Employment Services
For individuals with disabilities, obtaining employment can be a difficult task. A disability may create barriers to employment, however, such barriers can be overcome with the right kinds of support and accommodations within the workplace. Vocational training can teach the skills to obtain gainful employment.
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Pennsylvania is an "Employment First" state, meaning that the laws are making "the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a model state when it comes to creating a climate hospitable to workers with a disability." (here is a link to the new law) This new mandate creates many new vocational training programs for individuals with disabilities. The climate of change encourages employers to learn how to provide the accommodations necessary to employ more workers with disabilities. In order to get ready for the new employment opportunities, many agencies are offering training programs to develop the skills necessary to maintain employment. Look through the resources below to explore the many options that are available.
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Employability Skills
Job Accommodations
Career Exploration
Job Coaching
Did You Know???
In order to work in Pennsylvania you need a state ID... You can apply for one HERE.
Job outlook for
Westmoreland County
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Ask Jan is a website where individuals with disabilities can find support for accommodations in the workplace. Parents can find an excellent resource guide, focusing on accommodations for all types of disabilities, as well as information on how to work with employers. This is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor, and can be contacted at (800)526-7234.
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The united way works with stakeholders to change lives of individuals with disabilities by providing programming within the community . The United Way is a global organizaiton with a branch that serves Westmoreland County.
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Contact Informaiton:
United Way of Westmoreland County
1011 Old Salem Rd Ste 101
Greensburg, PA 15601-1017
(724) 834-7170
Federal
State
*Pa Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is an agency that provides many supports for employment. OVR will provide evaluations, funding for assistive technology, training, job shadowing opportunities, and many other free services for qualifying individuals. This agency is the key to obtaining and maintaining employment throughout the life span. Students with IEP's who want to find employment, who want to go on to post-secondary vocational training, or who want to go on to college should contact OVR to start the referral process. To get started, call (814) 255-6771 and ask to complete an intake.
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Information in this publication can be used by all individuals who are preparing for continuing education and/or entrance into the workforce. Examples of the useful information that are found in this guide include career outlook highlights, an interest assessment tool, tips for marketing yourself, sources of financial aid, and contact information for many Commonwealth services, including PA CareerLink® locations and select state agencies.
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*PA Blindness and Visual Services
This organization is similar to OVR (See above), except the services are offered to individuals with blindness or vision problems. The agency provides job coaching and vocational training so that individuals with blindness can obtain meaningful employment. This agency is funded through the PA department of Labor and Industry and can be contacted through the link.
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Neurodiversity in the Workplace
The Neurodiversity in the Workplace Initiative supports potential candidates with Autism, as well as their future managers and coworkers. The initiative is divided into a series of sections, with specific areas in mind, including:
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Expected Outcomes. What participants and management can expect from the training program
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Core Learning Concepts and Training Modules. What materials and training best fit individual and organizational needs
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Opportunities for Expansion. How potential employers can leverage the training for a broader impact
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Next Steps. How to seamlessly integrate The Arc of Philadelphia’s talent pool into your organization
Local
*Blind and Vision Rehabilitation
This agency provides many different services to those who are blind or visually impaired, with the goal of empowering individuals to become independent. There are programs specific to youth, including camps and recreational activities.
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Contact Informaiton:
Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh
1816 Locust Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.368.4400
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Career Link is an agency that provides employment services, including resume development, skills assessments, job search assistance, and training opportunities. With an office in Youngwood, this agency also offers online services as well.
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Contact Information:
151 Pavilion Lane
Business & Industry Center
Youngwood, PA 15697
724-755-2330
Goodwill is an agency that works with individuals with disabilities, providing vocational training and workforce development. Goodwill has several different training options for individuals with disabilities, including Project SEARCH, Project BEST, Transition WORKS! at Redstone Highlands, and Good STEPS. All of these programs provide employability skills and life skills training within community settings throughout the region.
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Contact Information:
118 52nd Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412-481-9005
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Job Gateway is a service of Pennsylvania's Career Link. It is a great resource to search for jobs all over the region. This service is available to individuals with and without disabilities. Additionally, the site offers many different career related resources. Click on the link to get started.
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This non-profit organization works with indviduals with disabilities to remove barriers to employment. Life's Work provides Pre-Employment Transition Services to eligible youth in Norwin School District. They also offer adult and youth services, specialized training and programs, and even have a vocaitonal training partnership with Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream store in Pittsburgh.
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Contact Information
1323 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-471-2600
Merakey
620 E. Germantown Pole
Lafayette H i l l , PA 19444
888-647-0 0 20
Supports individuals with
intellectual and developmental disability ies
enhance their abi l i t ies and interest through
various supports including an adult
training facility, behavioral supports,
community day services and
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Serving Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, PIC offers individuals with and without disabilities employment support and training. Pick is located in Greensburg and provides training through the Education and Technology Institute. This organization offers workforce development training, educational opportunities, including GED classes, as well as career counseling.
Contact Information:
219 Donohoe Rd,
Greensburg PA, 15601
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This site is full of free resources that will help individuals locate agency supports. This source was created by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. Click to discover all of the agencies that are available for individuals with disabilities.
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Pittsburgh Job Corps Center​
7175 Highland Dr .
Pittsburgh, PA 1520 6
412-441-870 0
Provides on the job training for individuals with disabilities.
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