Narrative: d. 2. D.

DVR also collaborates with educators to reach out to and identify students with disabilities who might benefit from vocational rehabilitation services. Meeting these needs remains a challenge, particularly within the rural and mountainous areas of Colorado. Innovative opportunities are being tested that utilize technology to increase collaboration within large rural geographic areas. One education partnership recently acquired the HD electronic conferencing system Vidyo. This allows education and DVR partners to meet with students using the internet and to provide case management when inclement weather is a factor, or time is of the essence. Additionally, DVR’s computer lease offers the capacity to video chat. This is successfully and widely used with young adults and the agencies and families who support them. Additionally, the DVR Youth Services and Transition Unit is using technology, including a Go–To Meeting account, to provide technical assistance, support and training to education and DVR partners simultaneously on topics that support partners as they strive to meet the ever growing need of Colorado’s youth with disabilities who are preparing for career entry.

Many school districts in Colorado are now using IPads with staff and students. Staff are expected to be functional in the use of this technology for day to day operations, effective communications, and presentations. DVR staff are also learning and using this newer technology. One example of its successful use is within Colorado’s isolated mountainous areas and rural regions. It is often difficult for educators and vocational rehabilitation counselors to come together to meet with students and their families. The use of IPads provides flexibility for face to face meetings. Additionally, the IPads compatibility with multiple technology systems, and its ability to create and share content, leverage data bases and promote social networking technology, increase collaboration and communication to support transitioning youth. DVR plans to continue to learn about and explore this new tool, with the intent to share apps with education and with DVR staff about supporting post–school outcomes, including career preparation, connecting activities, youth development and leadership.

As DVR moves under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and begins to use the technology that will be available through that merger, DVR intends to explore social media and other electronic means of communication that have not been readily available to staff, but that young adults commonly utilize. DVR believes that using this technology will improve client engagement and rapport with youth.

Colorado is exploring with education partners how to best provide students with pre–employment transition services and skills training when appropriate, in order to make a positive contribution to the IEP outcome. DVR will update our interagency agreement to include: the provision of services under the new direction identified within WIOA; the redefinition of the transition responsibilities of DVR and of education; assurance of access to services for youth; and ongoing support of effective and efficient working relationships between partners.

Colorado strives to assure that system coordination for the benefit of all students is an ongoing process. This is accomplished at the local level through the organization of periodic meetings that enhance regular contact and allow for annual and mid–year updates on potential referrals. DVR staff seek opportunities to educate young adults and families about DVR services and how to access these. Collaboratively with education partners, these activities take place during family nights, resource fairs, transition series, etc. Additionally, DVR and educators make DVR literature available in common areas of school such as libraries and career centers. These efforts align with the Colorado Exceptional Children’s Education Act (ECEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Each year the Youth Services and Transition Unit and its CDE partners work to include DVR and education staff in activities to promote a seamless transition for youth exiting from education into education and employment. As the state–level partnership moves forward, the team is examining their practices and methods with a new focus on pre–employment transition services. Taking into consideration feedback from stakeholders from public hearings held between August and October 2015, data collected from the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment and less formal inquiries, the team intends to improve existing partnerships and create new ones where they are absent at the local levels, for the purpose of increasing appropriate referrals to DVR and successful employment outcomes for transitioning youth that are competitive, integrated and relevant to Colorado’s industry sectors.

Together with CDE, DVR takes an active role in state youth groups and committees to ongoing collaboration between community agencies in the provision of comprehensive transition services. Participation in groups such as the Advisory Committee on Homeless Youth, the State Youth Council, Colorado 9–25, the Mental Health Advisory Council/Under 26 Workgroup, the TBI Trust Fund, and the Colorado Ad Hoc Autism Group promote better coordination of services and shared resources at both the state and local levels. Participation and involvement allows DVR to participate in the development of processes, procedures, guidelines and practices for more effective transitioning planning and services throughout Colorado’s multiple areas and systems.