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
n. 1. Specify the State's goals and priorities for funds received under section 603 of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of supported employment services
Current Narrative:
All of our Vocational Rehabilitation staff are educated in the provision of supported employment services and understand the matters related to eligibility, vocational assessment, and creating vocational plans that address the need for on-going long-term support services.
OCB has identified and is in process of securing additional qualified providers in local areas across the state to provide specialized Supported Employment services (such as job coaching, worksite assistive technology support and other retention services) that begin after client employment. Much of the Title VI Part B funding is utilized for performance-based job development & coaching services provided by CRPs to support individuals who require long-term supports in able to work in integrated and competitive settings. OCB also provides training and technical assistance related to issues of blindness to all providers who express an interest in working with individuals who have the potential to achieve an employment outcome through Supported Employment.
The Oregon Commission for the Blind uses its Title VI, Part B funds to provide supported employment services to eligible individuals with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities, for whom competitive employment in an integrated setting is their current vocational goal. These clients, because of the nature of their disability, often require extensive services in order to be successful. Specialized placement assistance, lengthened training periods and planning for ongoing support is often required in order for clients to be successful.
The following is the Oregon Commission for the Blind's plan for distribution of our supported employment resources. The program utilizes the Title VI, Part B funds for case service funds for individuals with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities, who require additional supports and long term support planning by a comprehensive rehabilitation team.
The target population is divided into three segments: 1. Individuals who are deaf- blind 2. Individuals with developmental disabilities in addition to blindness 3. Individuals with other significant disabilities such as traumatic brain injury in addition to blindness
The full scope of services authorized for supported employment is provided to clients. Each client is evaluated individually to determine his or her eligibility and potential to engage in supported employment. Eligibility determinations are funded through the 110 Program.
Supplemental assessments to determine potential for supported employment will be authorized with Title VI B funds. The supplemental assessment may be provided when a reassessment of the suitability of the placement is warranted, or when there is a change in the individual's medical condition.
If the assessment shows that the individual will require ongoing support to sustain acceptable work performance and maintain employment, supported employment is included in the services to be provided in the IPE. The IPE includes collaboration and funding from other agencies or organizations that assist by providing the ongoing support services required. All services provided by the Commission for the Blind are time limited, up to four years.
The following services may be provided by the agency for up to, but not exceeding, 24 months:
1. Intensive on the job skills training and other training to achieve and maintain job stability 2. Follow up services to reinforce and stabilize the job placement 3. Discrete post-employment services following transition that are unavailable from an extended services provider and that are necessary to maintain the job placement 4. Specialized technology devices and training 5. Follow up services such as regular contact with the employer, the individual, etc., to reinforce and stabilize the job placement 6. Facilitation of natural supports at the work site.
Necessary extended support is funded by the agency, but provided by other agencies to youth with most significant disabilities for a period of at least 4 years or until the individual turns 25 and no longer meets the definition of a “youth with a disability”.
Ongoing supports may be provided by the agency from the time of job placement until the transition to ongoing support (up to but not exceeding 24 months)These are services that are needed to support and maintain the individuals with the most significant disabilities in supported employment.
Once the individual is transitioned from agency vocational rehabilitation support, another agency or resource provides the ongoing support services.
For clients with developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation counselors may coordinate with a program in Oregon that serves individuals with developmental disabilities. If the client is eligible, this program is the most likely resource for ongoing support for individuals who are legally blind in addition to developmental disabilities. This system uses brokerages that identify and coordinate services for the client.