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:
- 3. Personnel Standards
Describe the State agency's policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards consistent with section 101(a)(7)(B) to ensure that designated State unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and prepared, including:
- 3. Personnel Standards
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 3. B. The establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, in accordance with section 101(a)(7)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
DBVI utilizes our close relationship with our CareerCenter partners in order to ensure that we all have a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. DBVI is housed with our CareerCenter partners statewide. We attend joint meetings and provide training to, and get training from, CareerCenter staff on an ongoing basis. Staff participate in One stop Partner quarterly meetings where members of the transition board, Career Center staff and DBVI participate in ongoing core team meetings.
Additionally, DBVI staff are members of the workforce investment boards statewide and participate in ongoing training provided to the boards. Often DBVI staff are invited to attend relevant training. One recent example was a training provided by the regional board for our staff working with consumers in recovery. The training shared important information about the recovery resources and services available for businesses and job seekers to support employees and strengthen the community at large. The training provided staff with information to assist job seekers to maximize their career development opportunities and included our local resource Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) which strengthened that partnership. Another training included the Maine Human Rights Commission and addressed strategies for businesses and job seekers to protect themselves and to maximize their career development opportunities.
DBVI works with OUT Maine.OUT Maine provides training for educators and providers who work with LGBTQ+ youth and their families. This training has been provided across the state and works with our staff in order to have the most up to date information working with consumers in the State. Staff have attended trainings in their regions, in the Career Centers and in BRS specific training events.