Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814.871.4551 | 800.541.0721 www.dli.state.pa.us
1917 PL 64-347 = Smith-Hughes Act
1918 PL 65-178 = Soldiers’ Rehabilitation Act
1920 PL 66-236 = Smith-Fess Act
1935 PL 74-271 = Social Security Act = Established State/Federal VR Programs
1936 PL 74-732 = Randolph-Sheppard Act
1938 PL 75-739 = Wagner-O’Day Act
1943 PL 78-113 = Bardon-LaFollette Act
1954 PL 83-565 = Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments
1965 PL 89-333 = Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments
1967 = Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
1968 PL 90-391 = Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments
1973 PL 93-112 = Rehabilitation Act of 1973
1978 PL 95-606 = Rehab, Comprehensive Services, & Development Disabilities Amendments of 1978
1984 PL 98-221 = Rehabilitation Act Amendments
1986 PL 99-506 = Rehabilitation Act Amendments
1988 PL 100-407 = The Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act
1990 PL 101-336 = Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814.871.4551 | 800.541.0721 www.dli.state.pa.us
Vocational Rehabilitation Legislative History up to the Americans with Disabilities
Act
Mission To assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to secure and maintain employment and independence.
Vision
Through our actions, we shall earn and maintain the highest degree of respect from our customers and be viewed by them as a world-class organization.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814.871.4551 | 800.541.0721 www.dli.state.pa.us
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814.871.4551 | 800.541.0721 www.dli.state.pa.us
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= BVRS = BBVS = Central Office = HGAC 2 1
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5 = ODHH Erie BVRS District Office
Erie BBVS District Office
OVR: Agency Organization
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) =
Executive Director = Mr. Stephen Suroviec
Bureau of Central Operations (Central Office) =
Training, Administration & Fiscal, Special Programs
Bureau Director = Mr. Ryan Hyde
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (BVRS) =
15 District Offices
Bureau Director = Ms. Denise Verchimak
Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services (BBVS) =
6 District Offices
Bureau Director = Mr. David DeNotaris
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) =
3 District Offices
Director = Ms. Sharon Behon
Hiram G. Andrews Center (HGAC) =
Commonwealth Technical Institute
Director = Ms. Carol Mackel
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OVR/BVRS: Eligibility
Presence of Impairment
Impediment to Employment
Benefit from Services to Achieve Employment Outcome (presumed)
(at the time of application)
Order of Selection
Rehabilitation Act Sec. 101(a)(5)
In the event that vocational rehabilitation services cannot
be provided to all eligible individuals with disabilities
who apply for services, the State plan shall show the
Order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to
be provided vocational rehabilitation services; provide
the justification for the Order; assure that individuals
with the most significant disabilities will be selected first;
and provide information and referral services to
individuals who do not meet the Order.
Order of Selection
MSD = Most Significant Disabilities
Impairment(s) seriously limit 3 or more employment barriers
Expected to require 2 or more vocational rehabilitation services for
at least 6 months from the date of the IPE (Individualized Plan for
Employment)
SD = Significant Disabilities
Impairment(s) seriously limit 1-2 of the employment barriers
Expected to require multiple vocational rehabilitation services
NSD = Non-Significant Disabilities
Does not meet the definitions for MSD or SD
7 Employment Barriers
1 = Mobility
2 = Self Care
3 = Work Tolerance
4 = Interpersonal Skills
5 = Work Skills
6 = Communication
7 = Self Direction
Order of Selection
Services Overview
Diagnostic Services & Assessment
Guidance & Counseling
Vocational Evaluations
Restoration Services
Transition Services
Training Assistance
College/University/Technical Schools
Placement Services
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Job Coaching
Vehicle Modifications
Home Modifications
Small Business Development
Assistive Technology
Team Effort!
Make sure basic needs are met.
OVR does not do but it is needed for employment to be successful.
Identify vocational limitations, prioritize, and identify which
team member(s) are best able to work with the person to
address.
Allow the person to grow, make decisions, and mistakes.
Make realistic goals
Support the person so they can find employment.
OVR is not an employment agency or temp agency
The person is the lead team member
OVR is not an entitled service. The person has to do their part.
Employer Services
Business Solutions
Staffing: pre-screened candidates; consultation services; accommodation solutions
Accessibility Analysis: Job analysis & Worksite modification consultation; Reasonable
accommodations consultation; Assistive technology information
Financial Incentives: On-the-Job Training reimbursement; Tax credits
Disability Awareness: Sensitivity & Disability Etiquette training; Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) consultation
Consultation Services
Publication of “How to Hire PwD Guide”
Recruitment
Qualified Employees
Learn about disability-related issues
Short & Long Term Support
Hiring Process; Employment; Promotions; Issues; Separation; Layoffs; Questions;
Accommodation Guidance; and much more.
OVR Statewide Priorities
Customer Service
Individuals, vendors/partners, businesses have a positive experience.
Transition (School to Work)
Transition to adult life, higher education, or work.
Stakeholder Relations
Develop constructive relationship & input from external organizations.
Workforce Development Collaboration
Working with Local L&I’s Workforce Development.
Public Awareness Outreach
People with Disabilities and businesses know about us.
OVR/BBVS
Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services (BBVS) 6 District Offices
Bureau Director = Mr. David DeNotaris
Erie District Administrator = Ms. Dawn Sokol
Eligibility
Vision 20/70 or worse in best eye with correction & Visual Field of 20 degrees or less
Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Rehabilitation Teaching
Orientation and Mobility Instruction
Independent Living for the Older Blind (ILOB) Program
Specialized Children’s Program
Specialized Services for Adults
OVR: ODHH
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH) 3 District Offices
Director = Ms. Sharon Behon
Erie Office = Mr. Gerald Penna
Eligibility
Anyone seeking information regarding Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Services
Advocacy
Information
Referrals
OVR: HGAC
Hiram G. Andrews Center (HGAC) Commonwealth Technical Institute
Director = Ms. Carol Mackel
12 acre barrier-free campus
Eligibility
OVR Customer
Acceptance via application process
Services
Associate Degrees
Certificate Programs
Support Services
Independent Life Skills
Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs)
• FISCAL ARM OF WIB •Chief Executive Office
•Manage Budget
•Compliance
•Manage Contracts
• PROGRAMATIC ARM OF WIB • Venango Training & Development Center
• Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
•Commonwealth CWDS System
•CORE Services
•Intensive Services
•Adult & Dislocated Services
•Training Services
•Employer Services (under development)
•Youth Program
JOB SEEKERS & EMPLOYERS
Venango County
Fiscal
PFP = Staff
to the WIB
Core Services (free & available to everyone seeking employment)
Enrollment on the CareerLink® website
Assistance with resume preparation
Tips to help in searching & applying for jobs
Referrals to job openings
Orientation to CareerLink®
Job Search Workshops
Information on financial aid
Labor Market Information
Referrals to other programs & services
Eligibility determination for WIA Intensive Services
Intensive Services (18 or older ; unable to secure employment through Core Services; WIA eligible)
Development of an Individualized Employment Plan (IEP)
Intensive Assessment
Training Services (18 or older ; unable to secure employment through Intensive Services; WIA eligible)
Contingent upon funding availability and appropriateness of employment plan. Not an entitlement program.
Occupational Skills Training at an approved school
Employer Based Training (On the Job or Customized)
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814.871.4551 | 800.541.0721 www.dli.state.pa.us
If eligible OVR can help………But not alone. With the person and their support team involved!
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814.871.4551 | 800.541.0721 www.dli.state.pa.us
Thank you!
Jack J. Hewitt, M.A. | District Administrator
PA Department of Labor & Industry | Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
3200 Lovell Place | Erie, PA 16503
814-651-9607
814-871-4551 (switchboard) | 1-800-541-0721 (PA toll free - switchboard)
814-871-4535 (TTY) | 1-888-217-1710 (PA toll free - TTY)
814-871-4631 (fax)
www.dli.state.pa.us
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/disability_services/10355 = OVR webpage
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=606842&mode=2 = OVR Publications
https://www.cwds.state.pa.us = Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS)