Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
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:
- 4. Staff Development
Describe the State agency's policies, procedures, and activities to ensure that, consistent with section101(a)(7)(C) of the Rehabilitation Act, all personnel employed by the designated State unit receive appropriate and adequate training in terms of:
- 4. Staff Development
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 4. B. Procedures for the acquisition and dissemination of significant knowledge from research and other sources to designated State unit professionals and paraprofessionals.
Current Narrative:
VR also accesses training and resources offered by partners, including the statewide Assistive Technology IN-DATA program which offers ‘first Friday’ AT webinars specifically for VR staff. State and national subject matter experts are frequently invited to present to VR staff through Friday field chats, webinars, and other training modes. Example topic areas have included substance use, Individual Placement and Support, labor market information, postsecondary services, disability specific content, interpreting psychological evaluations, cultural diversity, and more. Many VR staff are also supported in attending state and national conferences and trainings to obtain relevant content, such as vehicle modifications, traumatic brain injury, program evaluation, transition services, and related. A weekly communications ‘Blast’ is also distributed to all staff to provide timely information and helpful resources. Furthermore, VR meets regularly with staff through weekly leadership team meetings which include VR region managers and the training team, bi-monthly supervisor meetings, and quarterly regional meetings with all VR field staff. These meetings have proven to be a great method of information sharing, opportunities to solicit feedback, clarification of procedures and practices, and insight into areas of concern.