Angela Fitterer, Executive Deputy Secretary | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) joined over 550 students and educators at the 2025 Autism Awareness & Acceptance Walk and Resource Fair held at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. The event underscored the Shapiro Administration's commitment to support individuals with disabilities. Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget for 2025-26 includes an additional $5 million investment aimed at assisting people with disabilities through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
"At L&I, we're not just raising awareness - we're transforming lives by breaking down barriers for Pennsylvanians with autism and other disabilities," said Jill Moriconi, Director of the Commonwealth Technical Institute at HGAC. "Through our work at HGAC, we're creating pathways to independence and meaningful careers where every person is supported and celebrated. Governor Shapiro's proposed investments in vocational rehabilitation reflect our commitment to building a Commonwealth where disability is not recognized as a limitation, but as a powerful source of innovation, resilience, and strength for our communities and our economy."
The Hiram G. Andrews Center was established in 1959 and is part of the OVR. It offers barrier-free education and job-readiness programs for individuals of various backgrounds and abilities. In 2024, it served more than 1,300 individuals. The Commonwealth Technical Institute (CTI) operates on the HGAC campus, providing postsecondary trade and technical education for individuals with disabilities. CTI presents three associate degree programs in medical office work, culinary arts, and networking technology. It also offers diploma programs in automotive technology, culinary assistance, early childhood education, nurse aide training, and welding technology.
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