Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Although we accomplished our goals we still have the challenge in our state of individuals on the waiting list for waiver services that will require these services to be successful in employment. We have made strides, but it is still a challenge. Provider transformation is still a challenge for the Employment First effort. Difficulties exist in finding the resources to transform existing Medicaid funded day habilitation programs. We are receiving technical assistance to move forward with this effort.

employment services continue to expand in this state. The waiting list at ALDMH Division of Developmental Disabilities for Home and Community Based Services for either the ID Comprehensive Waiver or Living at Home Waiver is not specific to employment. Currently there are about 2500 on the waiting list. Currently there are 597 that are between 19 and under 25 but we don’t know many of these individuals are interested in employment services. These waivers provide services necessary to keep individuals out of institutions and in their own homes when possible. Employment is just one of many services available through these waivers. Individuals, including youth are referred to VR when seeking employment services through the waiver. • ADRS works very closely at ADMH and we have been able to access their waiver for youth seeking employment requiring extended supports, through this collaborative effort. ADMH set aside reserve waiver slots for youth in project SEARCH who needed extended supports beyond what was typically provided. We seek their assistance and work closely with their department, when we have individuals (including youth) seeking employment that will need extended supports. Because of this relationship, we have not yet needed to fund extended supports. Additionally, because our secondary systems are no longer referring to 14Cs, we are getting more referrals for students at a younger age that we feel like will need extended services. We do anticipate that we will use extended service funded by VR dollars.