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.
g. 2. C. The VR agency’s goals for serving individuals in each priority category, including how the agency will assist eligible individuals assigned to closed priority categories with information and referral, the method in which the VR agency will manage waiting lists, and the projected timelines for opening priority categories. NOTE: Priority categories are considered open when all individuals in the priority category may be served.
Current Narrative:
An important goal for Indiana BRS is to continue with forward progress toward opening all priority categories and ending the order of selection by the end of calendar year 2024. Priority category 1 has remained open throughout the order of selection, and priority category 2 was opened July 5, 2023. Only priority category 3 remains closed as of this state plan submission. VR is targeting a release of approximately 300 individuals each quarter from the priority category 3 waitlist, based on application date. Releases are made during the first week of each quarter (July, October, January, April) and VR staff are required to make at least 5 different outreach attempts to individuals in each release. Individuals who elect to receive services will work with their assigned VR Counselor to develop and IPE after coming off of the waitlist. Individuals who no longer desire services or cannot be contacted after multiple attempts, will exit the VR program.
BRS anticipates an end to the order of selection on, or before, December 2024.
BRS shares relevant information about other organizations with individuals unable to be served by VR who are in need of assistance to obtain or maintain employment, such as facilitating a referral to the local Work One. Other resources may include Ticket to Work Employment Networks, Centers for Independent Living, College and Universities, the IN Data Assistive Technology program, and other state and local resources. A resource guide for each VR area office is maintained on the VR website, on an order of selection resource page. Resource guides are also shared during application intake appointments, and a link is provided in a semi-annual letter sent to all individuals on the wait list. A letter is sent every six months to all individuals on the wait list, advising them to contact their local VR office to keep their contact information up to date.