Narrative: d. 2. N. i.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will continue to expend available grant funds obtained under Title VI, Part B (Supported Employment Services), towards the administration of the supported employment program and the purchase of services in accordance with the WIOA proposed rules of April 16, 2015. No more than 5% of supported employment grant funds will be used for administrative activities, including but not limited to, data collection and analyses, training, and consultation costs. At least 95% of grant funds under Title VI, Part B will be used to purchase supported employment services under Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) for individuals with the most significant disabilities who have been determined eligible for supported employment. The types of services to be purchased remain the same as those identified in Section Q of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Portion of the Combined State plan. DVR will add 15% State fund match to the Title VI, Part B Funds and expend 50% or more of these funds on Youth with Disabilities that need supported employment services.

DVR’s administrative priority is to assure the provision of supported employment services to all who need them. Historically, DVR’s Title VI-B funding has been insufficient to meet this need. For example, during FFY 2015, DVR’s supported employment services award was $400,457 and DVR expended $1,434,212 for supported employment services. For FFY 2016 DVR’s supported employment award is $464,210 and DVR expects to spend $1,505,922 for supported employment services. DVR anticipates that its Title VI-B award for FFY 2017 will not be sufficient to meet the needs of all individuals who need supported employment services and expects to expend a total of $1,581,218 for supported employment services. DVR’s electronic case management system provides the utility to ensure that Title VI-B funding is the primary source of payment for supported employment services until that funding is exhausted, at which point funding continues to be provided through Title I. Title I funds are also used for supported employment services provided under cooperative agreements. During FFY 2015, DVR provided supported employment services to 1772 clients using both Title I and Title VI-B funds. DVR projects to provide supported employment services to 1861 individuals during FFY 2016 and to 1953 individuals during FFY 2017. As explained above, when necessary both Title VI-B and Title I funds will be used for the provision of services.

The Division’s programmatic activities for supported employment services and programs funded under both Titles I and VI-B are intended to increase the number of persons receiving supported employment services and to improve employment outcomes for these individuals. To successfully meet the supported employment needs of individuals with the most significant disabilities, DVR continues the collaborative efforts and working relationships between local DVR offices and mental health centers, and between local DVR offices and agencies serving clients with developmental disabilities. DVR counselors and vocational staff from the above agencies work together to identify individuals who would be appropriate referrals to DVR for supported employment services.