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
j. 3. Include an assessment of the needs of individuals with disabilities for transition career services and pre-employment transition services, and the extent to which such services are coordinated with transition services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Current Narrative:
(3) Include an assessment of the needs of individuals with disabilities for transition career services and pre-employment transition services, and the extent to which such services are coordinated with transition services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
NEEDS/CONCERNS IDENTIFIED
- CRPs need training to better understand DORS policy, documentation, and invoicing requirements.
- Lack of timeliness and accuracy of documentation received from CRPs.
- Improve communication between DORS field staff and CRPs.
- Improve communication from DORS to CRPs when policy changes are implemented.
- Enhance communication and education between DORS field staff and CRPs regarding when and under what circumstances an individual can receive benefits counseling.
- CRP rates need to be increased.
- Transportation is a barrier for individuals to participate in services at WTC.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Strive to improve effective communication between DORS field staff and CRPs.
- Improve communication from DORS to CRPs when policy changes are implemented.
- Develop training modules for CRPs to include understanding DORS Policy (when changes are made), reporting and documentation requirements, and invoicing.
- Enhanced communication regarding when and under what circumstances an individual can receive benefits.
- Explore a CRP rate increase for the provision of services.
- Develop training opportunities for DORS staff to have a better awareness of CRP services provided and greater knowledge of consumer status from referral to completion or services.
- Develop new training programs at WTC and CRPs based on market demands of growing fields. Training programs will include the exploration of additional apprenticeship programs, travel training, and travel assistance.
- WTC will work with the DORS Office of Public Affairs to increase direct marketing to consumers and explore social media and other methods of outreach to make the program and its activities more widely recognized by potential participants.
- WTC will explore transportation assistance to include travel training when needed and other accommodations to make travel more affordable.
- WTC will pursue an apprenticeship coordinator position within the Employment Services department to allow for greater exploration and participation of consumers in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
- WTC will work with the DORS Office of Public Affairs to develop marketing materials to inform individuals when they can receive benefits.