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:
- 3. Personnel Standards
Describe the State agency's policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) to ensure that designated State unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including:
- 3. Personnel Standards
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 3. B. The establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, in accordance with section 101(a)(7)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
DBVI ensures that personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with visual impairment through our partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL). DBVI is part of the unified plan to meet the requirements of the Workforce Innovation Act (WIOA). Cross trainings with DOL, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Agency of Education are designed to address the needs for adults and students with disabilities. DBVI staff have completed training on Pathways to Promising Careers. DBVI staff have direct access to Vermont DOL’s 12 regional Job Centers. DBVI is working closely with the Labor Planning and Support Administrator Youth Program Manager from DOL. Trainings have been arranged for staff to learn about the evolving labor market and programs to assist students with visual impairment. DBVI is partnering with DOL to look closer at apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training opportunities that will produce success in obtaining high wages for our consumers.
DBVI works closely with VABIR (Vermont Association of Business Industry and Rehabilitation) and Creative Workforce Solutions (local Sales Force boards) to learn information about local employers and progressive employment opportunities. DBVI is planning a staff training in 2020 with Hugh Bradshaw, Vermont DOL. This training will provide counselors with information and skills to match the needs of their consumers with the needs of the local labor market. The training will enhance counselors’ abilities to interpret labor market information to assist their consumers to make informed career decisions and effectively work as a team with job placement staff.
Counselors are knowledgeable of training and post-secondary education options that are in demand in the local labor market. Staff are aware of trainings available for high wage, high demand and high growth job opportunities for their visually impaired clients. DBVI stays current in understanding the evolving labor market through collaboration with the Department of Labor.