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Plan: Louisiana PYs 2016-2017
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: a. 1.

Published
Located in:

a. 1. Input Provided by the State Rehabilitation Council, Including Input and Recommendations on the Vr Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan, Recommendations from the Council's Report, the Review and Analysis of Consumer Satisfaction, and Other Council Reports That May Have Been Developed as Part of the Council’s Functions;

Current Narrative:

The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council (LRC), which is the state rehabilitation council, met with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) quarterly as a part of the council meeting. During these meetings, LRS provided quarterly updates, and LRC provided input and recommendations to LRS. The LRC incorporates public forums, consumer/counselor interviews, etc., to ensure the services provided by LRS meet the needs of Louisiana’s citizens with disabilities. The LRC uses a committee structure to provide focused review and comment to LRS. These committees are: the Executive committee; the Eligibility and Planning committee; the Employment committee and the Transition committee. Much of the interaction included exchanges of information in order to achieve greater clarity and understanding. While the detail work is done in the committee structure, all comments and recommendations are made from the full LRC.

The following is a list of activities and accomplishments of LRC for the period from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015:

• The LRC produced the annual report which included its accomplishments, as well as consumer success stories.

• The Council requested and received training from LRS Administrative staff regarding performance indicators, LRS’s implementation of WIOA, process of eligibility in VR, the Order of Selection prioritization system, and LRS’ return on investment report, etc.

• Council members received updated budget reports from LRS Director at each regularly scheduled LRC meeting. Council members asked questions and were provided direct input from the LRS Director and other State Office staff.

• The LRC continued to provide a forum for consumers and the public the opportunity to openly discuss LRS services and to offer suggestions for improved service delivery. The Council provided feedback to LRS on these ideas and concerns.

• The LRC provided feedback and input regarding proposed changes to the LRS Technical Assistance and Guidance Manual.

• The Louisiana Workforce Commission webpage continued to be utilized to distribute information about Council activities to include quarterly meeting locations and public forums.

• Regional LRS Offices invited VR consumers to speak to the Council to discuss their experiences regarding Vocational Rehabilitation service provision.

• Council members continued to monitor legislative action for potential impact to the VR program and individuals with disabilities in Louisiana.

• The LRC educated State Legislators during the 2015 Legislative Session on the VR program and the services that benefit the State of Louisiana and its citizens with disabilities.

• Council members are active with other boards and groups statewide that include, but are not limited to, the Statewide Independent Living Council, Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs, Families Helping Families, Developmental Disability Council, Workforce Investment Council, etc.