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. 1. A. With the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported employment services;
Current Narrative:
Every three years, the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), jointly develop and conduct a comprehensive statewide assessment of the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in Colorado. The triennial Comprehensive State Needs Assessment (CSNA) was developed and conducted in the fall of 2018.
Based on DVR’s CSNA, increased access to supported employment was identified as a need for individuals with the most significant disabilities. In particular, stakeholders have identified systematic concerns related to fee structures and provider qualifications. Additionally, extended support services are lacking for many populations who do not currently have access to these services through existing Medicaid waivers. Services such as job development, job coaching, and rehabilitation technology were also identified as areas of need beyond those individuals requiring supported employment services.
In considering existing barriers to employment, additional rehabilitation needs were identified. The need to change employer attitudes about disability, including demonstrating the value of hiring individuals with disabilities was cited by multiple groups as a barrier to competitive integrated employment. Interestingly, the current job market was also identified as a barrier, despite the strong economy in Colorado with historically low unemployment across the state, suggesting there may be misalignment between the employment goals individuals with disabilities are pursuing and growing industries.
Concern about the impact of work on employment was also frequently cited as a barrier to employment, highlighting that effective and ongoing benefits counseling is a critical service when individuals with disabilities are considering employment.