March 1, 2021
To interested parties
With shared enthusiasm the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (BSE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (OVR) are pleased to announce the completion of the Memorandum. of Understanding (MOU) revised. The MOU revision is a product of ongoing collaboration between both agencies to strengthen interagency partnerships and improve transition outcomes for students with disabilities in the Commonwealth.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of the Innovation and Employment Opportunity Act (Rehabilitation Act) require coordination and collaboration between OVR and BSE . The Rehabilitation Act also requires OVR to collaborate with BSE to provide or arrange preliminary transition to employment services for students with disabilities.
The foundations of the MOU are derived from the fundamental goals and values ??of the IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act. Agencies attempt to provide students with disabilities with ongoing access to services and supports to achieve their transition goals.
El MOU enfatiza la colaboración entre OVR y BSE delineando las funciones y responsabilidades claves de cada agencia. BSE y OVR reconocen que la alianza activa y colaborativa entre OVR, escuelas y familias es beneficial para los alumnos con discapacidades.
OVR y BSE están actualmente trabajando con padres y jóvenes interesado para desarrollar las herramientas del MOU y una serie de seminarios en líneas para apoyar las metas estatales del MOU. Estos recursos también ayudaran las escuelas, familias y otras agencias u organizaciones establecer y edificar alianza que mejoren los resultados de transición para alumnos con discapacidades. Una vez publicado las herramientas y los seminarios en línea se podrán acceder en el: https://tinyurl.com/EDOVR
We look forward to strengthening partnerships to improve transition outcomes that ensure students with disabilities are provided meaningful opportunities that maximize their independence and self-sufficiency in their community and prepare them for competitive integrated employment.
Sincerely,
Shannon Austin MS, Executive Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
