Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan* must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA:
__________
* Sec. 102(b)(D)(iii) of WIOA
d. 2. P. iv. How the Funds Reserved for Innovation and Expansion (i&e) Activities Were Utilized.
Current Narrative:
Use of Title I Funds for Innovation and Expansion Activities
In FFY 2013–14, with the agreement of the FRC, VR continued to use funds designated under this section to support the functions of the FRC and Florida Independent Living Council (FILC), and to support opportunities for improving the efficiency of service delivery.
Actual Performance:
VR continues to support and collaborate with the FRC and FILC as required in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. In FFY 2014, a total of 16,699 independent living plans were developed, and 28,244 independent living goals were set through the network of 16 Centers for Independent Living.
In FFY 2011, VR completed a competitive procurement and awarded four contracts to providers for Innovation and Expansion projects. The innovative services included virtual reality simulators for customers with severe disabilities, vocational services and assistance for transitioning youth with most significant disabilities, and assistance and support for individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury or significant mental illnesses. Of the initial contracts awarded, one for virtual reality simulators for customers with severe disabilities is still current. The provider is the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology at the University of South Florida. VR anticipates that these services will continue to contribute to greater employment opportunities for customers.
Explanation of Performance:
These collaborative efforts helped strengthen leadership and improve services, which led to increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is anticipated that the continuing Innovation and Expansion project will contribute positively to VR’s rehabilitation rate and provide more informed customer choice and options.
VR recognizes Innovation and Expansion grants as an opportunity that could be beneficial and complementary to WIOA–related initiatives. In the upcoming year, VR will be looking for innovative opportunities that could improve employment services to and successful closures for individuals with “unique abilities,” defined in Florida legislation as including individuals who have intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorders. These opportunities, when identified, will be offered through formal procurement processes.