Workplace Resources
Connecting Students to Meaningful Work Experiences
Students with disabilities thrive when given opportunities to explore careers, build skills, and earn income. Pennsylvania offers a range of programs, supports, and incentives to help students succeed in the workplace.
Employer Incentives and Support
Wage Reimbursement and Tax Credits
Programs that offset some costs of hiring students with disabilities.
On-the-Job Coaching and Support
PA OVR can provide job coaches to assist students and support employers with onboarding and skill development.
Customized Job Development
PA OVR staff collaborate with employers to design roles that match student strengths and interests.
Workplace Accommodations Guidance
PA OVR helps employers identify reasonable accommodations that allow employees to succeed.
Retention Supports
Ongoing consultation helps employers maintain a successful, inclusive workforce.
Building School Employer Partnerships
Schools play a critical role in connecting students with workplaces. Strong partnerships with employers create more opportunities for meaningful experiences:
Develop Career Pathways
Schools and employers can work together to create internships, job shadowing, and paid work experiences aligned with students interests and local labor needs.
Host Career Exploration Events
Job fairs, industry tours, and guest speakers introduce students to local careers and help employers meet future talent.
Collaborate on Training
Employers provide feedback on skills students need, and schools align curricula and work readiness programs accordingly.
Leverage Community Programs
Workforce boards, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits help connect schools with employers interested in inclusive hiring.
Real examples of students and employers working together in Pennsylvania.
These short stories show how community visits, employer partnerships, and work based learning experiences are helping students with disabilities build skills and confidence while giving businesses access to motivated young talent.
A laundromat visited during CBI programming agreed to host a Paid Work Experience for a student. The business shared that if the student performs well, they would be interested in hiring her permanently, demonstrating a clear pathway from community exploration to employment.
After a laundromat visit, one student expressed interest in working there and applied for a position. The employer indicated the student may be hired, highlighting how CBI experiences directly influence employment goals and next steps.
During a group visit to Walmart focused on money management, a large group of students initially drew attention and felt as though they might be in the way. However, a store employee approached the group, curious about their visit. This interaction led to a meaningful conversation with a long-time supervisor who shared her career journey, starting as a floor clerk and advancing over 36 years. This moment shifted the students’ experience from uncertainty to feeling welcomed and valued in the community, reinforcing both confidence and connection.
During classroom sessions focused on self-awareness and employment readiness, one student consistently expressed excitement about working and the possibility of a Paid Work Experience. That enthusiasm was contagious, positively influencing peer engagement during sessions. Staff observed increased confidence and forward thinking related to employment and skill development.
PA OVR provides services designed to make hiring and supporting employees with disabilities easier:
Tip:
Employers often start by simply reaching out to their local OVR Business Services representative and sharing their workforce needs. From there, OVR can handle candidate matching, workplace support, and ongoing coaching.
Each PA OVR region has a dedicated Business Services staff member who works with employers to understand workforce needs and connect them with qualified candidates.
Find your local representative ↗
Learn about wage reimbursement programs, tax credits, and funding for workplace accommodations. Business Services staff can provide guidance on inclusive hiring practices and ADA compliance.
Partner with OVR to create internships, apprenticeships, or paid work experiences for students with disabilities. Receive help with job coaching, on-site support, and retention planning.
OVR can provide training for supervisors, guidance on reasonable accommodations, and assistance with recruiting and screening candidates.
Focuses on the practical strategies for supporting students on the job.
Explores foundational skills, including task analysis, prompting, and feedback techniques.
Provides guidance for creating and managing effective work-based learning programs, including forming partnerships with employers.
These trainings equip educators, job coaches, and program administrators with the knowledge and tools to help students succeed while supporting employers in creating inclusive workplaces.
Partner Now to Support Student Success
Use PA OVR supports and PaTTAN trainings to create meaningful work experiences for students with disabilities.
Employers and schools can make a difference today. Reach out to your local PA OVR office to learn about hiring supports, workplace accommodations, and partnership opportunities that help students with disabilities succeed in meaningful employment. Consider building your team s skills through PaTTAN’s job coaching and work based learning trainings to strengthen programs and ensure long term success.
