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
- o. State's Strategies
Describe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):
- o. State's Strategies
o. 2. How a broad range of assistive technology services and devices will be provided to individuals with disabilities at each stage of the rehabilitation process and on a statewide basis
Current Narrative:
Assistive Technology During the Rehabilitation Process: Pursuant to the Indiana VR rules, VR Counselors review each individual’s need for Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services at each stage of the rehabilitation process (i.e. eligibility determination, plan development and implementation, and placement). This is done through personal interviews with the participant, observations, and professional AT evaluations. Appropriate training is also provided as necessary, to ensure that participants are able to independently utilize their adaptive equipment.
Assistive Technology Statewide: VR has awarded the Assistive Technology Grant to a statewide 501(c)(3) assistive technology program, Easter Seals Crossroads INData Project. Contract deliverables include: coordination and collaboration with VR on AT services; increasing public awareness, training and technical assistance; providing device demonstrations, a device loan program, device reutilization program and state financing. This ‘INDATA’ program also offers targeted training to VR staff to increase staff knowledge on the availability and provision of AT services and devices.