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? 

• Financial Incentives

  • 100% reimbursement of wages for the first year 

  • Potential Tax Incentives 

• On-Site Support 

  • Two embedded dedicated positions 

    • Inclusion Liaison 

    • Employment Specialist 

• Qualified Workers 

  • 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.