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
p. 1. A. Identify the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the goals
Current Narrative:
The following program goals were identified in 2018 Combined State Plan Update:
Goal 1 - Increase Independence and Employment Outcomes through Quality Rehabilitation Services.
- ICBVI conducted periodic program surveys from participants to identify program strengths, and to facilitate continuous improvement of program curriculum;
- Services were provided statewide, with emphasis on rural and remote communities. ICBVI regional rehabilitation teachers provided individualized training to promote independent living, and community inclusion:
- Orientation and Mobility Training
- Activities of daily living
- Assistive Technology
- Accessing transportation and the One Stop System.
- ICBVI, in collaboration with IESDB, identified students in all regions of the state who were eligible for Pre-ETS.
- ICBVI began evaluating 911 data via the dashboard reports provided by RSA to help make informed decisions to improve program performance and reporting.
- In order to improve program performance and quality outcomes, ICBVI provided staff training via in-service training, TAC Webinar training, local and regional workshops and conferences, and national conferences (CSAVR, NCSAB, Summit Group (PEQA)).
- ICBVI provided clinical services for clients via the Boise Low Vision Clinic. The Low Vision Clinic traveled to all regions in the state in 2019.
Performance Measures for Goal 1:
PY 2018
Number of client's who achieved competitive integrated employment- 32
There were no participants who exited the VR program with a supported employment outcome.
Measurable Skills Gains: 14
Pre-Employment Transition Services provided – 324
Average hourly wage at program exit – $18.40
Goal 2 - Increase public and client awareness of the mission, purpose, goals, function and services of the agency.
- ICBVI continued to reach out to consumers and employers throughout the state in 2019.
- To enhance visibility and services to businesses, ICBVI appointment a staff member (AT Technologist) to serve as a statewide business engagement specialist.
- ICBVI staff, under the direction of the Chief of Rehabilitation Services and the Transition Project Coordinator, collaborated with key stakeholders to increase student participation in Pre-ETS.
- ICBVI continued their outreach to the fours Native American Tribes in Idaho (facilitated by the MOU between ICBVI / IDVR and the Tribes. ICBVI provided outreach to Hispanic communities, and supported a counselor dedicated to translation services across the state when needed.
- ICBVI continued their commitment to the partnership with the Idaho Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind with the BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Performance Measures for Goal 2:
PY 2018
Total number of referrals to the VR program: 153
- One individual was referred from the tribal VR program.
- No individuals were referred from the One Stop system.
Total number of applications: 129
Total number of individuals found eligible for services: 129
Total number of individuals with an approved IPE: 106
Total number of Hispanic individuals served: 30
Outreach performance (defined as substantial information shared about the VR program and services)
Number of contacts to CRP's: 23
Number of contacts to LEA's: 56
Number of contacts to employers: 29
Goal 3 - Increase training availability, effectiveness and access for clients.
- ICBVI increased training and access for clients via the regional rehabilitation teachers and the state-wide assistive technologist.
- ICBVI continued to be a core partner in the development and implementation of the Idaho One-Stop System;
- ICBVI has been committed and involved in the continuous improvement of programmatic and physical accessibility in the One-Stop System;
- In 2019, ICBVI continue a project of sending Assessment and Training Center (ATC) instructors to all regions in order to provide blind skills training to parents, employers, CRP’s, LEA personnel, and other interested community stakeholders.
Performance Measures for Goal 3:
PY 2018
Total number of client's who received rehabilitation technology services: 141
Total number of regional on-site office visits by the statewide Assistive Technologist: 10
Total number of state-wide training seminars conducted by our ATC: 6
Summary:
Consistent with the mission of the VR program, ICBVI can conclude that the goals and priorities set forth in the 2018 State Plan were achieved. Since benchmarks were not established in 2018, it is difficult discuss the achievement of such metrics. ICBVI recognizes that through improvements in it's case management system and reporting capabilities that ICBVI will be able to make better data-informed decisions when identifying and evaluating future goals and priorities.