Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal calls for an additional $5 million for the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to support OVR’s work in helping Pennsylvanians with disabilities to find and keep employment, including through the MY Work program. 

Since the start of the Shapiro Administration, 2,400 young Pennsylvanians have gained paid work experiences to help them become successfully employed following graduation. This summer, OVR has set up more than 500 students with paid work experiences at 100 worksites across 57 counties. Through MY Work, high school students with disabilities are matched with paid jobs in their local communities — helping them gain valuable skills, build confidence, and prepare for independent adulthood and future employment.

In 2016, L&I’s OVR team started the MY Work program in Allegheny County with just 50 students in its first year. In 2021, the program was expanded statewide, and since then has connected more than 2,500 high school students across Pennsylvania with paid employment opportunities. This summer alone, over 500 students are working at 100 worksites in 57 counties — all with wages fully covered by OVR at no cost to municipalities. 

Services like MY Work help employers create more inclusive workplaces while opening up life-changing opportunities for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Across its many services and programs, OVR serves approximately 50,000 Pennsylvanians each year, partnering with employers to match businesses with skilled, motivated workers. Last year alone, OVR helped place 6,000 Pennsylvanians with disabilities into jobs at over 3,500 companies. 

Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal reflects his broader vision to invest in Pennsylvania’s workforce and create real pathways to opportunity for every resident. In addition to the OVR investment, the budget proposes:

• $3.5 million for the Schools-to-Work Program to help students transition into high-demand careers
• $5 million to launch the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program to recruit and train the next generation of nurses
• $10 million to expand apprenticeship programs and grow the skilled workforce through earn-and-learn opportunities
• $21 million to raise wages, provide paid time off, and increase access to affordable insurance for approximately 8,500 direct care workers who support adults with physical disabilities and seniors

Read more about the 2025-26 budget proposal.