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Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Early Reach Initiative

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This is a question many of us were asked as we were growing up. For youth with disabilities, this is often a daunting question that is filled with uncertainty and lack of information.

In order to assist youth with disabilities better prepare for their transition into the world of work and independence, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has started a new initiative called Early Reach. The Early Reach Initiative will add a trained social worker to the rehabilitation team in OVR’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The working title for the social worker position will be Early Reach Coordinator.

An Early Reach Coordinator will be assigned to each of the fifteen Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services district offices to connect earlier with youth with disabilities, their parents, local schools and other community agencies. The purpose of this connection is to reach out to youth with disabilities, beginning at age 14, so that they know more about OVR services. In addition, Early Reach Coordinators will be knowledgeable about the full array of other services that are available to youth with disabilities so these youth can better prepare for vocational choices and goals after they leave secondary education.

Photo of Phase 1 Early Reach Coordinators L to R Back: Kim Golding, Jill Grossberg, Stephanie Shuler L to R Front: Stacy Shirk, Mary Jane Saras, Cameo Posey Overview Group Outreach  To provide informational presentations and consultation to school personnel, community agencies, youth with disabilities and families to outline the services offered by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).  To provide education and consultation to school personnel, community agencies, youth with disabilities and families to leverage the full array of services offered during the secondary school years to best prepare youth with disabilities for OVR and vocational goals.

Individual Outreach  To assist youth with disabilities in planning for and making application for OVR services.  To provide vocational consultation and linkages to resources that will assist youth with disabilities pursue participation in the workforce.

Implementation Timeline

The Early Reach Initiative will be phased in to all fifteen BVRS district offices by the end of 2014.

Phase 1 – Fall 2013

District Office Early Reach Phone Email Coordinator DuBois Kimberly Golding 814-371-7340 [email protected]

Harrisburg Stacy Shirk 717-346-2783 [email protected]

Norristown Stephanie Shuler 484-250-4340 ext. [email protected] 161 Philadelphia Jill Grossberg 215-560-4193 [email protected]

Cameo Posey 215-560-1951 [email protected]

Wilkes Barre Mary Jane Saras 570-826-2011 ext. [email protected] 110

Phase 2 – Spring 2014 Allentown, Altoona, Erie, Pittsburgh (2), Reading, Washington, York

Phase 3 – Fall 2014 Johnstown, New Castle, Williamsport

Questions can be directed to the OVR Early Reach Initiative Manager, Michele Bornman, at 717-787-6005 or [email protected].