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
j. 1. B. Who are minorities;
Current Narrative:
Vocational rehabilitation services to minorities with disabilities in Maine have always been a challenge to DBVI because of the state’s relatively homogeneous population and low ethnic diversity. According to the US Census, residents are primarily White (94.8%) with small representations of Black (1.5%), Asian (1.2%), and Native American (0.7%) individuals in certain geographical areas of the state. Native Americans represent a historically recognizable group and Maine has nearly 18,500 tribal members who are located both on reservations and defined land, as well as scattered across the state. Tribal members are primarily located in Penobscot, Washington and Aroostook counties. Unemployment figures among Micmac and Maliseet tribes range from 55% to 76%. DBVI continues to work collaboratively with the Houlton Band of Maliseet’s, who were recently awarded a five-year Section 121 grant through 2025.
There continues to be an increase of non-English speaking immigrants and refugees in Maine, especially in the southern part of the state. Those who are dealing with vision loss need costly interpreter services to benefit from available blindness rehabilitation services so that they can better access vocational rehabilitation for gaining employment in their new country. Consumers have identified the need to explore culturally specific service delivery models that respond to issues as they related to blindness and visual impairment.
From the FFY 2015-2017 Statewide Needs Assessment in regards to minorities: Throughout the three years, DBVI is serving a higher number of minorities. This past year DBVI has increased its outreach activities so there could be a direct correlation; however, this assessment has validated the need to continue with the outreach in many areas such as DBVI services, and Client Assistance Program and services. Demographic Statistics of Maine- Black/African American-1.5% American Indian-0.7% Asian 1.2% Hispanic/Latino 1.6% Caucasian/White 94.8% (a small % reported being of more than one race). English is the first language in all but 6.5% of Maine homes.