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. 3. The outreach procedures that will be used to identify and serve individuals with disabilities who are minorities, including those with the most significant disabilities, as well as those who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program
Current Narrative:
MRS continues to assess its services to individuals with the most significant disabilities and individuals who may be unserved or underserved, as well as those with the most significant disabilities who may be from minority populations. MRS will be completing the triannual CSNA during FFY 2020, which will further identify unserved and/ or underserved groups, as well as recommendations for how to better serve these groups. Strategic projects and local level outreach activities include the following:
- Redesign and implement pre-employment services policy for transition-age customers;
- Continue to explore partnership opportunities and programs with community rehabilitation organizations and centers for independent living;
- Continue to engage in outreach activities conducted by MRS district offices for underrepresented populations. Conduct outreach in local communities to promote MRS as an agency and help individuals with disabilities who are minorities, unserved or underserved.
- Continue to conduct outreach to agriculture workers and their families through contracts with community-based organizations and other partners.
- Continue working with tribal vocational rehabilitation programs to ensure access to joint case management and culturally appropriate services.
- Convene cross agency workgroups and trainings to address the needs of underserved populations in the workforce system.
- Continue active participation with the various disability specific councils throughout the state such as the State Independent Living Council, Employment First Leadership Team, Transition Councils, and Michigan Interagency Transition Team.