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
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
Describe the designated State agency's procedures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated State unit, including the following:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 5. Personnel to Address Individual Communication Needs
Describe how the designated State unit has personnel or obtains the services of other individuals who are able to communicate in appropriate modes of communication with or in the native language of applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English speaking ability.
Current Narrative:
DVR believes strongly in being able to provide quality services to everyone who applies for vocational rehabilitation services. Consequently, DVR strives to meet the communication needs of all participants. DVR collects information about preferred language at the time of application and utilizes available resources to provide services and information in the language preferred by the individual. At the present time, approximately 23% of DVR’s field offices have one or more staff members who speak Spanish. DVR also strives to ensure that offices in the areas with a high Hispanic population have at least one staff member who is also Hispanic. In addition, to Spanish and ASL DVR has staff members who speak a variety of other languages such as German, Hmong, Polish, Swedish, French and Luganda. All offices have access to interpreter and translation resources; these services are routinely used when needed to ensure effective communication. DVR also is able to access the State of Colorado Division of Refugee Services to capitalize on the knowledge, expertise and resources available to provide the best possible rehabilitation services to common clients. DVR ensures that critical forms are available in common foreign languages, including Spanish, and translates these forms to additional languages when needed.
DVR has developed specialized Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to better meet the communication needs of individuals who are Deaf. Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is considered during the hiring process for these positions. If unable to hire a qualified rehabilitation counselor proficient in ASL, DVR explores opportunities to provide intensive ASL training to support effective communication. All offices have access to interpreter services.
There are approximately seven community-based organizations throughout Colorado that provide interpreting services as well as numerous private vendors. DVR provides personnel or obtains services to accommodate clients in need of appropriate modes of communication. Agency staff members who have an interest are encouraged to take sign language classes. DVR has contracts in place for interpreting services with several organizations and local staff are readily able to arrange for interpreting services. Every DVR office in the state has access to a telephone relay service available through Colorado’s local telephone provider and those offices that serve a high number of individuals who are deaf are equipped with video relay equipment.
DVR also has the advantage of having several local colleges that provide interpreter preparation programs, such as Front Range Community College, Pikes Peak Community College, and the University of Northern Colorado. The combination of these programs is expected to sufficiently address future interpreter needs.
The capacity to provide materials in Braille is available through equipment located in some of the offices throughout the state. Additional needs are addressed through private transcribers. This has been meeting the current level of need. Many clients prefer materials electronically and this is accommodated routinely. Materials are also routinely made available in large print. In addition, all of the orientation and mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation therapists receive ongoing trained on the various uses of the iPhone and various applications that enhance accessibility.