Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan* must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA:
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* Sec. 102(b)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- O. State's StrategiesDescribe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):
- O. State's Strategies
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
d. 2. O. iv. The Methods to Be Used to Improve and Expand Vr Services for Students with Disabilities, Including the Coordination of Services Designed to Facilitate the Transition of Such Students from School to Postsecondary Life (including the Receipt of Vr Services, Postsecondary Education, Employment, and Pre- Employment Transition Services).
Current Narrative:
DVR has a long history of providing transition services that begins with developing relationships with the Delaware Department of Education, as well as leadership within each of the local education agencies, and designating a liaison vocational rehabilitation counselor for each of the high school programs in the state. Even prior to the implementation of pre—employment transition services, DVR had implemented both Project SEARCH and Start on Success and had developed a supported employment program, Early Start on Supported Employment, that focused considerable resources on transition age individuals. DVR plans to continue to expand the models currently in place while expanding on the business—based opportunities for transition students. DVR coordinates Pre-ETS programs for students during the summer and maintains several of the programs during the academic year. In addition, DVR has employed three Pre-ETS counselors who are providing services to students in the eighth grade, paving the way for these students to be aware of and participate in Pre-ETS programs while in high school. includes numerous programs that are accessible to students during the school year. In FY 2016, DVR implemented a focus on career pathways for all DVR consumers. Implementation included agency—wide training on what career pathways are and how to include career pathways information in vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance. Career pathways and informed choice are keys to assisting students and youth to identify steps in building the credentials to meet their goals. Programs at the postsecondary level, both at community rehabilitation facilities and postsecondary education institutions, are being given DVR support to develop and offer industry—recognized credentials that coordinate with career pathways in the local economies. DVR participates in the planning and development of the Annual Career Pathways Conference that encourages professionals, including DVR staff, WIOA partners, and education staff, students, and families to learn about career planning.