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Pennsylvania Launches InVEST Program for Individuals with Disabilities

The InVEST program aims to create inclusive job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

News Summary

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has announced the InVEST program, designed to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities earning subminimum wage. Funded by a $14 million federal grant, the initiative encourages a shift from sheltered workshops to competitive employment. Sheetz Inc. has committed to hiring individuals through this program, promoting workforce equity and dignity. The program aims to dismantle barriers faced by those earning less than minimum wage, while service providers will help match job seekers with employers.

Pennsylvania Launches InVEST Program for Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has initiated the Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program, a new initiative aimed at improving employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities who currently earn subminimum wage. Funded by a $14 million federal grant, the program is designed to facilitate the transition of individuals from sheltered workshops to competitive integrated employment (CIE), ensuring they receive fair wages and dignity in the workplace.

The InVEST program specifically targets those who have been largely excluded from the conventional job market due to the systemic barriers of sheltered workshops, which often do not pay the legal minimum wage. By focusing on competitive employment opportunities, the initiative aims to promote workforce equity and assist participants in establishing economically stable careers.

In a significant milestone for the program, Sheetz Inc. has become the first employer in Pennsylvania to formally commit to the InVEST initiative. Under this agreement, Sheetz will aim to hire up to 10 individuals with disabilities annually, while ensuring that all its previously hired employees will continue their employment. As part of this collaboration, Sheetz will also provide on-site job coaches funded by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to facilitate workplace integration, develop necessary accommodations, and prepare employees for sustained success in their roles.

L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker highlighted that the launch of InVEST represents substantial progress for individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of employment. The initiative’s primary goal is to dismantle the barriers currently faced by those earning less than minimum wage and promote an inclusive workforce culture rooted in respect and dignity.

The program has also selected two service providers to support its implementation across the state: Anchieve for the western region and Kencrest for the eastern region of Pennsylvania. These organizations will play a crucial role in helping to match job seekers with potential employers and ensuring the provision of necessary supports.

Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services, emphasized the critical need for securing competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. The InVEST program seeks not only to provide job opportunities that pay at or above the minimum wage but also to ensure that these positions are comparable to those available to employees without disabilities.

While it remains legal in the U.S. to pay individuals with disabilities less than the minimum wage, the trend across many states is to phase out such practices to foster inclusive hiring environments. Pennsylvania’s InVEST program aligns with this movement by positioning itself as a leader in promoting equitable employment practices.

Sheetz has a history of initiatives supporting individuals with disabilities through its Store Team Helper program, which has successfully provided meaningful job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To date, this program has aided at least 20 individuals in finding employment within Sheetz locations across Pennsylvania.

The launch of the InVEST program is seen as a pivotal development in Pennsylvania’s efforts to enhance workforce opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By combining federal support, community collaboration, and the commitment of employers like Sheetz, the initiative aspires to create a more inclusive job market where all individuals can achieve their potential and contribute to society.