
Executive Director’s Remarks, Shannon Austin, Executive Director, OVR
9:40 – 9:50
Deputy Director’s Remarks, Jeremiah Underhill, Deputy Executive Director, OVR
ACTION ITEM
9:50 – 10:00
Action: Approval of 2022 meeting dates and locations
OVR BUREAU DIRECTOR REPORTS
10:00 – 10:20
Hiram G. Andrews Center, Jill Moriconi, Director
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Rod Alcidonis, Director
Bureau of Central Operations, Ralph Roach, Director
10:20 – 10:30
BREAK
STAKEHOLDER REPORTS
10:30 – 10:50
Statewide Independent Living Council, Matthew Seeley, Executive Director
PA Rehabilitation Council, Passle Helminski, Chair
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Melissa Hawkins, Director
Client Assistance Program, Steve Pennington, Executive Director
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
10:50 – 11:05
Update on 2-Year Modification to the Combined State Plan, Lee Ann Stewart
11:05 – 11:30
Overview of the Client Assistance Program (CAP), Steve Pennington
11:30 – 11:50
Update on OVR Policy Workgroups
11:50 – 12:10
Review of Technical Support Provided to PA OVR, Rachel Anderson, VRTAC-QM
12:10 – 12:30
PUBLIC COMMENT
12:30
ADJOURNMENT
Message from the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University:
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. This project is being conducted in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council.
As part of this assessment, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University invites Pennsylvania Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) to complete a survey to identify how OVR can better support people with disabilities and providers across Pennsylvania. We are requesting your feedback on your customers’ and staff’s needs, gaps, and barriers to service provision, and strategies that support competitive employment for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, including students and youth.
This survey is anonymous and voluntary. It will take approximately 20–30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, you may enter your contact information into a drawing to win one of three $20 gift cards.
Please complete this survey by August 31, 2021.
The Institute is also looking for CRP professionals to participate in brief phone interviews. Please share your expertise. Those interested can email or call 215-204-7660.
Thank you for your time!
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
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:
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.
ODP Updates
The Office of Developmental Disabilities has released the following information:
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