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
- l. State Goals and Priorities
The designated State unit must:
- l. State Goals and Priorities
l. 3. A. The most recent comprehensive statewide assessment, including any updates;
Current Narrative:
The goals and priorities outlined in the prior sections are based on the DVR and SRC Needs as outlined in Section (j). Because this Needs Assessment was conducted in 2017 (the 2020 Needs is currently being developed), some of the priorities identified are no longer applicable. For example, the need to manage the loss of re-allotment funds has been resolved since DVR achieved financial stability in FFY 2020. Therefore, DVR and the SRC have focused on areas that still need continued work and development, and new needs that have emerged since 2017.
Based on the data gathered and discussions with the State Rehabilitation Council, DVR Senior and Regional Managers, and the DVR Implementation Team, the following are the key findings of the 2017 DVR Needs Assessment (not ordered by priority):
The need for increased attention to the employment needs of the mature worker.
Despite a very modest increase, the overall percentage of VR consumers over 65 remains very low (3% in FFY 2016). This is despite the fact that Vermont has an aging demographic. Older Vermonters are increasingly staying in the workforce beyond normal retirement age for financial reasons or just because they want to. Many mature workers may experience age related disabilities and could benefit from DVR services. It is not clear why they are not seeking DVR services in greater numbers, and this is an area DVR may need to research in partnership with programs serving older Vermonters.
DVR needs to identify and implement strategies to increase consumer hourly wages at closure.
In FFY 16 55% of individuals were closed earning less than 110% of minimum wage. While this can partly be explained by the concurrent increases in the state minimum wage in 2015 and 2016, it is still an area of concern. The minimum wage in Vermont was $9.60 in 2016. This compares to a median hourly wage for all occupations in Vermont of $18.23 for 2016. While entry level employment is appropriate for some consumers, DVR should be looking at ways for individuals to move up the career ladder into higher wage employment.
DVR consumers need opportunities to gain industry recognized credentials in middle skills professions.
DVR data suggests that consumers who gain industry recognized certifications such as Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), are closed in higher wage employment. Such middle skill certifications are often the quickest way to help individuals move from entry level employment to higher paying employment with genuine career prospects. There is a high demand from employers for individuals with these types of certifications. Historically, DVR has set aside case service funds to support consumers in certification programs. DVR may need to expand these set asides and look at more system wide efforts to make these opportunities available.
DVR must develop strategies to meet and exceed the outcome targets under the Common Performance Measures.
The WIOA Common Performance Measures significantly change the way DVR is measured. The emphasis on career development, credential attainment, and measurable skills gains, will require DVR to consider changing current practice. As previously noted, DVR will be looking at strategies to increase wages and assist consumers in obtaining industry recognized credentials. In addition DVR will look at how to help consumers develop a career path.