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:
MVR continually reviews its strategies to develop new employer relationships and support businesses that employ individuals with disabilities. Some of its flexible strategies include increasing work-based learning opportunities, on-the-job training, internships, apprenticeships and customized employment.
MVR is reviewing its internal processes to work more effectively with employers and WIOA partners. MVR customizes its services to meet the needs of business. It has several employer projects underway. MVR is partnering with Staples to customize an employment and training program in its distribution center. It is partnering with Toys R Us in providing similar customized services. MVR is partnering with CVS to develop a retail training program. It is also working with various businesses to assist in their recruitment and interview process for applicants with disabilities through the utilization of a resource called Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP). TAP is a collaboration with businesses to assist them in finding candidates with disabilities and connecting them with available job openings.
In order to meet business needs, MVR developed business outreach specialist positions that provide statewide coverage at local and state levels. Business outreach specialists work with labor market information to support both business and MVR staff needs. These specialists not only offer outreach to employers and businesses, they also work with WIOA partners to develop employment collaboratives creating a single point of contact among agencies. MVR has representatives on regional WIOA business services teams. The teams work with local Chambers of Commerce, local educational agencies, local and state economic developers, regional planning commissions, human resource groups and other business organizations to determine employer needs in workforce regions across the state. Plans are underway between MVR and the Division of Workforce Development in initiating an employer survey to assess how to best serve businesses.
MVR utilizes the expertise of each State Rehabilitation Council member, which includes individuals typically associated with employers such as professionals from CRPs, CILs, workforce development, business, industry and labor. The Council representatives provide valuable input on working with employers to increase competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities.
MVR is involved in sector strategies planning at the local and state levels to address skills gaps and create career pathways to better serve employers with their individual needs and to provide them with prepared candidates. MVR will work with businesses to ensure they have resources for necessary workplace accommodations and rehabilitation technology.