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:
__________
[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
p. 4. How the funds reserved for innovation and expansion (I&E) activities were utilized
Current Narrative:
In program year 2018, innovation and expansion funds were used to support activities of the Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (FRCB). The following table illustrates expenses for all FRCB meetings during this period.
| Expense Category | Oct-18 | Nov-18 | Dec-18 | Jan-19 | Feb-19 | Mar-19 | Apr-19 | May-19 | Jun-19 | Jul-19 | Aug-19 | Sep-19 | Total |
| Council Travel | $2,242.61 | $0 | $0 | $810.88 | $5,734.72 | $0 | $1,190.55 | $4,594.93 | $0 | $6,595.24 | $0 | $0 | $ 21,168.93 |
| Client Satisfaction Survey | $13,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $13,500 | $27,000 |
| Advertising | $76.72 | $0 | $26.32 | $0 | $56.70 | $0 | $26.88 | $60.06 | $0 | $25.34 | $0 | $0 | $272.02 |
| Venue Meeting Space | $1,342.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,074.00 | $0 | $1,994.49 | $0 | $0 | $5,410.49 |
| Supplies | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $63.30 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $108.00 | $0 | $0 | $171.30 |
| Interpreters | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1755.00 | $0 | $0 | $2875.00 | $0 | $1,800.00 | $0 | $0 | $6,430.00 |
| Total | $17,161.33 | $0 | $26.32 | $810.88 | $7546.42 | $63.30 | $1,217.43 | $9603.99 | $0 | $10,523.07 | $0 | $13,500 | $60,452.74 |
A summary of FRCB Accomplishments and Activities for 2018-2019 include:
- Governor Rick Scott announced six appointments and two reappointments on January 4, 2019.
- The Council maintained its mission and focus on strategic planning that is closely aligned with the priorities of the Florida Division of Blind Services.
- The Council reviewed FDBS policies and provided advice on the implementation of best practices.
- The Council elected a new Chairperson, First Vice-Chairperson and Second Vice-Chairperson at the first quarterly meeting held in February 2019.
- The Council elected new members to serve on the Evaluation and Planning Committees.
- The Council continued to strengthen its working relationship with other councils within the state as required under Sec 105 of the Rehab Act. This included collaborating with the Florida Rehabilitation Council (FRC) during committee week in January 2019, and providing handouts to Legislators to increase awareness of the services provided by the FDBS.
- The Council served as an effective vehicle for cultivating meaningful partnerships between the FDBS and other stakeholders.
- The Council conducted four public forums at each of its quarterly business meetings.
- Council members participated in both the NCSRC spring and fall training conferences.
- The Council continued to oversee the development and implementation of the Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS).
- The Council provided feedback for the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment facilitated by San Diego State University Interwork Institute.
- The Council recognized employers who hire individuals with visual disabilities by presenting each with a plaque during the quarterly meetings. The following employers were recognized for 2019: Disability Solutions & Merry Maids, Sodexo, Taxes Untangled, and Challenged Enterprises.
Meeting Dates and Locations
- October 17-19, 2018 - Miami
- February 5-6, 2019 - Daytona Beach
- May 9-10, 2019 - Tallahassee
- July 25-26, 2019 - Ocala
Quarterly Meeting Agenda Items:
- Welcome, Introductions, and Pledge of Allegiance
- Adoption of Agenda
- Director’s Report: Division of Blind Services Updates
- District Administrator’s Report
- Employer Recognition
- Local Community Rehabilitation Program Report
- Client Satisfaction Survey Data Updates
- Division of Blind Services State Plan Updates
- Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Outcome Updates
- New Committee Appointments
- Bureau of Business Enterprise Updates
- FDBS Budget Report and Legislative Updates
- Blind Services Foundation Updates
- Updates on Outreach to Underserved/Unserved population
- Strategic Plan Discussions
- Policy Reviews of Policy Numbers 2.09 Post-Secondary Education and Training, 2.35 Competitive Integrated Employment, and 2.05 Review Process and Mediation