Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) and DVR continue to enjoy a collaborative working relationship. SRC members are invited to participate on various DVR planning and implementation committees. The DVR Director provides quarterly written and oral updates on programs, activities, and outcomes. In addition, DVR Program Managers, Regional Managers and field staff frequently make presentations to the full SRC and gather feedback and suggestions to improve services. The following is a summary of the SRC’s activities taken directly from the 2019 SRC annual report. For more information on the VT SRC and a copy of this report go to www.VTSRC.org

Full SRC Report by Sarah Launderville, SRC Chair

It has been a pleasure to continue to serve as the SRC Chair for a second year. The majority of the work is completed at the committee level and you will see from the reports submitted that our council is engaged and continues to work towards a strong system of supporting individuals with disabilities in employment.

I’m so proud to be connected to the work of our council as we have so many dedicated council members focusing on VR programs. The volunteer time is appreciated as those hours go into questioning, exploring and advising VocRehab Vermont on the programs that support individuals with disabilities when returning to work.

Our council continues to grow and we focus on recruitment at all of the steering committee meetings ensuring that we have a strong membership that is a balance of people representing different areas which translates into differing opinions and rich conversations at our meetings.

On a personal note, I want to express my deep gratitude to the members of the SRC and to Vice Chair Brian Smith for filling in when I was unavailable for some time during the year. Finally, we will be saying goodbye to our Coordinator Debra L. Kobus. A behind the scenes, hard worker who keeps our council going. She will be greatly missed. We wish her all the very best in the future.

SRC Performance Review Committee Report by Marlena Hughes, PR Committee Chair

The Vermont State Rehabilitation Council’s Performance Review Committee (PR) reviews, analyzes, and advises the Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) on its performance in fulfilling its mission and responsibilities.

This year the PR Committee reviewed and made recommendations on a broad range of topics affecting DVR’s effectiveness, including the following:

Overview and Purpose of Casework Practices (Chapter 209) as a result of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). PR reviewed the Federal indicators used to evaluate the DVR Program, development of IPEs (long-term career goals), and case service expenditures.

Loss of Re-Allotment Funding on DVR Services as a result of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).  WIOA created pre-employment transition services for high school students who were on 504 plans or had IEPs. WIOA required that chunks of funding be moved from one program area to another for direct services.  PR engaged in a comprehensive discussion about DVR’s consumer population changes since the enactment of WIOA.

Satisfaction Surveys of Employers, Consumers, Youth, and Partners. Performance Review gave feedback on the phone surveys being performed by Market Decisions Research who were contracted by DVR in order to perform these surveys.  Market Decisions Research presented the results of the Employers and Consumers Satisfaction Surveys to the full SRC at the October 3, 2019 SRC Annual Retreat.

• Employer and Consumer Satisfaction Surveys (phone) –PR reviewed the telephone survey, posing questions, suggestions were documented, and incentives for consumer and employer participation were discussed.
• Youth Survey (texting) – Will bedeveloped utilizing the Youth Advocacy Committee and include school personnel.
• Partner Survey (online)– For partners including alternative programs.
  SAMHSA Grant Application: “Vermont Works for Recovery: an evidence based supported employment project.”Performance Review reviewed the proposal.  The grant requests revenue for Supported Employment Services for outpatient clients, including wrap around services through a pilot program with mental health services.
  The AWARE Case Review Tool was extensively explored by the PR Committee. This tool helps improve services through consistency, utilizing best practices, and reducing audit findings. Performance Review completed a comprehensive review with presentations, including counselor feedback.
  Central Case ReviewPresentation.  PR reviewed the process for documentation of consumer barriers, strengths, and interests, along with defining assessment measures. Documentation of the consumer needs, progressive employment, education, and credentials go into AWARE. Reports from counselors indicate that the process is appreciated and helpful.
  Quality Assurance (QA).  PR reviewed the QA process and its data from White River Junction’s Central Office Case Review Summary. The process was shown to encourage clarification and decrease counselor anxiety around case review. It was shown that information, garnered through conversations during meetings with counselors, hone and inform the documentation process, ensuring relevant data gets entered into AWARE.
  SRC Policy & Procedures Committee Report by Sherrie Brunelle, P&P Committee Chair
  Fall is here and with it comes beautiful foliage, apples, pumpkins, and holiday gatherings. It is also a time to reflect on our accomplishments at the close of the 2019 fiscal year.  As Chair of the Policies and Procedures (P&P) Committee, I am proud of the work that this small but dedicated group of VR staff and SRC members have accomplished.
  The work this group has done over the past fiscal year has resulted in significant changes to Chapter 204 (Case Closure) and Chapter 209 (Casework Practices) of the P&P Manual.  These revisions provide counselors with clear guidance and resources as they make decisions in each consumer’s case. A goal of the revisions is to ensure consistent practice by VR staff across the state. Another goal is to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected as they navigate the VR system. Training and guidance in the implementation of the changes is ongoing. So far, field staff and managers have been supportive of the changes. These revisions also will make navigating the VR process clearer for consumers seeking services.
  In addition to these major accomplishments, the P&P Committee made a short-term adjustment to Chapter 311 (Post-Secondary Education). The revision clarifies that short-term training focuses on training over a period of up to 2 years rather than 6 months. This adjustment brings the VR policy in line with current VR practice. The P&P Committee will undertake a more in-depth review of this Chapter in the coming year.
  For the 3^rd year, the P&P and VR staff have continued its efforts to revise and update Chapter 308 (Self-Employment).  The task has been more challenging than initially thought. But everyone in the work group has diligently explored what other states are doing and considered whether we want to incorporate various elements from those states into the revised Chapter 308. We have a starting framework for what we think will work in VT. But more discussion, drafting, and vetting of proposed changes is ahead of us in the 2020 fiscal year.
  It is hoped and expected that the work done this fiscal year will result in clearer, more consistent, and efficient use of VR’s limited resources while improving outcomes for consumers wanting to enter, return, maintain, or advance in competitive, integrated employment.
  Advocacy, Outreach and Education Committee Report by Sam Liss Chair
  The Advocacy, Outreach and Education (AOE) Committee of the Vermont State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) has, per its charge, explored both State and Federal legislation relevant to employment issues for people with disabilities (PWD) and, most specifically, to the needs of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). In addition, the committee has regularly discussed relevant event opportunities for SRC members. As appropriate topics arise, the Committee has also held thoughtful discussions to those ends.
  The AOE Committee has also emphasized to its members the importance of up-to-date knowledge of issues important to VR in relation to their ability and readiness to inform, advocate and testify (e.g. before the State legislature).
  Federal legislative initiatives discussed include those that would remove employment disincentives for PWD at/above (Social Security) retirement age – particularly important in a state with a markedly aging population and the needs within that population to maintain employment (with supports, if necessary).
  Raising the age of eligibility, based upon age of onset of disability, for tax-free ABLE account was also discussed, as was potentially enhanced tax incentives for employers who hire people with disabilities. Legislation to reauthorize the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, along with protections against spousal impoverishment for spouses of those found eligible for home and community-based Medicaid, was followed closely. The Committee was also informed of and discussed legislative plans to reduce the occurrence of long-term unemployment within targeted populations and, specifically, to create Federal grants to be awarded to VR agencies to implement such initiatives.
  The committee also reviewed Federal legislation that would phase out sheltered workshops and subminimum wage exceptions within the Fair Labor Standards Act (although Vermont had eliminated the practice several years ago). Also discussed was employment implications for PWD within the proposed Social Security 2100 Act, as well as within the relatively broad Disability Integration Act (DIA).
  On a State level, much attention was paid to attempts by advocates for PWD to unfreeze (to potential new applicants) the general-funded Attendant Services Program (ASP) – aka Personally-directed Attendant Care (PDAC) program. Various approaches to legislative advocacy for this initiative were highlighted for session 2020. Peripheral but important discussions centered around background checks for personal care attendants and statewide numbers of those with developmental disabilities in nursing homes.
  The Committee followed progress on legislation to raise the State minimum wage and institute a family leave policy. (Both measures were deferred to session 2020.) In addition, the proposals by the MS Society to enhance opportunities for home modification projects for PWD were elucidated.
  The Committee has been active in planning agenda and representation by the SRC for the annual cardroom event at the Statehouse. It has also actively discussed SRC participation in the annual Youth Core Transition event. In addition, all were informed about such relevant upcoming events as the annual Youth Summit, Vermont Family Network (VFN) upcoming annual meeting, Disability Awareness Day at the Statehouse, the Hope and Resilience Conference, the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Networking Breakfast and Quarterly meeting(s) and the SILC-sponsored Olmstead Summit.
  An idea that originated in the AOE Committee breakout session of the SRC Annual Retreat of 2018 was the creation and implementation of a “Governor’s” Transportation Summit. That idea has come to fruition with a set date of Dec. 2^nd, 2019 at the Doubletree at the Hilton Hotel in South Burlington. At time of writing, agenda is close to finalization and other final preparations are under way.
  A request for targeted input to the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) was made at an AOE Committee meeting as the SILC considered an updated strategic plan.
  The Committee was informed of the Governor’s Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD)-sponsored Spirit of the ADA Awards – most specifically, the creation of the David Sagi Award in memoriam to the late State ADA Coordinator and long-time VR Regional Manager. It also discussed the possibility of inviting the Executive Director of the SILC to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential for collaboration.
  Finally, very thoughtful discussions were held regarding the recently opened Perky Planet Café in Burlington. Various opinions were expressed as to the impact of the restaurant’s hiring, personnel and marketing policy on the disability right movement. All agreed that Perky Planet Café’s intentions were good, but opinions varied as to whether it promotes or deters established employment and integration goals.
  All throughout, Marlena Hughes, SRC members and liaison to Vermont Coalition of Disability Rights (VCDR), has been reporting out, as much as possible, on relevant discussions at VCDR meetings.