Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by sections 101(a) and 606 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA.
a. 5. Provide the VR agency’s response to the Council’s input and recommendations, including an explanation for the rejection of any input and recommendations.
List each recommendation/input followed by the VR agency response
Current Narrative:
Input: The VR Council acknowledged that goals, priorities and strategies were aligned with topics and areas of growth discussed during commission meetings and from review of VR performance data. No missing areas of focused were identified, however there were a few recommendations as outlined below. The VR Council acknowledged the positive trend in performance on federal performance indicators and agreed that areas of continued growth include continued increase in median wages and in the number of individuals enrolled in programs that result in post-secondary credentials. The council noted that these two areas are interrelated. The VR Council complimented VR in particular on the postsecondary credential attainment rate achieved for PY22, which is above the average in Indiana for all populations enrolled in training at postsecondary institutions. The VR Council remains supportive of progress toward ending the order of selection and reviewed the timeline around this during several meetings in calendar year 2023, including during the September 8, 2023 meeting as part of the review of the draft state plan.
Recommendation: During discussion on the priorities and strategies pertaining to an increased focus on work-based learning, including on-the-job training (OJT), a recommendation was made for BRS to consider reviewing programs offered across other organizations that are similar to OJT, to explore how other organizations message those services to businesses. The Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN) was one example suggested.
BRS Response: BRS will review programs such as EARN, Indiana’s work study program, to learn how those programs are messaged to businesses. One area of particular interest is messaging these services in a way that does not reduce the employers’ perception of the value that participants bring to the place of employment. Applicable information learned will be incorporated into the VR OJT service and communication about the service. This feedback will be incorporated into the process for service delivery on OJT, however does not result in any changes to the state plan.
Recommendation: Consider expanding the measurement around increasing applicants to VR who are students, by establishing a goal for the percentage of students with disabilities in secondary education (students receiving special education services through an Individualized Education Plan or served through a 504 plan) who apply for VR or pre-employment transition services (pre-ets).
BRS Response: Based on this recommendation, BRS reviewed data shared by the Indiana Department of Education (DOE) to determine a baseline for percentage of students with disabilities who enter VR or pre-ets, and established a goal that supports the increase of students entering into services. A measurement has been added to the goals section of the state plan.
Recommendation: Consider collaborating with other organizations, such as the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, in hosting educational events during Disability Employment Awareness Month.
BRS Response: BRS would be happy to collaborate with the GCPD or other organizations to identify opportunities to partner on initiatives, including during Disability Employment Awareness month. Section L8 of the VR portion of the state plan was amended to include specific reference to partnership with the GCPD.