Narrative: q. 1.

The Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired continues to provide and expand supported employment services for individuals or youth with most significant disabilities, who are blind or have low vision. The Division has remained committed to assuring that individuals or youth with most significant disabilities receive supported employment services when this is appropriate. An Individual Plan of Employment (IPE) is developed that describes the services provided, the need for extended services, if appropriate, and an assurance that the individual has made an informed choice in the provision of these services as well as the employment goal and that extended services will be in a competitive, integrated setting. If the individual chooses not to pursue employment in a competitive, integrated setting, he/she will be referred to other systems for services.

Quality of Supported Employment Services:

The Division made the commitment to participate in the further development of its electronic information system – AwareVR, the case management system that captures these services and streamlines the case management process in the VR Program. The staff now have access to up-to-date information on weekly wages, hours worked, public assistance at the time of application and closure, the cost per case, and the average cost by counselor, region, and state. DBVI is now able to track the individuals who are eligible for VR but for whom the lack of long-term support prevents the development of a plan. The system enables us to evaluate who is being served, costs related to supported employment, its benefit to the client, and other systemic issues.

The Division gets technical assistance in supported employment that is available through the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The agency remains committed to continuous quality improvement to provide better services to our customers.

Scope of Supported Employment:

The primary service provided to clients in a supported employment plan continues to be job support. This service is provided by a job coach who also engages with supervisors and peers towards helping the individual integrate into the company's social environment. Other services which are provided when a need has been identified include: supplemental assessments, social skills training, specific skills of blindness training, transportation, support services to parents, spouse and children, and/or facilitation of natural supports. Trial work settings are available to assess the consumer’s ability to work in an integrated, competitive setting. The agency provides whatever is required to achieve and maintain integrated, competitive employment.

The majority of supported employment services are being provided to individuals who are blind or have low vision along with developmental disabilities or with severe and prolonged mental illness.

The Division focuses on greater utilization of natural supports and the various SSI/SSDI work incentives as well as trying to explore new ideas for extended support to best utilize the limited resources available. 

The Division has access to a state-funded Long-term Support Program, which allows funding for extended support services for individuals who are blind or have low vision after the VR case is closed.  In addition, DBVI receives state funds for extended support for individuals with brain injuries, who are also blind or visually impaired. Both appropriations are very limited in the number of people who can be supported.

Extent of Supported Employment Services:

The Division identified thirty-one individuals who would benefit from supported employment services in FFY19.  Twenty of these were adults and eleven were identified as youth with a significant disability. Six individuals were closed during this time period without reaching their goals; one was closed successfully.  Three of the adults are currently employed and eleven are in “service” status. Ten youth with a significant disability are in “service” status.