OVR Programs
What We Offer
ACRES provides several Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS) to help neurodivergent OVR clients develop the skills required for success in the workforce. Participants work one-on-one with a trained ACRES staff member. The goal is to assist individuals in discovering not just a job, but a satisfying career which truly fits their individual needs and goals.
The OVR MyWork Program is a paid summer work experience for high school neurodivergent students. This program helps students explore careers, gain valuable job skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Key Features:
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Paid Work Experience: Students earn a paycheck while learning workplace expectations.
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Skill Development: Focus on soft skills like communication, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork.
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Career Exploration: Hands-on experience in real job settings to help students identify future career interests.
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Supportive Environment: Job coaching and mentoring provided to ensure a successful work experience.
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For Students Ages 16–21: Must be eligible for or receiving OVR services and enrolled in high school or enrolled in college.
The MyWork Program runs for 6–8 weeks during the summer and is a great way for students to gain independence, experience, and insight into the world of work.
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The Paid Work Experience (PWE) program, provides neurodivergent students the opportunity to gain real-world, paid job experience in a supportive setting.
Program Highlights:
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Paid Employment: Students are placed in part-time job roles and earn a paycheck while developing essential work habits.
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Hands-On Skill Building: Students learn workplace responsibilities, customer service, time management, and more through meaningful tasks in real job environments.
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Job Coaching Support: Onsite support is available to help students succeed, adapt, and build confidence in the workplace.
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Career Readiness: Designed to help students explore career interests and build a foundation for future employment.
Eligibility:
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High school students aged 14–21
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Must be eligible for or receiving services through OVR
PWE placements are tailored to each student’s interests and abilities and typically last several weeks. The program helps bridge the gap between school and employment, offering valuable experience that supports long-term career success.
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The Community-Based Work Assessment (CBWA) is a short-term evaluation program. It allows neurodivergent students to explore real job settings while a job coach assesses their strengths, support needs, and potential for competitive employment.
Program Highlights:
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Real-World Assessment: Participants are placed in actual work environments based on their interests to evaluate job readiness and work behaviors.
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Personalized Evaluation: Skills like punctuality, communication, task focus, and stamina are observed and documented by job coaches or evaluators.
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Career Exploration: Helps participants and OVR counselors better understand which types of jobs may be a good fit.
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Supports Employment Planning: The results from the CBWA help guide future vocational goals, training needs, and job placement services.
Who It's For:
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Individuals eligible for OVR services who need help identifying suitable employment options or support levels.
The CBWA typically takes place across three different job sites, with each visit lasting about an hour. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight and serves as an important first step in developing a personalized vocational plan based on the individual’s unique strengths, interests, and support needs.
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The Supported Employment Program, is designed to help neurodivergent individuals obtain and maintain competitive, integrated employment.
Program Highlights:
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Individualized Support: Participants receive one-on-one assistance tailored to their unique needs, including job coaching, skills training, and help with workplace accommodations.
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Employment in the Community: The program focuses on helping individuals find meaningful jobs in typical work settings alongside coworkers without disabilities.
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Ongoing Job Coaching: Support continues after placement, ensuring the individual can learn job tasks, adapt to the environment, and succeed long-term.
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Gradual Fading of Support: As independence increases, job coaching may be gradually reduced — though long-term support remains available if needed.
Who It's For:
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Individuals eligible for OVR services with disabilities who require extended support to work successfully.
The Supported Employment Program helps individuals to build confidence, independence, and career skills while contributing to their communities through meaningful work.
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The Work Experience for Adults (WEXA) program, provides neurodivergent individuals the opportunity to gain short-term, real-world work experience in community-based settings.
Program Highlights:
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Hands-On Work Opportunities: Participants are placed in temporary job settings that align with their interests, skills, and career goals.
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Skill Building: WEXA helps individuals develop workplace skills such as time management, communication, and task completion in a supportive environment.
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Career Exploration: The experience helps identify strengths, interests, and the types of support a person may need for future employment.
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Job Coaching Available: Participants may receive on-site support and feedback to ensure a successful experience.
Who It’s For:
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Adults eligible for OVR services who want to explore job options, build experience, or prepare for long-term employment.
The WEXA program is a valuable stepping stone toward competitive employment, providing both participants and their OVR team with insights to support career planning and job placement.
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Your Path to Independent Living
The ACRES Project is an approved service provider through Pennsylvania's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
These state-sponsored, outcome-based programs are designed to give neurodivergent individuals the skills they need to transition into independent living and sustainable employment. OVR clients may access these group programs at ACRES by talking to their OVR counselor. Groups are typically comprised of no more than 8 students with instructors to ensure a maximum 1:4 student/staff ratio.
High school students with a documented diagnosis may be referred to OVR by family member or school personnel. Adults with a diagnosis may also refer themselves to OVR by creating an account on the Pennsylvania CareerLink website.