Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
Describe the designated State agency's procedures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated State unit, including the following:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 6. Coordination of Personnel Development Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
As appropriate, describe the procedures and activities to coordinate the designated State unit's comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Current Narrative:
a. HB401, signed into state law in 1999, created a Blind Student Task Force to advise the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on issues pertaining to children who are blind or visually impaired. RSB has appointment authority for one position on the Task Force.
b. RSB has conducted training in conjunction with DESE in transition and is part of a cooperative agreement with DESE and DVR to ensure the full participation of students with visual disabilities in high school vocational education programs and experiences.
c. Missouri State University (MSU) operates the only graduate education program for Teachers of the Visually Impaired in the state, and RSB continues negotiations with the Visually Impaired Programs professor to assist in recruitment of qualified Orientation and Mobility personnel as well as to further professional development opportunities for current staff.
d. RSB and MVR have developed and implemented a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with institutions of higher education (IHEs) in the state. This MOU outlines each entity’s responsibilities in the delivery of adaptive equipment and technological aids and appliances for students with disabilities in colleges and universities throughout the state.