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:
- G. Coordination with Employers(Formerly known as Attachment 4.8(b)(5)). Describe how the designated State unit will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities in order to facilitate the provision of:
- G. Coordination with Employers
- 2. Information on the Formal Interagency Agreement with the State Educational Agency with Respect To:
- d. Coordination with Education Officials
d. 2. G. i. Vr Services; and
Current Narrative:
Due to budget constraints, positions supporting business relations have been eliminated with the exception of a Youth Employment Consultant.
This position is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the Progressive Employment pilot project in Lewiston and Portland. The Progressive Employment Model is a dual—customer strategy that is designed to assist job—seekers with significant barriers to employment and assist employers who may be averse to hiring employees with disabilities. The model coordinates rehabilitation counseling with job placement and business account management. The Youth Employment Consultant has worked successfully with employers in Maine’s southern and western counties to set up opportunities for summer work experiences for youth — thereby meeting employer needs through introducing them to a new generation of potential workers.
DVR’s new Transition Work Based Learning Model Demonstration Grant expands the Progressive Employment model to the Augusta and Bangor offices and partners with Jobs for Maine’s Grads (JMG) to build on their proven track record for strong employer partnerships.
DVR continues to be responsive to employer need through following up on inquiries from businesses, partnering with CareerCenter business staff, and conducting business development via contracted Community Rehabilitation Providers.