Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive assistance through the ONE Program?

A person with a disability who is receiving services from an agency, such as the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), The Arc of Centre County, Skills of Central PA, a local school district or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs is eligible to receive assistance through the ONE Program. The person must be qualified to perform the job in which he/she is interested.

What is the procedure for requesting assistance through the ONE Program?

Any of the following individuals can request assistance through the ONE Program: a person with a disability, the parent of a high school student with a disability, or the counselor or employment specialist who knows the person with a disability. Contact Marianne Karwacki by phone (814-865-0676) or e-mail (mlk6@psu.edu).

What happens after I contact the coordinator of the ONE Program?

An intake appointment will be scheduled. At an intake appointment additional information about the ONE Program will be provided to the individual with a disability. The individual with a disability will be asked about his/her educational background, work experience, and vocational interests. If a person chooses to seek assistance through the ONE Program, he/she signs a release; this allows information about the person’s skills and abilities to be obtained from the professional at OVR, The Arc of Centre County, Skills of Central PA, or the school district who also works with that individual.

Does everyone who requests assistance through the ONE program get a job?

Participation in the ONE Program does not guarantee employment. Many qualified applicants apply for jobs. Managers determine which applicant to hire.

How many people got hired through the ONE Program last year?

Twenty-seven job opportunities were realized in 2008.

If I get a job with assistance from the ONE Program, what additional contact will I have with the ONE coordinator?

Prior to starting a job you would meet with the ONE Coordinator to prepare a memo regarding the job you will begin and any assistance you may need to learn or perform the job. You will receive the memo and a copy of it will also be given to your supervisor, the human resource manager for the work unit, and your counselor at OVR, Skills or The Arc, or your learning support teacher or the transition counselor in your school district.

If I get a job with assistance from the ONE Program and want to find a different job at a later date, can I request assistance through the ONE Program again?

Yes. The ONE Coordinator works with individuals over time as their employment situations or vocational interests change.

What if I need additional training and support from a job coach?

Funding from OVR or the Base Service Unit allows some individuals to qualify for job coaching services. Many managers at Penn State have hired employees who receive support from a job coach.

I want to get a job at Penn State, but my disability prevents me from driving and I live in a rural area outside the CATA bus service area. Are there other transportation resources that might be helpful for me?

Yes. Persons with disabilities who live in a rural area outside the CATA bus service area may be eligible for the Rural Transportation Program for Persons with Disabilities. This program provides door to door services for a nominal fee. It operates Monday through Friday. For additional information and eligibility requirements, please call the Centre County Office of Transportation Services at (814) 355-6807.

My disability is mild and not apparent. I haven’t disclosed a disability in previous jobs because I am able to manage my symptoms effectively. I don’t know if I want a hiring manager to know that I sought assistance through the ONE Program.

You can choose to receive indirect assistance through the ONE Program. This can include learning about the vacancy and application process for jobs at Penn State, getting help with writing a cover letter or resume or with preparing for an interview.

What kind of jobs have persons with disabilities gotten with assistance from the ONE Program?

Persons with disabilities have obtained jobs that are as varied as those individuals’ abilities. Some of the jobs that ONE participants have obtained include: staff assistant, computer programmer/analyst, optical image scanner, dishwasher, recyclable collector, maintenance utility worker, cold food/prep cook, guest room attendant, farm equipment operator, receptionist, pool deck cleaner, desk attendant, janitorial worker, laundry worker, ticket taker, usher, concession worker, registration clerk, public space attendant, audio-visual set-up, information technology specialist, shelf reader, grounds keeper, and telephone interviewer.