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
p. 2. B. Describe the factors that impeded the achievement of the goals and priorities
Current Narrative:
Although we accomplished our goals, we still have the challenge in our state of individuals on the waiting list for waiver services. The waiting list at ADMH Division of Developmental Disabilities for Home and Community Based Services for either the ID Comprehensive Waiver or Living at Home Waiver is not specific to employment. These waivers provide services necessary to keep individuals out of institutions and in their own homes when possible. Employment is just one of many services available through these waivers. Difficulties exist in finding the resources to transform existing Medicaid funded day habilitation programs.
Individuals, including youth are referred to VR when seeking employment services through the waiver. ADRS works very closely at ADMH and we have been able to access their waiver for youth seeking employment requiring extended supports, through Project SEARCH.
Because of new requirements in WIOA, schools are no longer referring to sub- minimum wage employers or day habilitation programs. We are getting more referrals for students and youth, in school and out of school, that will need more intensive services and extended supports for a much longer period. Because these individuals will likely be on waiting lists for waiver services, this may present a staffing issue for community rehabilitation providers.
IPS Supported Employment faces challenges in relation to the belief within the mental health provider system, that individuals with serious mental illness and cooccurring substance use disorder can attain competitive integrated employment. Some case managers believe that work will increase both stress and the likelihood of relapse rather than aid in recovery.