Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Success Stories

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is highlighting exceptional staff members and their career experience with the Department of Labor & Industry.

A collage of diverse workers engaging in various tasks: sorting food, making cardboard displays, raking leaves, and painting curbs. Text below reads, "The Whole Story: Building pathways to independence, meaningful employment, and community inclusion."

The Whole Story

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) are proud to announce the launch of The Whole Story – a new publication series highlighting the real impact of OVR across the Commonwealth.

 

Each edition shares firsthand stories from OVR customers, showcases local partnerships, and provides employment data for every Pennsylvania county. These stories reflect how OVR empowers Pennsylvanians with disabilities through skills training, education, and opportunity – helping them achieve independence and thrive in the workforce.

 

Together, OVR staff and training programs are opening doors to experience, building confidence, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to contribute to their community and strengthen our Commonwealth.

OVR Staff Highlights

Meet Craig Schield

District Administrator, Altoona Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (BVRS)

Craig Schield poses for a picture with OVR staff and L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker

Meet Melissa Hawkins

Director, Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing 

Melissa Hawkins oversees a desk with assistive technology that help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

Meet Russ Goddard

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Summer Academy Program Co-Director & Statewide Coordinator of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Services

Russ Goddard takes a selfie, wearing a helmet and harness

Meet Stacie Andrews

Director of Transition Programs, Commonwealth Technical Institute at the Hiram G. Andrews Center (CTI at HGAC)

Stacie Andrews headshot