Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration today welcomed 10 Pennsylvania college students with disabilities to the 2025 Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) summer internship program. Offered by the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and the Office of Administration (OA), this paid internship program gives students with disabilities the opportunity to gain work experience with the Commonwealth while having access to resources to help them reach their career and independence goals.
“Our state government is stronger and more innovative when it reflects the diversity of the people we serve,” said Neil Weaver, Secretary of Administration. “These talented interns are helping us deliver real results for the people of Pennsylvania, and we are proud to partner with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to offer this internship and support Pennsylvanians with disabilities entering the workforce.”
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the opportunity to chart their own course, and this program empowers students with disabilities to gain invaluable work experience, all while helping the Commonwealth become an even more inclusive place to work,” said Nancy A. Walker, L&I Secretary. “We are very excited to be teaming up with the Office of Administration again this summer and look forward to seeing this group of interns learn, grow, and meaningfully contribute to our Commonwealth’s workforce.”
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities in obtaining and retaining employment while maintaining their independence. Since 2016, more than 478,500 Pennsylvanians have received services from OVR, including vocational counseling, evaluations, medical diagnostic services, medical restoration services, employment training, placement services, and career support services.
“People often underestimate what people with disabilities are capable of, or they make assumptions about what people are not capable of based on their disabilities,” said First Lady Lori Shapiro. “But we are different here in Pennsylvania. We focus on people’s abilities, because we know that people with disabilities bring unique strengths to the work they do. Those unique strengths help our companies succeed and make our workplaces stronger and more productive.”
The First Lady has traveled across the Commonwealth to meet Pennsylvanians who have worked with OVR and highlight the ways OVR can help businesses grow their workforce. She has spent the last six months meeting with HR departments and CEOs from some of Pennsylvania’s largest companies to pitch them on partnering with OVR and take advantage of the resources it offers to employers, including disability awareness trainings, up to three months’ worth of wage reimbursement, a pool of prescreened candidates to improve recruiting, and help with accommodations and assistive technologies.
Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes an additional $5 million to OVR to continue this important work.
For many students, the internship is their first exposure to working in a professional environment. Participating in the OVR internship can be a pivotal experience, allowing students to build career skills, receive career guidance and mentorship, and gain self-confidence. OVR interns also receive professional development opportunities through the “Intern Academy.” These weekly sessions will focus on social and transitional skill development to better equip the students for entry into the workforce. By participating in a program designed to highlight ability rather than disability, interns are empowered to see their lived experience as an asset in the workplace.
One year ago, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-01 to establish the Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) Committee to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking careers in public service, continue to build a more competitive workforce, and make state government the best place to work in the Commonwealth. The OVR internship program supports the Governor’s workforce development priorities by helping to attract and retain skilled Pennsylvanians to serve in state government.
The Shapiro Administration is also working to make government more accessible to people with disabilities. The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) has implemented new design templates for websites and online services that are compatible with assistive technologies and keyboard navigation. Additionally, the Department of General Services (DGS) is conducting a comprehensive review and upgrade of physical accessibility of the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. This includes upgrades to entrances, signage, restrooms, and common areas to better accommodate employees and visitors with disabilities.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is always hiring! Job seekers can go to employment.pa.gov and browse hundreds of vacancies, apply for openings, and be notified when new jobs are available. Pennsylvanians can also explore internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships through the Commonwealth at the Launch Your Career page.
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