Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in PA
OVR WIOA Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation:
This program helps persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and/or maintain employment. Its single-point-of-contact model helps any employer hire and on-board talented individuals with disabilities by connecting the employer with one staff member who coordinates all program support. Learn more about out vocational rehabilitation services with PA CareerLink® Delaware County today!
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What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation is a program that helps individuals with disabilities or impairments to gain the skills and training they need to return to work or find new employment opportunities. The aim of vocational rehabilitation is to help people overcome any obstacles that may be preventing them from working, by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in the workplace. If you have any questions about our PA CareerLink, please Contact Us today!
Job hunting is usually stressful, but for people with disabilities, finding employment can have added challenges. At PA CareerLink® Delaware County, we help people who live with disabilities navigate the job market and discover opportunities for them to have fulfilling careers. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) was established to help people overcome barriers to employment, benefiting both them and their employers. Here’s a look at OVR and how it can help.
What is OVR?
The US Department of Education funds OVR to help people who have disabilities find and maintain jobs. OVR services are available to people who have a mental or physical disability and need services to help them prepare for, obtain, and keep employment.
To do this, OVR provides a range of benefits. Here are some of the services participants may receive:
Get an evaluation and diagnosis
Individualized vocational rehabilitation program
Participate in counseling
Job training
Job placement services
Access to accommodations or adaptive technology
Transportation assistance
Services to help retain employment
Although many people are referred to the program by organizations such as welfare services, schools, or medical providers, you may apply directly to the program if you believe you qualify for assistance.
Job-seeking information about OVR
If you have a disability, live in Delaware County, and you’re ready to get started on an effective job hunt, here are the steps to take to participate in OVR.
1. Apply to the program
If you aren’t referred by another organization, you can reach out to PA CareerLink® Delaware County directly. Our intake line is 484-250-4340, or you can apply online.
2. Determine eligibility
Next, a counselor will review your information and determine if you are eligible for vocational rehabilitation.
3. Discover your strengths
Once you are approved for services, we will help you identify your abilities, interests, and the areas in which you need support.
4. Create a plan
With this information, we will help craft a plan to gain the skills and support you need to move forward into a career.
5. Job hunt
Now your job hunt begins! We will help you find and apply for positions that are a good fit for you. We can help you develop the skills you need to interview and support you in keeping a job once you’ve found the right one.
FAQ's
Does a participant have to be employed before they receive physical or mental accommodations or assistive technology?
No, but first they must work with a counselor to develop a plan for employment, to set their work goal and list the services they need to get there. If accommodations or technology are needed to implement the plan, they can receive that before they start work.
What information do I need to proceed with the application?
The exact information you’ll need depends on your situation and needs, but you’ll probably be asked to provide documentation such as your most recent medical summary of all diagnoses from your care provider or recent cognitive or IQ tests. If applicable, you’ll need to provide documentation of Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.
Living with a disability doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling career. For more information about how we can help you achieve your dreams, contact us at PA CareerLink® Delaware County today.
Contractor
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Contact:
Intake Line
484-250-4340
Office Hours: M-F 8am-4pm
Voicemail after hours
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