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
- o. State's Strategies
Describe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):
- o. State's Strategies
o. 4. The methods to be used to improve and expand VR services for students with disabilities, including the coordination of services designed to facilitate the transition of such students from school to postsecondary life (including the receipt of VR services, postsecondary education, employment, and pre-employment transition services)
Current Narrative:
Improving outreach and outcomes for transition-aged youth with disabilities is a major focus for KRS.
- KRS established 24 positions to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services statewide. Provider agreements are in place with the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy, workforce centers and some centers for independent living to assist in the provision of Pre-ETS services.
- All regions conduct outreach to students, parents and schools. Some examples include: scheduling specific days for counselors to work at schools and meet with students and transition staff; participating in activities such as Job Olympics; participating in local transition councils; and operating informational booths at transition fairs or parent-teacher events.
- KRS provides $160,050 in state-only funding support to the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy through a contract that provides for outreach activities; training and education on the disability rights movement and disability pride to schools and other organizations; the Youth Leadership Forum; and mentoring with students with disabilities. Through a fee agreement, KYEA also provides Empower Me workshops for Pre-ETS students.