Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Announces Expansion of InVEST Program to Promote Competitive Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

Strategic Insights -

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has announced the expansion of the Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program, a collaborative effort aimed at transitioning individuals with disabilities away from subminimum wage positions to competitive, fulfilling careers. Cintas, a major employer, has become the second company to participate in the program, joining Sheetz. The InVEST program builds upon the Commonwealth's commitment to Employment First and leverages federal funding to help individuals with disabilities access quality employment opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The InVEST program is a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Cintas, KenCrest, Community Integrated Services (CIS), the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, and Transition Consults to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
  • Cintas is the second major employer to participate in the InVEST program, following Sheetz, and plans to hire individuals with disabilities annually and retain all previously hired individuals.
  • The program aims to transition individuals with disabilities away from subminimum wage positions to competitive, fulfilling careers by providing training and support.
  • KenCrest is one of two providers selected for the federal grant through a competitive bid process and is serving InVEST participants in the eastern region of the Commonwealth.
  • Community Integrated Services (CIS) has spent over 30 years working to expand access to employment for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and is honored to be part of the InVEST project.
  • Pennsylvania is among 14 states to receive grant awards from the federal Department of Education for the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) demonstration project.

Statistics:

  • Since program year 2016, more than 478,200 individuals have received services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
  • One million businesses in the United States and Canada rely on Cintas' products and services to keep their facilities and employees clean, safe, and looking their best.
  • Cintas is a publicly held Fortune 500 company.
  • The InVEST program receives funding through a federal grant and aims to provide employment opportunities for 14,000 individuals with disabilities over a five-year period.

Sources:

  • [Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry news release]
  • [Cintas]
  • [KenCrest]
  • [Community Integrated Services (CIS)]
  • [United States Department of Education grant award]
  • [Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)]