Narrative: d. 2. O. iii.

DVRS employs several strategies to increase outreach activities to various minority groups with the goal of also reaching those individuals with the most significant disabilities. The major thrust of activities is to go where the minority individuals and groups are contrasted with expecting them to come to Vocational Rehabilitation or to know how to access services without assistance. Management and staff on the local, regional, and state levels continue to identify minority or ethnic groups in their community along with identifying group leaders, common meeting places, and preferred ways to access information, and also neighborhood and community resources that can be used and developed to bring rehabilitation services to more minority individuals with the most significant disabilities. As there are numerous diverse cultures throughout North Carolina, staff are encouraged to concentrate on the groups in their area. The specific groups of considerable interest include: North Carolina Native Americans, Hispanic/Latino populations, African and Asian populations. The Division has created a staff position that is dedicated to developing and furthering initiatives for outreach to Hispanic/Latino populations. This individual routinely travels to the communities where there are high concentrations of the targeted populations and provides marketing information to their meetings and carnivals. The Division also has active program specialists who provide outreach to advocacy organizations serving individuals in the following areas: Mental Illness and Substance abuse, Veterans, Developmental Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Deaf/Communication Disorders. Specific Objectives and Strategies Pertaining to these activities are included within the State Plan Goals effective through FFY 2019: Priority 2. Improve Outcomes for Minorities and Populations Identified as Underserved or Hard to Place in Employment Goal 2.1. Increase the number and proportion of individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorder exiting the VR program in employment after services were provided under an individualized plan for employment. Objective 2.1.1. The total number of individuals with mental illness exiting the VR program in employment will exceed that of the prior year. Objective 2.1.2. Increase the rehabilitation rate for individuals with mental illness exiting the VR program after receiving services under and individualized plan for employment from 47.7% in federal fiscal year 2013 to 52% in program year 2019. Goal 2.2. Increase the number and proportion of individuals with most significant disabilities exiting the VR program in employment after services were provided under an individualized plan for employment. Objective 2.2.1. The total number of individuals with most significant disabilities exiting the VR program in employment will exceed that of the prior year. Objective 2.2.2. Increase the rehabilitation rate for individuals with most significant disabilities exiting the VR program after receiving services under and individualized plan for employment from 44.8% in federal fiscal year 2013 to 50% in program year 2019. Strategy 2.1. Continue collaborations with programs and partners to implement evidence-based practices that will increase employment outcomes for individuals with mental illness and substance disorder, including the Individual Placements and Supports (IPS) model, as appropriate. Goal 2.3. Increase the number and proportion of individuals with disabilities of minority racial backgrounds exiting the VR program in employment after services were provided under an individualized plan for employment. Objective 2.3.1. The total number of individuals with disabilities of minority racial backgrounds exiting the VR program in employment will exceed that of the prior year. Objective 2.3.2. Increase the rehabilitation rate for individuals with disabilities of minority racial backgrounds exiting the VR program after receiving services under and individualized plan for employment from 50.1% in federal fiscal year 2013 to 55.8% in program year 2019. Strategy 2.2. Increase cultural competence among staff, methods and resources that can help staff to effectively reach and serve individuals with disabilities of minority backgrounds and/or Hispanic ethnicity who qualify for VR services. Strategy 2.3. Encourage hiring of Spanish speaking staff members in areas with high concentrations of people of Hispanic ethnicity. Goal 2.4. Increase the number and proportion of individuals with disabilities with criminal backgrounds exiting the VR program in employment after services were provided under an individualized plan for employment. Objective 2.4.1. Increase the rehabilitation rate for individuals with disabilities and criminal backgrounds exiting the VR program after receiving services under and individualized plan for employment from 47% in federal fiscal year 2013 to 52% in program year 2019. Strategy 2.3. Partner with agencies, including NC Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, associations, and employers to develop viable pathways to employment for consumers with criminal backgrounds. Strategy 2.4. Identify and apply current best practices that will increase employment success of individuals with disabilities transitioning from a corrections environment or have experienced difficulties obtaining employment because of previous convictions.