Narrative: d. 2. L. iii. I.

Findings from the 2015 Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) indicated the need to improve vocational rehabilitation (VR) services in specific ways to warrant the creation of two additional DRS goals.

DRS Goal 4 – Improve access and availability of transportation options at the community level for DRS consumers who need transportation assistance to achieve or maintain competitive, integrated employment. FY 2015 CSNA findings from field staff surveys and Consumer Affairs Conference (CAC) attendee surveys indicate a need for continued efforts to increase the availability of transportation throughout the state. Based on responses by stakeholders across the state, transportation continues to be an issue and a perceived barrier to employment/training. DRS continues to implement several initiatives to help alleviate the need for transportation while taking into account the wide array of circumstances that West Virginians with disabilities experience. DRS has authorized the direct purchasing of cars for qualified consumers as well as the creation of the Vendor Travel Reimbursement for community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) who provide transportation for consumers; counselors also encourage consumers’ family members to assist with reimbursable transportation. DRS will continue to make sure that consumers are aware of these options and continue to identify targeted solutions to the varied transportation issues for West Virginians with disabilities, focusing specifically on individualized transportation solutions.

DRS Goal 5 – Continue to build collaborative relationships with community providers (including CRPs, Independent Living, and other community providers) to enhance the availability of services to DRS consumers. VR consumers require specialized services provided by CRPs statewide to achieve an integrated, competitive employment outcome. Responses from the CSNA indicate there still is a need for DRS to continue to improve collaborative relationships with all community providers. Findings from the CSNA point to a need to focus efforts on specific geographic areas within the state where miscommunication between community providers and DRS counselors continues.