Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
Describe the designated State agency's procedures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated State unit, including the following:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 6. Coordination of Personnel Development Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
As appropriate, describe the procedures and activities to coordinate the designated State unit's comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Current Narrative:
Coordination of Personnel Development Under the individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act Describe the procedures and activities to coordinate the designated state unit’s comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act.
DBVI works in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Vermont Department of Labor. The development of the Unified State Plan ensures compliance with the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). These steps ensure students with disabilities between the ages of 14-21 are receiving comprehensive and unduplicated services. DBVI is a partner on the Core Transition teams located in regions around the State of Vermont. DBVI counselors work closely with DVR Youth Transition Counselors, VABIR Youth Employment Specialists, Guidance counselors and Case managers to ensure that students on IEPs are receiving Pre-Employment Transition Services and participating in activities as required in WIOA.
DBVI works closely with the teachers of the Visually Impaired partially funded through the AOE and the School districts. Students receive adaptive equipment and training to be prepared for actively participating in job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training, instruction in self-advocacy and planning for post-secondary education or training.
DBVI provides funding for student participation in the LEAP summer program (Learn Earn and Prosper) and LEAP retreats during the academic year. The LEAP program provides students with learning about self-advocacy, post-secondary opportunities, and work readiness skills along with participation in work-based learning. Students who are visually impaired and at risk can work with counselors through Vermont Jobs Program. Students and their families can receive advocacy and education through the Vermont Family Network. DBVI provides transition age students who are visually impaired with vocational counseling, trainings, worksite accommodations, work experiences, advocacy and support. The annual Core Transition event is created and coordinated in partnership with DBVI, DOL, DVR, and AOE. Professionals gain increased knowledge and awareness of current practice and techniques that provide desired results for transition students through ongoing training, team collaboration and development of new initiatives.