Pittsburgh, PA –
Achieva, a leading nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities in western Pennsylvania, is proud to announce its role in the new
Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program, launched in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). This initiative aims to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities in transitioning from subminimum wage positions to competitive-integrated employment (CIE).
The InVEST program is a critical step in ensuring that people with disabilities have the opportunities they deserve to pursue fulfilling careers. By focusing on eliminating barriers faced by those working in sheltered workshops, InVEST empowers participants to earn competitive wages and fully integrate into their communities.
The benefits of this program extend beyond the jobseeker. Achieva partners with companies to help them meet their workforce needs by finding and supporting qualified candidates with disabilities. We also assist employers with disability-hiring tax credits,
ADA compliance, benefits management, and more, ensuring a smooth and successful hiring, onboarding, and talent retention process.
“Achieva knows people with disabilities are an important yet largely untapped cohort of Pennsylvania’s workforce. Employees with disabilities add value to a business through product and service innovation, quality performance, and loyalty. Achieva is proud to be partnering with the state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to help people with disabilities find positions that match their skills, interests, and talents with the needs of businesses. We believe everyone who wants to work should receive the support necessary to get and keep good jobs with competitive wages,” said Steve Suroviec, President and CEO of Achieva.
As part of the InVEST program, Achieva will provide tailored employment support to participants, including training, direct employment services, and wraparound services such as technology access, transportation, and wellness support. These services will be crucial in ensuring that participants not only secure employment but thrive in their roles.
Achieva’s collaboration with L&I is part of a broader commitment to the
Employment First philosophy, which prioritizes competitive-integrated employment as the first consideration and preferred outcome of publicly-funded services for people with disabilities. In addition to people with disabilities, Achieva’s business partners benefit too as their talent needs are met, while building a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Candidates with disabilities or interested businesses can contact
Amber Westwood, Achieva’s Associate Director of Business Services, at 1.888.272.7229 Ext. 478.
The contents of this press release were developed under a grant number H421D220003 from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221e-3 and 3474)
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Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong supports to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.
