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.
- l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(11)(C) and (K), 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 to develop opportunities for community-based employment in integrated settings, to the greatest extent practicable for the following:
- l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
l. 8. Other Federal, State, and local agencies and programs outside the workforce development system.
Current Narrative:
The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) is the designated state entity for the Independent Living Program. BRS maintains a dedicated staff member as liaison to CILs and providers of services for independent living for older individuals who are blind (OIB program). BRS leadership and CIL Directors began quarterly meetings in 2019 to improve collaboration. This included increasing BRS knowledge of the local efforts of CILS and increasing awareness of CILs of BRS initiatives. These regular meetings have resulted in updates to contract metrics for CILs to address concerns expressed by CILs, and introduction of CILS to the LifeCourse Framework. VR makes it a priority to support the network of CILs in Indiana by providing additional funding with the use of SSA program income to support center operations in the provision of services to assist individuals with disabilities with increased independence and improved access to their communities. BRS leadership also meets regularly with Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) officers and attends public meetings. This increased collaboration has resulted in contract changes and improved communication.
BRS will continue to identify collaboration opportunities with the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities (GCPD), including partnering on activities during Disability Employment Awareness month, and GCPD representation on the VR Council. The GCPD executive director has also provided feedback on specific VR initiatives, such as the SE+ Disability Innovation Fund project, particularly pertaining to peer support services. GPCD has indicated the potential opportunity to support training costs for individuals who enroll in peer support specialist training.