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
- c. Cooperative Agreements with Agencies Not Carrying Out Activities Under the Statewide Workforce Development System
Describe interagency cooperation with and utilization of the services and facilities of agencies and programs that are not carrying out activities through the statewide workforce development system with respect to:
- c. Cooperative Agreements with Agencies Not Carrying Out Activities Under the Statewide Workforce Development System
c. 4. Non-educational agencies serving out-of-school youth; and
Current Narrative:
While ICBVI does not engage in any cooperative agreements with any noneducational agencies who serve out of school youth, the Commission does collaborate with all WIOA Core partners to identify and engage those out of school youth in the state who are blind or visually impaired.
Out-of-school youth are encouraged to complete their high school education or pursue a formal GED program whenever possible to increase their options and access to postsecondary opportunities. This includes referral to Idaho Career & Technical Education’s Adult Education program. Idaho Job Corps now maintains a partnership with Idaho Universities to offer a path to a high school diploma or GED for those age 16-24.
ICBVI also connects appropriate youth to The Youth Apprenticeship Program. This program connects people, ages 16-24, to training and careers in Idaho. The Youth Apprenticeship program provides education, work experience, and access to postsecondary education, training, and certifications.
ICBVI also partners with Job Corps to develop ways to provide students with access to paid work experiences, work readiness training, and instruction in self-advocacy in addition to attending their Job Corps courses. Job Corps is now housed in regional Universities, which makes the program and other educational opportunities much more accessible for individuals serviced by the Commission. ICBVI had one individual who participated in he Job Corp program in the past two years, and is now doing her internship with a regional employer in her chosen career goal.
The Commission will be collaborating with the Idaho Department of Labor for the purpose of expanding apprenticeships in the state. The apprenticeship program in the state is a priority of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, and therefore receives strong support across the state.
ICBVI also partners with Forging Futures to serve both in school and out of school youth. Created by the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance, Forging Futures Idaho is a workforce-pipeline initiative that focuses on creating and promoting manufacturing career opportunities for Idahoans through purposeful education and connections with industry partners, resources, and community support.