1. OVR 101
An Introduction to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation – Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
9/14/2018

2. Contact Information
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Harrisburg District Office (serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, and Perry Counties)
Forum Place
555 Walnut Street – 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA
(717) or
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3. Topics of Discussion What Is OVR? Purpose Of OVR
Who Can Be Referred To Or Apply For OVR Services?
Employment Barriers
What Types Of Services Can OVR Provide?
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4. What Is OVR?
State agency under the Department of Labor & Industry mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and subsequent amendments
Eligibility-based; not entitlement program
Employment focus
Systematic/structured approach
All disabilities served (individuals who are blind are served by Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services)
Individualized Plans for Employment
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5. Purpose of OVR
To assess, plan, develop, and provide VR services to eligible individuals with disabilities, consistent with individuals’ strengths, resources, interests and informed choice
To enable the individual with a disability to prepare for, obtain, and remain in competitive employment
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6. Who Can Apply for OVR Services?
Individual must have a disability.
Disability must cause substantial barriers in preparing for, obtaining, or maintaining competitive employment.
Individual must want to and have the potential to work.
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7. Employment Barriers Physical Mobility Dexterity & Coordination
Physical Tolerance
Personal Behaviors
Capacity To Learn
Communication
Self Direction
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8. What Services Does OVR Provide?
Diagnostic Services, including Vocational Evaluations
Vocational Guidance & Counseling
Community-Based Work Assessments
Job Coaching
Restoration Services
Training, if applicable
Job Placement Assistance
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9. Referral Process
Invite OVR counselor to present to your class about OVR services.
Discuss OVR services with your students and parents. Find out if they are interested in being referred for services.
Invite OVR counselor to IEP meetings and if possible OVR counselor will try to attend (usually needs notified several weeks in advance in order to arrange schedule)
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10. Referral Process
Although OVR may not be able to provide a cost service while in high school it is important to have the case opened, eligibility completed and a plan in place before the student graduates.
Referrals should be made at end of student’s junior year
Call counselor to discuss if unsure if a referral should be made.
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11. Referral Process
Complete referral form (A copy is included in your packets)
Include documentation
Most current IEP
Comprehensive evaluation report signed by school psychologist
Psychological evaluation report
Signed authorization to release information
Any vocational assessments
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12. Partners in Transition: Leads to future success for students
High School
Student OVR
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