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. 8. C. Overcome identified barriers relating to equitable access to and participation of individuals with disabilities in the State VR Services Program and the State Supported Employment Services Program.
Current Narrative:
The CSNA identified several barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, specifically those served by the Division. Among recurring themes were barriers related to underserved target populations, access to AT, and fear of losing Social Security benefits. The strategic plan addresses each of these barriers. Specifically, activities include developing communications and outreach plan to reach unserved/underserved populations and to educate the public about services offered by FDBS. In 2019, the Division entered into an agreement with Vispero for approximately 2,500 licenses to provide access to AT for individuals with vision impairments and workforce partners. Five senior rehabilitation specialists participated in a Social Security training for in hopes of getting certified Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC). This training provides detailed information regarding Social Security benefits and the effects employment has on such benefits. There is a competitive selection process for participation in these trainings and applicants must successfully complete an introductory course. Out of the 15 counselors who applied for the training, 5 were selected.