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8/3/2017
1
Andrea Merrick, MSW, LSW
Lavinia Garcia-Ritter, M.S., M.Ed.
Traci Kowalick, MSW, LSW
Patricia Lapotsky, M.S., CRC
Engaging Employers and
Educating Students: Outreach
and Events to Encourage
Working Relationships
1
Audience
Who is Here?
Teachers/School Personnel
Employment Agency Staff
Parents
Youth/Students
OVR Staff
Other Organizations2
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2
The Goal
Our Challenge:
How do we prepare Youth
with Disabilities for Employment?
3
The Research
Research Shows:
“…Work Experiences for youth with disabilities during high school help them acquire jobs at higher wages after they graduate.” (Colley & Jameson, 1998)
4
“ One study found students who participated in work-based learning were more likely to attend college or go to work compared to their peers.” (Jobs For the
Future, 2007)
“ Research studies suggest that work based learning may increase school attendance, decrease drop out rates, reduce school suspensions, and increase school engagement.” (Medrich, Calderon, & Hoachlander, 2002)
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Success Story - Laura
5Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Success Stories
5Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Laura’s Work Based Learning Experience
Birdsboro Community Memorial Center
Success Story Video Clip
6Laura’s Success Story - Video
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Agenda Items
7Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
1. Introduction
2. Who from OVR Can Help Me?
3. Employer Engagement
4. Outreach Events
5. Success Stories
6. Discussion Points/ Wrap Up
7Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
OVR operates under the authority of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended in 2014 as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
OVR is regulated at the Federal Level by the Rehabilitation Services
Administration.
OVR’s funding is derived through approximately 80% federal dollars and a 20% state match.
8
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Link t OVR’s Website
• OVR provides a wide range of services to
eligible individuals.
• OVR also provides additional services for
students with a disability aged 14-21, who
are currently enrolled in high school, and
who receive services under an IEP or a
Section 504 plan.
OVR’s Mission
• The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
(OVR) assists Pennsylvanians with
disabilities in securing and maintaining
employment and independence.
9
WIOA
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)• Key Areas of Emphasis:
1. Students with Disabilities
2. Employer Engagement
3. Cross-Agency Collaboration
4. Assistive Technology
5. Competitive Integrated Employment
(includes limitations on sub-minimum wage)
• OVR, in collaboration with the LEA, shall provide or arrange to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students with disabilities.
Signed into law
on July 22, 2014
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Pre-Employment Transition Services
Pre- Employment Transition Services for Students
5 Required PETS Activities Include: • Job Exploration Counseling • Facilitate Work Based Learning Experiences • Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in
comprehensive transition or post secondary educations programs
• Workplace Readiness Training• Instruction in Self Advocacy, which may include peer
mentoring
11Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
OVR Staff Roles
12Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
What is my role?
How do I help?
12Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Early Reach Coordinators
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Business Service Representatives
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Early Reach Coordinators (1/3)
Click to add footer text >
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
IEP Students
13
Nu
mb
er
of
Stu
de
nts
Student’s Age
Approximately 104,000
total students with an
IEP in Pennsylvania
between ages 14-21
Approximately 430 OVR
Counselors in
Pennsylvania
Early Reach Coordinators (2/3)
Click to add footer text >
In 2013, the position of Early Reach
Coordinator was added to OVR-BVRS.
Early Reach Coordinators:
• Outreach
• Community Outreach (Parent Groups,
Disability Support Groups)
• School Outreach (IEP Meetings, Transition
Council Meetings, Classroom Presentations)
• Consultation to schools/community partners
• CILs, Reading Public Library Teen Program
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Early Reach Coordinators (3/3)
Click to add footer text >
• Special Projects
• Summer Academies
• Summer Work Programs
• Special Events –
• Mentoring Day
• Youth Job Fair
• Mock Interviews
• To provide Pre-Employment Transition
Services to groups of students with
disabilities (potentially eligible students).
• Groups/Workshops15
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Click to add footer text >
Outreach/LiaisonCommunity Outreach, School Outreach,
Employer Outreach
Vocational Counseling and GuidanceCounsel individuals to maximize the employability
of individuals coping with a disability.
Individual ServicesAssess client needs and design and implement a
plan for employment that includes Pre-
Employment Transition Services and other
Individually focused Rehabilitative Services
16
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New OVR Services for Students:
Services for Students
Group Trainings/Workshops
Independent Living, Self Advocacy, Workplace Readiness
Individual Services
Job Shadowing – up to 25 hours
Work Based Learning Experiences – up to 90 hours
A paid part-time work experience
17
Must Apply to OVR!!
17
OVR Services Include:
OVR Services
Testing Medical, psychological, neuropsychological, audiological, physiatricVocational evaluations
Vocational Counseling and Guidance Job Coaching
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OVR Services Include:
OVR Services
Restoration Equipment/Assistive Technology – hearing aides, wheelchairs, home and van modifications, physical and occupational therapies
Training
This can include: Tuition, Books, On the Job Training, Driver Evaluations/Driver Training
Work tools, equipment, and uniforms
19
19
OVR Services Include:
OVR Services
Hiram G. Andrews Center
Business, Trade and Technical school that provides many types of vocational evaluations and training
Job Placement Assistance
20
20
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Business Services
Business Specialists
Single Point of Contact
Dual Customer Focus
Collaborations:
• PA CareerLink Staff and Business Service
Teams
• Local Society for Human Resource
Management (SHRM)
• Manufacturing Associations
• Chamber of Commerce
21Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 21
Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
>
Reading OVR is pleased to partner
with many major business partners
including:
Employer Engagement - Partners
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Business Specialists
Single Point of Contact
WIIFM?
Business Specialists 1/2
23Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 23Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Answer the Question -
Business Specialists
Single Point of Contact
24Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 24Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
What is your value added?
• Staffing
• Financial
• Resource/Referral
Business Specialists 2/2
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Employer Engagement
Staffing
Pre-screened, qualified job
candidates
Help retain current
employees
Accommodation solutions
Accessibility Analysis
Consultation on job analysis,
worksite modification and
reasonable accommodations
§ Financial Incentives
OJT reimbursement
Tax credits
OVR Services for Employers at no cost
Disability Awareness
Disability etiquette training
ADA consultation
Networking Resources
Employment networks
Business Leadership Network
Job Accommodation Network
(JAN)
VR-NET
JobGateway
Follow-Up Services
OVR sticks with the
customers
Will help employer & new hire
problem-solve future issues
25
Financial Incentives
Target Groups
• Veteran Target Groups
• TANF or SNAP Recipient
• Vocational Rehabilitation Customer or
person who identifies having a disability
• Ex-Felon
• SSI recipient
• Long Term unemployed individual
Financial Incentives
Tax Credits
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit
27Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 27Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Applying for the Credit:
To request a tax credit for a potentially-
eligible individual, the employer must submit:
IRS Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061
Forms must be postmarked no later than 28
days after the start date.
http://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-
Development/emp-tax-
credits/Pages/WOTC.aspx
Tax Credit Contact Info
28Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 28Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Contact Information
Greg ShirkDept. of Labor & Industry
Special Programs Unit717.783.3676 / gshirk@pa.gov
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Be A Resource!
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• Mid Atlantic ADA
• OVR!
• Careerlink
• CILs
• Be familiar with resources in your
community
Be the GO TO Resource
for this employer!
29Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 29Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Engagement Contacts
Initial Contact
First meeting
should be brief.
Focus on getting
to the next step-
building the
relationship
through engaging
the business.
• 1st
Contact has 1%
Success Rate
• 2nd
Contact has 3%
Success Rate
• 3rd
Contact has 5%
Success Rate
• 4th
Contact has
95% Success Rate
30Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 30Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
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Employer Engagement Process
The Process
31Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 31Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Network –Get Out There!
Initial Contact –-
Build the Relationship
Proposal–
Service After Job Match –
Build on Success
- Introduction- Business cards
- Provide Value- Develop Trust
- Start with a short term commitment
- Don’t drop and leave
- Provide Support!
Outreach Events
32Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Outreach Events
32Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
1. The Event
2. Considerations for Planning
3. What Have We Learned?
– What have we changed?
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Mentoring Days
Mentoring Days
33Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 33Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
Events
Mentoring Days –
Coordinate with Employers and local
School Districts to offer a tour to
potentially eligible High School Students
Highwood
Goodwill Distribution Center
DoubleTree Hotel
Big Lots Distribution Center
Reading Hospital
Lutheran Home at Topton
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Employer Preparation
• What is the purpose of this event?
• What is the employer role?
• How many participants do you expect to
attend?
• What is the dress code?
• Get point of contact phone numbers/emails
• Communicate changes with the employer
promptly
• Ask about the tour
• Will you have an accommodation request? –
ask in ADVANCE!
Prepare the Employer for the
Day…
35
Mentoring Day Agendas
1. Introduction by Employer
2. OVR – Employability Skills
3. Tour of Employer
4. Employer Reviews Job Requirements/
How to Apply
8:45 a.m. – Arrival of Students – The Henry Healthcare Rotunda 9:00 - 9:20 a.m. – Welcome to Topton & Flik careers9:20 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. - Tour of Facility9:50 – 10:10 a.m. – Employability Skills presentation10:10 – 10:20 – How to apply to Flik 36
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Employability Skills
1. Tips for making a Good First Impression
2. The Reasons Teens Get Fired
3. Time Management Skills
4. Communication Skills
5. Good/Bad Attitude – Customer Service
6. Problem Solving
7. Following the Rules at Work
8. Teamwork
Employability Skills Presentation
37
Skills Presentation Sample
Employability Skills Presentation
Example - Reasons Teens Get Fired
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05/02 – Flix at Lutheran Home
53
What Did We Learn? 1/2
What Did We Learn?
1. Engage a diverse group of employers.
(manufacturing, retail, elder care, non-
profit)
2. Be aware of Employer requirements and
communicate this to the schools (closed
toe shoes, no jewelry, security, no photos,
parking)
3. Target appropriate students (include this
in the email invitation – students with an
interest in…careers )
4. Prepare the students for the day (dress,
roleplay, questions)54
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What Did We Learn 2/2
What Did We Learn?
5. Have an Energetic/Enthusiastic
employee/s lead the tour.
6. If the business produces a product, take
students through the production
process as part of the tour.
7. Have employees along the tour talk
about their job, why they like it, how
long they have worked there
8. Be sure students can hear/understand
the speaker (accommodations,
interpreter)55
What Have We Changed?
What Have we Changed?
1. Build in a Bathroom Break!
2. Ask about physical mobility challenges
3. Save the Employability Presentation for
the end if time is tight!
56
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Mock Interview Events
Mock Interviews/Events
57
Events
Mock Interviews –
With OVR Staff, Local Agency Staff, and
Local Employers
1. Local Transition Events
2. Local Classrooms as part of Lesson
3. As part of Workplace Readiness Group
58Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 58Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation >
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Mock Interview Planning
Considerations for Planning:
• Location: Special Event/Classroom Activity
• Tap Into Your Employer Relationships
• Provide Mock Interview Questions
• Preparation is Key
• Prep for Interviewer and Students
• Prep Session before the Interview
• Venue: Space, Noise Level,
Accessibility 59
Mock Interview Prep Sessions
Prep Sessions1. Types of Job Interviews/Tips for Each
2. How to Prepare/What to Bring
3. Dress to Impress
4. Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
5. Your Introduction/Handshake
6. Common Interview Questions
7. Tips for Answering Questions
8. How to Follow Up After the Interview60
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Prep Session Sample
Prep Sessions
Snagajob Youtube Channel 61
Mock Interview Event
Schuylkill Transition Fair –Mock Interview Prep
Sessions
62Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
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63Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mock Interview Photos 1/3
64Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mock Interview Photos 2/3
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65Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mock Interview Photos 3/3
What Did We Learn? Mock Interview
1. Reach out to a diverse group of
employers (manufacturing, retail, elder care, non-
profit)
2. Confirm with employers and provide reminders
3. Expect cancellations; have extra "interviewers"
on hand
4. Prep students – every student should have a Prep
session – increase student confidence!
5. Provide a Structure for Constructive
Criticism/Feedback
– Mock Interview Feedback Forms
What Did We Learn?
66
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Youth Job Fairs
Youth Job Fairs
67
Planning Considerations 1/3
• Considerations:
• Build on your employer relationships.
• Prepare your students
• Before the Fair and At the Fair
• Venue
• Size, room availability, space for prep, applications, accessibility
• Will a school agree to host? (they can send more students)
Planning an effectiveYouth Job Fair
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• Considerations:• Signs!!!!
• Have a Copier available!
• RSVP from schools planning to attend• Recruit appropriate employers
• Stagger School Attendance – ask schools to provide 3 preferred arrival times
• Transportation
Planning a Youth Job Fair
69
Planning Considerations 2/3
• Considerations:
Follow-up
• Employers feedback & testimonials –build on success!
• Transition Coordinators after the Job Fair
Share your success!
Planning a Youth Job Fair
70
Planning Considerations 3/3
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Job Fair - Layout
Job Fair Prep Sessions
Interactive Prep Sessions1. Preparation for the Job Fair
1. Your Documentation, Work Permits
2. Researching Companies at the Fair
3. Dress to Impress
4. Get References
5. Practice with Applications
6. The Day of the Job Fair
7. Your Introduction
8. Following Up After the Job Fair
72
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Prep Session – Sample 1
Interactive Prep Sessions
Prep Session – Sample 2
Interactive Prep Sessions
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Prep Session – Your Intro
75Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Your Introduction
Hello, my name is ________________. (Give a firm but friendly handshake). I am a student at ______________ High School. I am looking for an entry-level position. I have been told that I am ______________________________________ ________________________________ (tell them about your skills/experience). Please tell me about your job openings.
Schuylkill Youth Job Fair
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Schuylkill Job Fair Photos 1/2
77Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
78Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Schuylkill Job Fair Photos 2/2
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Berks Youth Job Fair
205 Students
From Berks Districts, CTCs, and I-Lead
Charter School
79
Berks Job Fair Prep
Andrea and
Traci - What is a Job Fair?80
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Completing Applications
Students
Completed Applications81
Job Fairs – Employer Feedback
Employer Feedback
“Some students were prepared more than others. It was great to
see so many participants with resumes!”
-Anonymous
“Thank you for having us, I think it
was great. We met so many, and the
interaction was surprisingly great. I
remember first starting out and I
was intimidated at that age.”
– People Ready
“Thank you for all your help and I believe yesterday was a great turn out. Those kids were awesome
to meet!”
- Berks County YMCA
82Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
8/3/2017
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What We Learned – Job Fair
What Did We Learn?
1. Need Signs to find Building/Rooms
2. Students love SWAG/Giveaways/Freebies!
(Food)
3. Employers are sincere about hiring
students!
4. Stagger entry times for crowd
control/space.
5. Preparation is important!
1. Offer Prep Sessions to Schools before the Fair
2. Offer a mini Prep Session the day of the Fair
6. Provide Area for Students to Complete
Applications
1. Students may need extra time/quiet areas to complete
83
What Are the Results?
Success Stories
Paid Work Experience
84Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
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SWEAP
85Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Summer Work Experience and
Assessment Program
SWEAP – Summer Work
What is SWEAP?
• A 6-7 week paid summer employment
work experience
• For Youth with Disabilities age 16-21.
• Students work 3 days per week
• Students work up to 20 hours per week.
86Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Summer Work Experience and
Assessment Program
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SWEAP – 2017 So Far
87Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
2017 So Far…
• 119 Students hired
• 60 Funded TANF / 59 Funded OVR
Summer Work Experience and
Assessment Program
SWEAP Students
88Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
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Collaboration SWEAP
89Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Goodwill
Workforce Development
OVR
BCTCC
CYEP
CYEP
Community Youth
Employment Program90Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
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46
CYEP – Summer Work
CYEP – Community Youth Employment
Program
91Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
What is CYEP?
Community Youth
Employment Program
• A paid summer work-based learning
experience
• For Youth with Disabilities age 16-21.
• Students work 3-5 days per week.
• Students work 20-40 hours per week.(Based Upon Employer Need!)
92Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
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Collaboration CYEP
93Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
OVR
Schools
Employers
Providers
• ERCs and VRCs
identified students with
support of Schools.
• Employers identified
based on location, job
duties, and interests
• Providers identified for
on-site support
CYEP – 2017
94Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Shenandoah Valley School District
• City of Pottsville - Pool
• Frackville Borough
• Mahanoy City Borough
2017 So Far…
• 12 Students hired
• 12 Funded by OVR
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Student Feedback
95Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
What Did the Students Have to
Say About their Work Experience?
“I am getting better at following
directions and work is becoming easier.
I almost enjoyed cleaning the cafeteria
today. I am starting to enjoy having
something to do.”
“I learned about a time card for the first time. It
was pretty interesting stuff, same as learning
about checks. I learned how to read a check,
what all the lines are for, and what a check
looked like.”
The 6th week was the best of all
weeks. I learned a lot of new things
and ideas. In the kitchen, I made food
all by myself. I didn’t need help from
anyone. I mainly stayed in the
kitchen and cooked.
Employer Feedback
96Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
What Did the Employers Have to
Say About the Students?
“Student’s attention to detail did not go
unnoticed… She was always pleasant when
coming to work and actively learned the
names of not only the staff, but our family’s
names as well.”
“Very good worker, very good
listener, very inquisitive, and eager
to learn.”
“Student should know how wonderful
her presence at the Castle has been.
She should not put herself down!
There are great things in her future.”
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Discussion/Please Share!
Please share your Experience/Expertise!!
What events does your School District/Agency/ Transition Council Plan?
Do Employers Participate?
How did you recruit Employers to participate?
97Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
THANK YOU
Thank you for your time and attention!
There are significant opportunities for collaboration to improve employment
outcomes for Students with Disabilities.
Thank you for all you do for Youth!
98Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
LET’S NAVIGATE THIS PATH TOGETHER!
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50
RESOURCES
• The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)– https://www.dol.gov/odep/– https://www.dol.gov/odep/categories/youth/career.htm
• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) -– http://www.ncwd-youth.info/
• JAN – Job Accommodation Network– https://askjan.org/
• SnagaJob Youtube Channel– https://www.youtube.com/user/snagajob
99Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
LET’S NAVIGATE THIS PATH TOGETHER!
CONTACT INFO
• Andrea Merrick– amerrick@pa.gov
• Lavinia Ritter-Garcia– lavritter@pa.gov
• Patricia Lapotsky– plapotsky@pa.gov
• Traci Kowalick– trkowalick@pa.gov
100Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
LET’S NAVIGATE THIS PATH TOGETHER!
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