Recursos en Español
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Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Handbook
What is OVR?
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) serves people who have disabilities that present a substantial impediment to employment. Services are provided to individuals to prepare for, enter into, engage in or retain employment. OVR has 21 District Offices located around the State. Our counselors work every year with thousands of persons who have physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
Should I apply to OVR?
You should apply if:
- You have a disability
- Your disability causes you substantial problems in preparing for, obtaining or maintaining a career
- You want to work.
How do I get started?
For more information about services, call or write the OVR District Office listed on the back of this brochure that is nearest to where you live.
Will I be eligible?
When you apply to OVR for help with employment, a counselor will be assigned to work with you. The counselor will meet with you face-to-face to get to know you in order to decide how OVR can best assist you to help yourself. With your written consent, your counselor will gather information about your needs, your interests, aptitudes, education, work experience, family and finances. Your counselor will arrange any needed medical examinations and testing, at no cost to you.You will be eligible for OVR services if:
- You have a disability, that is a physical, mental or emotional impairment which results in a substantial impediment to employment and you can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from services provided
- Vocational rehabilitation services are required for you to prepare for, enter, engage in or retain gainful employment.
How long will it take to determine if I'm eligible?
You will know if you are eligible for OVR services within 60 days of the date you apply for OVR services, unless
- Exceptional and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control preclude us from completing the determination and you agree an extension is warranted
- An extended evaluation is required to determine your eligibility.
Other downloads
| Name | Description | Type | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Handbook | The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Services are provided on an individualized basis. This guide from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry explains the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the services it provides. | Download file: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Handbook |