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. Coordination with Education Officials
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- O. State's StrategiesDescribe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):
- O. State's Strategies
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
d. 2. O. i. The Methods to Be Used to Expand and Improve Services to Individuals with Disabilities.
Current Narrative:
Council Support
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) continues to provide support for the Florida Rehabilitation Council (FRC) and Florida Independent Living Council (FILC). VR allocates funds for the operation of FRC to achieve the goals and objectives in their strategic plan. FRC participates as an active strategic partner with VR in carrying out the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act. VR and FILC operate under a three–year contract, which aligns with the three–year State Plan for Independent Living.
Use of Innovation and Expansion Funds
VR currently has one innovation and expansion project, described below. VR will consider procurement of new innovation and expansion contracts during FFY 2016, complimentary to the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) implementations.
1. University of South Florida, Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Technology – Use virtual reality, simulators, robotics, and feedback interfaces to allow the vocational rehabilitation population to try various jobs, tasks, virtual environments, and assistive technologies prior to entering the actual employment setting.
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.
Expansion and Improvement of Services
Results gained through the continued Innovation and Expansion contract will contribute to improved employment opportunities for VR customers. In addition to the innovation and expansion project, VR’s SFY 2014–16 Strategic Plan includes a number of strategies that are anticipated to expand and improve services to individuals with disabilities:
1.1.1. Develop and implement all components of the VR Business Relations Program.
1.1.2. Redesign and implement pre–employment services for transition–age customers.
1.1.3. Design and implement a program about service alternatives for customers to use in making an informed choice prior to entering subminimum wage employment.
1.1.4. Design and implement enhancements to the Vendor Profile document for customer use in making informed choices regarding employment providers.