UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Liza Conyers, associate professor of education (rehabilitation and human services), is one of four new members appointed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf to the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Conyers, who will serve a six-year term, has dedicated her 30-year career to serving individuals with disabilities and advocating for equal employment opportunities. Her current research focuses on employment policies regarding individuals with HIV and AIDS.
She has received over $1 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and currently serves as the principal investigator for the Pennsylvania Expanded HIV Testing Initiative (PEHTI). A key aspect of Conyers' research relates to gaining a better understanding of the impact of employment and vocational services on both personal and public health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
"I am excited to serve on the board and I look forward to working with other board members to help improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the Commonwealth," she said. "The work of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is important to the lives of individuals with disabilities in our state and I'm excited to continue to advocate for this underrepresented population by making recommendations on their behalf."
The board is the designated state agency for services provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). It meets quarterly with OVR staff and specialists and is responsible for reviewing policy proposals, engaging in discussions and making recommendations based off of members' individual expertise. Its primary responsibility is to review and approve OVR's policies, programs and activities.