L&I Secretary Visits Summer Academy for Students with Disabilities at Penn State

Are you a high school student in Pennsylvania looking to gain valuable independent-living skills to prepare for employment after graduation? Look no further than the Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Summer Academy for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Secretary Nancy A. Walker recently visited with 20 high school students from across the state who are participating in this immersive 10-day academy at Penn State University. Since 2009, OVR has been offering this program to help students build the skills they need to succeed in post-secondary education and competitive integrated employment.

The academy offers a wide range of classes and activities, including mobility skills, study skills, assistive technology, career planning, and more. Students also have the opportunity to live in a college dorm, eat in a dining hall, and participate in team-building activities. Each student and their family receive a report outlining strengths and areas for improvement to ensure a successful transition to college.

Not only does the academy benefit students, but it also provides valuable experience for young professionals in the human services field. College students with related majors serve as Resident Assistants, guiding and supporting participants throughout the program. Many RAs have gone on to graduate from college and work for the Department of Labor & Industry.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget prioritizes services for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, including an additional investment in vocational rehabilitation. More than 50,000 individuals with disabilities receive services through the vocational rehabilitation program annually, with an additional 17,000 students utilizing pre-employment transition services.

If you are a Pennsylvania high school student enrolled in vocational rehabilitation services through the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, this program is open to you. OVR partners with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) to distribute information about the academies to all vision departments within Pennsylvania’s Intermediate Units.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain valuable skills and prepare for a successful transition to college and employment. Take advantage of the resources and support available to you through the OVR Summer Academy for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired. Your future success starts here!