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Plan: Maine PYs 2020-2023
Unified Plan U

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Blind)

Narrative: o. 3.

Published
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:

    __________

    [13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA

    • o. State's Strategies

      Describe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):

o. 3. The outreach procedures that will be used to identify and serve individuals with disabilities who are minorities, including those with the most significant disabilities, as well as those who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program

Current Narrative:

Goal #4 identifies outreach procedures used to identify and serve individuals with disabilities, such as minorities with the most significant disabilities as well as those unserved or underserved:

To ensure that a larger number of individuals, with disabilities, who may be unserved or underserved or have minority status, have access to DBVI services.

Objective:  DBVI will work with WIOA core and other Government partners to address the transportation needs regionally.

Strategies:

    1. DBVI staff will provide input to DOT, providers of public transportation and to core partners regarding accessibility needs of our consumers. Input shall include for example accessible route maps, large print bus schedules/routes, audible street crossings, tactile pads and lighting/contrast consultation. 
    2. DBVI has designated staff to consult with transportation departments regarding transit studies, bicycle access, bus programming and staff meetings.
    3. DBVI attends Transportation For All and Public Notice meetings issued by DOT.

 

Objective:  DBVI will work with Maine’s Section 121 VR Grant – Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation to identify and increased number of individuals eligible to be served by both programs.

Strategies:

    1. Maine DBVI will include Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation in training and technical assistance opportunities offered or funded by DBVI.
    2. A representative from the Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation will participate on DBVI’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC)
    3. The Wabanaki VR Program will provide technical assistance to Maine DBVI on issues related to cultural competency and best practices in Native American employment supports.
    4. DBVI will provide in-service training to staff at tribal health or community centers of the four Maine tribes (Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Indian Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseets, and Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians) including DBVI/DVR New Counselor Training upon request.

 

Objective:  DBVI will continue its efforts to cultivate a statewide communication network for consumers who are deaf-blind or dual sensory impaired (hearing and vision) to assist in their endeavors for employment and independent living.

 Strategies:

    1. Work with collaborative partners to increase training opportunities for Deaf-Blind Interpreters and Support Service Providers (SSP’s).
    2. Collaborate with Helen Keller National Center on hearing aid access and funding sources.
    3. Provide feedback and information on new legislation regarding insurance cost for hearing aids to the Division.
    4. Designate DBVI staff to attend regional deaf-blind or dual sensory forums (for example 2019 Tri-State Meeting) and identify funding for Support Service Professionals (SSP).
    5. DBVI staff will provide outreach to Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), with an emphasis around learning basic, introductory Orientation and Mobility techniques for supporting deaf-blind or dual sensory clients in the workplace.
    6. Collaborate on the creation of on-line webinars on Independent Living (IL) equipment and devices to enhance independence for deaf-blind or dual sensory loss clients and increase access to equipment available through ICANCONNECT.org.

 

Objective: DBVI attempt to expand the number of New Mainers who are receiving services from the agency.

Strategies:

    1. DBVI will communicate with advocacy organizations to identify New Mainers who would benefit from DBVI VR services.
    2. DBVI, upon request, provide informational sessions and trainings to service agencies who provide case management and other services to New Mainers.  DBVI provides in-person and online orientations describing our eligibility requirements, service delivery and program requirements to job seekers.