[NFBP-Talk] CALL TO ACTION LAST CHANCE L&I Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to Pennsylvania’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services Plan

[Emily Gindlesperger]

Good morning everyone!
Tomorrow is the deadline to submit emails concerning the closing of the order of selection.  Below is the information that we distributed earlier.
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Also, please remember to copy Joe Drenth Joe.Drenth at JBTC.COM on your submission, as well as the offices of your local representatives and senators.  If you need help locating your representative's information, please email me.
Thank you,Emily W. GindlespergerLegislative DirectorNational Federation of the Blind of PA
   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2019                            
L&I Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to Pennsylvania’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services Plan 
 Harrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak today encouraged Pennsylvanians to provide comments on proposed changes to the state’s vocational rehabilitation services plan. Pennsylvania expects less federal reallocation funds for the vocational rehabilitation program and must adjust the plan. “Our primary goal throughout this process is to ensure that services continue to be provided to as many people with disabilities as possible across the commonwealth,” said Secretary Oleksiak. “I urge interested Pennsylvanians to provide us with their feedback.” Due to the anticipated decline in federal reallocation funds, the independent Pennsylvania State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation recently voted unanimously to begin the process to close the Order of Selection, in essence creating a temporary waiting list for new OVR customers. Services would continue for current OVR customers with an Individualized Plan for Employment, as well as Pre-employment Transition Services for students with disabilities, as required by federal law.  The proposal is available in thePennsylvania Bulletin. Comments will be accepted for 30 days, until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, and should be emailed toOVRFeedback at pa.gov, with “OOS closing all categories” in the subject line. Written comments may also be mailed to OVR Central Office, c/o Cindy Mundis, 1521 North 6th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Public meetings will be conducted in-person throughout the state in eachOVR district office on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Individuals who are unable to attend in person can participate viaphone. All meeting sites are accessible and interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be present at each public meeting. Following the public comment period, the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) will review OVR’s request to temporarily close the order of selection. If approved, the waiting list is expected to be implemented on July 1, 2019. For more information, visit theOVR page on the Department of Labor & Industry’s website. MEDIA CONTACT:Penny Ickes,717-787-7530 ordlipress at pa.gov                                                                       # # #        This email was sent on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. For any questions or problems, contact the list administrator atRA-LIOVR-STAKEHOLDER-request at LISTSERV.PA.GOV.
You received this email because you are subscribed to the LI OVR Stakeholder List (RA-LIOVR-STAKEHOLDER) mailing list. If you would like to unsubscribe from this list, simply send an email toRA-LIOVR-STAKEHOLDER-UNSUBSCRIBE-REQUEST at LISTSERV.PA.GOV. No subject or message is necessary in the email. 
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