May. 03, 2016
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) to provide work experience for high school students with disabilities is now on its way to the governor’s desk.
Under
House Bill 400, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) would facilitate the process of job and career development between local education agencies and employers to ensure the successful transition of high school students with disabilities into competitive, integrated employment. It would require the OVR to prepare the students for internships, on-the-job training and full and part-time employment in an integrated work environment. It would also provide placement assistance and job coaching.
Gingrich, who serves as chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee, has been supportive of efforts by the “I Want to Work Campaign,” which helps young people with disabilities get jobs and internships while in high school.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting many students with physical and mental disabilities from around the Commonwealth who have exhibited both the ability and desire to work,” said Gingrich. “This legislation would ensure that, when appropriate, job skill training is included in the individual education plan of each high school student with disabilities.
“Currently, services for these individuals end as they ‘age out’ of the education support systems, and these individuals often do not have the opportunity to become independent and productive taxpaying citizens. My legislation will change that, helping these students to achieve the dignity of work,” said Gingrich.
The House passed House Bill 400 on concurrence today by a unanimous vote.
Representative Mauree Gingrich
101st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Donna Pinkham
717.260.6452
dpinkham@pahousegop.com
RepGingrich.com