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Michigan PYs 2020-2023

Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Blind)

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

    • g. Coordination with Employers

      Describe how the designated State unit will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities in order to facilitate the provision of:

g. 1. VR Services; and

Current Narrative:

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) has embraced a dual customer service delivery model that considers the needs of both business and the consumer in the provision of VR services.

The co-location of BSBP and MRS within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) allows for additional opportunities to collaborate and coordinate employer engagement and related business services which promote the employment of Persons With Disabilities.

Both BSBP and MRS are participating in an intensive technical assistance agreement through the (WINTAC) that includes technical assistance in working with the One-Stops.

Michigan’s largest employer is the State of Michigan.  Wishing to take the lead in employment of persons with disabilities, Executive Directive 2014-1creates opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities to be highly considered for state employment when those positions are available.  BSBP has met with state human resources directors to discuss accommodations and supports that BSBP can provide to assist in this process.

Michigan is an Employment First state, Executive Order 2015-15.

BSBP is a participating stakeholder in the Employment First initiative and has comprehensive representation on work groups to ensure that BSBP consumers are well represented and considered when decisions regarding employment of persons with significant disabilities are made.

BSBP and MRS have engaged in intensive technical assistance with WINTAC to promote customized employment as a state model for the competitive integrated employment of persons who possess significant barriers to employment including a component that is inclusive of business engagement.

BSBP’s Training Center provides blindness specific training to community partners to assist in the education and training of service providers.