Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

All of the strategies listed above support VR’s goals and priorities. Initiatives such as the major changes to the VR employment service model, the increased availability of training to both VR and provider staff, increased outreach and collaboration among partners, etc. are all expected to improve services to VR consumers in terms of both the quality and quantity of employment outcomes. BRS believes that sharing success stories is one of the most effective strategies for both educating about the VR program, and for changing perceptions about employment of individuals with disabilities. BRS increased focus on sharing of success stories over the past two years, and continues to post updated success stories through newsletters, on the VR website, and in the annual report.

Based on the findings of the comprehensive statewide assessment of the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities and the states goals and priorities, VR will continue to explore additional strategies to increase consumer education and technical assistance for VR and CRP staff, increase employment opportunities for those individuals who are most significantly disabled, and implement initiatives associated with increasing services and best practices for students and youth with disabilities.

The recent revisions to the VR Employment Services model were designed to improve the quality of employment outcomes, such as increasing wages, hours worked, and retention. It is expected that VR performance on these qualitative factors will begin to increase as a result. VR has also contracted with an entity to conduct an evaluation of the services and outcomes achieved to assess the impact of the new employment service model and inform further modifications. Evaluation results are shared through regular summary reports and posted on the VR website. Evaluation reports are also reviewed with the VR Employment Advisory Workgroup.