First Lady Shapiro and L&I Secretary Walker Celebrate Connecting Pennsylvanians with Disabilities

First Lady Lori Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker celebrated the continued expansion and success of L&I's Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST) program, housed in the department's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). InVEST builds upon the Commonwealth's commitment to uphold and advance Employment First, and helps transition individuals with disabilities away from subminimum wage positions to competitive, fulfilling careers.

During today's event at Drexel University, the First Lady and Secretary Walker highlighted the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) - the third of seven Pennsylvania employers to commit to InVEST since its launch. Since September 2025, SDP has hired 14 of its former students through InVEST for a variety of roles, including Facility Management, Special Education Assistant, Food Service Utility Worker, Food Service Assistant, and Support Service Assistant.

"Josh and I believe every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed; programs like InVEST help make that possible," said First Lady Shapiro. "Thanks to the School District of Philadelphia's commitment to InVEST, we're seeing these workers build confidence, develop skills, and bring their talents back to the district that helped shape them. Their success shows that when we remove barriers and create real pathways to good jobs, workers, employers, and communities all benefit."