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
- o. State's Strategies
Describe 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
o. 2. How a broad range of assistive technology services and devices will be provided to individuals with disabilities at each stage of the rehabilitation process and on a statewide basis
Current Narrative:
The Division finalized a license agreement with Vispero to provide access to assistive technology (AT) in 2019. This agreement makes the FDBS the first in the nation to provide statewide access to AT. The license allows FDBS to supply clients and workforce partners with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. The Division strengthened its relationship with the Lighthouses to ensure appropriate and client-specific AT is consistent with needs of all clients. The counselors must reflect the type and need for AT in the Individualized Plan for Employment. The Division also coordinates training with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) by referring clients to FAAST for AT as necessary. The FAAST demonstrates, trains, and temporarily loans equipment for clients to test.