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The InVEST Project

The Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team Project opens new doors to competitive integrated employment for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, including students and youth.
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The InVEST Project

The Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) Project is a SWTCIE initiative which seeks to reduce subminimum wage employment and enhance opportunities for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for individuals with disabilities who are currently in, have, or are considering subminimum wage positions. InVEST promotes “Employment First”, economic development, and disability rights while focusing on systems training to gather info and plan and deliver services in a more holistic and person-centered way.

 

Supports and Services Available

  • Resume Building

  • Community Based Work Assessments

  • Job Shadowing

  • Job Coaching

  • Personalized and Group Trainings

  • Services includes career exploration and assistance in; vocational assessment and discovery

  • Application, Interviewing

  • On the job support

  • Identifying and meeting wellness needs

  • Connections to supportive colleagues and other networks

  • Assist individuals to explore career advancement opportunities

  • Provides two onsite specialists on each designated employer
     

Partnered Agencies

  • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

  • Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

  • PA Family Network (PAFN)

InVEST Designated Employers

What Benefits will a designated employer receive? 

    • 100% reimbursement of wages for the first year 

    • Prescreened candidates with necessary skills, training and qualifications to perform essential job duties 
       

By increasing the number of employees with disabilities in their workforce, businesses are likely to experience: 

  • Improved attendance

  • Enhanced productivity 

  • Increased employee retention 

  • Raised visibility within their community 

  • Improved customer relationships 

  • Expanded customer base

  • Increased profits
     

Subminimum Wage To Competitive-Integrated Employment (SWTCIE)

SWTCIE stands for Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment

This initiative seeks to reduce subminimum wage employment and enhance opportunities for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE for individuals with disabilities who are currently in, have or are considering subminimum wage positions)

Despite progress in some states, federal law still allows employers to pay individuals with disabilities less than minimum wage under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This practice perpetuates segregated workplaces and restricts career growth.

In contrast, Pennsylvania's InVEST Project, guided by the "Employment First" philosophy, champions competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities. In alignment with the 2018 Act 36, InVEST is actively working to expand access to meaningful employment opportunities for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, including students and young adults.

 

Meet Zach: Employee of the Month

With the help of Achieva's employment support and Zach's can-do work ethic and excitement to learn, Zach's success at McDonalds exceeded expectations from Achieva's integrated employment team as his team at McDonalds whoam he thoroughly enjoys working with.

Watch Zach's Success Video

Zach | Employee of the Month

Receive More Information for InVEST Services

Frequently Asked Questions

This initiative seeks to reduce subminimum wage employment and enhance opportunities for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for individuals with disabilities who are currently in, have or are considering subminimum wage positions.
Individuals may sign up regardless of whether they are students, youths, or adults with disabilities.
  • There is no charge for any eligible individual
  • Income is not a factor in determining eligibility for services
  • I have a disability and live in Pennsylvania.
  • I am interested in or I am an active Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) customer.
  • I want to work in the community at a competitive wage.
  • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
  • Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
  • Achieva
  • Pa Family Network (PAFN)
  • Benefits Counseling
  • Integrated Resource Teams
  • Charting the LifeCourse Tools
  • PA Family Network

InVEST Updates

Sheetz Commits to Hiring More Individuals With Disabilities

Convenience-store retailer Sheetz Inc. is the first employer to commit to a new Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry program, Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team (InVEST), that uses millions of dollars in federal funding to help transition individuals with disabilities away from subminimum wage positions and into competitive, fulfilling careers.
Read Our InVEST Press Release

InVEST Webinars

An illustration of a target with an arrow in the center
This conversation explores the LifeCourse framework, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities through effective teaming, collaboration, and the use of specific tools. The speakers discuss their experiences and insights on how to engage families, create a common language among team members, and navigate the complexities of service systems.

View The Webinar
blurred photo of papers saying social security disability
This conversation focuses on the importance of benefits counseling, the intricacies of social security benefits, and the various work incentives available to help individuals maintain their benefits while working. The discussion also delves into specific benefits like the childhood disability benefit and the trial work period, emphasizing the role of impairment-related work expenses in managing income and benefits effectively.

View The Webinar
an illustration of a heart with a dollar sign in the middle and a stethoscope around the outside
This conversation focuses on the Charitable Residual Program offered by Achieva, which provides funding for individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania. The discussion covers the informal meeting format, the application process, eligibility criteria, and the necessary supporting documentation for applicants.

View The Webinar
illustration of people helping each other up the steps of a bar graph

The webinar revolves around the InVEST Project, which focuses on competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of family involvement, the LifeCourse framework, and person-centered planning in supporting individuals to achieve their employment goals. The discussion also highlights the role of mentorship, the use of the one-page profile tool, and the need to navigate barriers to employment while addressing the complexities of advocacy versus mentorship.
 

View The Webinar

The contents of this webpage were developed under grant #H421D220003 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services. The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webpage may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webpage does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)