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
n. 2. A. The provision of extended services for a period not to exceed 4 years; and
Current Narrative:
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) will provide ongoing support services, including Customized Employment and other appropriate services, needed to assist youth with the most significant disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment.
MRS policy includes guidance for the provision of Extended Services for youth with the most significant disabilities. The funding of Extended Services may be provided for up to 4 years or until the youth reaches 25 years of age, whichever comes first. In addition, Customized Employment is clarified within the policy as a vocational rehabilitation service option.
Of the fifty percent of the funds received for the provision of Supported Employment services, MRS has set aside fifty percent of the funds received under Section 603 of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of services specific to youth with the most significant disabilities. MRS has successfully met the fifty percent match requirement for Supported Employment services provided to youth with disabilities.
MRS continuously disseminates information to staff, customers, and community partners regarding the changes made by WIOA. Information regarding the set aside reserve for youth with the most significant disabilities and the ability to provide Extended Services for up to four years has been promoted and MRS is actively working to develop opportunities to expand the scope of extended and Supported Employment services. Active agreements with the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration (BHDDA) and the Developmental Disabilities Council prove to be vital for the seamless transition from VR supported services to extended supports provided by an alternate funding source.
MRS will continue to actively pursue opportunities which will allow the state to leverage public and private funds in order to increase resources and serve youth with the most significant disabilities.