Narrative: j. 1. A.

The Division and its SRC continue to discuss and explore strategies in an effort to reach out to as many potential consumers as possible. The SRC members represent a broad spectrum of consumer interest groups. These individuals share information pertaining to the constituent groups that they represent. Topics that are discussed are issues related to employment and other vocational rehabilitation services, skills of blindness needed for personal independence and self-sufficiency, mobility and safe travel, personal adjustment to blindness, support groups, braille, adaptive devices and assistive technology, access to the Internet, audio and digital books, recreation and leisure activities and activities within the Business Enterprise Program.  Attendance is open to the public and available statewide through conference calls.

DBVI continues to receive input from survey questionnaires that are sent to all closed cases to determine the satisfaction of the consumer for the services that he/she received.  In addition, the DBVI Director routinely attends various gatherings of the organized blindness community in Maine (American Council of the Blind of Maine, and National Federation of the Blind of Maine), and various regional meetings with consumers and other stakeholders.  DBVI has scheduled meetings throughout the year with a number of partners/stakeholders including Catholic Charities Maine (education for blind children), the Iris Network (blindness rehabilitation), Disability Rights Maine, ALPHA One Center for Independent Living, the DBVI State Rehabilitation Council and members of Maine’s three consumer-driven blindness organizations.

DBVI assists eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for, achieve, and retain employment in competitive integrated employment.  DBVI administers the Vocational Rehabilitation program in Maine for the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) specifically for Maine citizens that are blind or visually impaired.  A comprehensive needs assessment is required every three years and focuses on the Vocational Rehabilitation program for those that are blind and visually impaired and on the needs of individuals eligible for those services.  The assessment is designed to answer important questions about the population eligible for DBVI services living in Maine and their vocational rehabilitation needs.  Information gathered for the assessment will guide DBVI in its strategic plan and goal development for the years 2018 - 2020.  Specifically, the report responds to federal regulations (34 CFR 361.29) requiring Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) to jointly conduct a “comprehensive statewide assessment” with the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) every three years that describes the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the State, particularly the vocational rehabilitation needs of individuals with the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported employment.

Survey data showed that it is taking longer to close a case and fewer cases are being closed successfully. Since the average wage at closure is increasing each year from the average wage at application, a conclusion could be made that VRCs are working with consumers longer to better prepare them for quality employment outcomes.  Further, an emphasis on Career Pathways and economic self-sufficiency has resulted in additional time spent in achieving successful outcomes. 

DBVI works with the Department of Health and Human Services in supporting clients who in addition to having visual impairment have developmental disabilities, brain injuries, other related conditions and physical disabilities through five Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services 1915c Waivers. Individuals receiving waiver services have significant disabilities and require supports and services to obtain and maintain employment.

DBVI’s most recent Comprehensive Statement Needs Assessment was completed in March 2018.  The entire report is available as a separate document at: http://www.maine.gov/rehab/dbvi/state_plan/index.shtml.

Here is the summary of the most recent DBVI CSNA:

The majority of the respondents of this survey were over the age of 50 with the highest percentage of them being over the age 70. This is in alignment with Maine’s increasing numbers of citizens over the age of 65 which is has increased from 15.9% on 2010 to 19.4% in 2016. (www.census.gov)

Transportation has been cited in previous Comprehensive Needs Assessments as a barrier for Maine DBVI clients. This survey also found that to be reported, as a high percentage of respondents listed as relying on “family or friends” for their transportation needs. Also, it should be noted that in this survey the new transportation services of Uber were reported by some respondents to be used. However, while both staff of DBVI, and the contracted staff partners (VRT’s and TVI’s) as well as the employment seeking clients themselves reported transportation as a huge barrier, the survey results overwhelming (76.47%) report that the transportation methods they are currently utilizing are meeting their needs. Given that most of the respondents are retired, the method of using friends and family may indeed meet their needs, so this may not be a proper reflection of the needs of employment seeking clients. In contrast, 75% of the employment seeking clients in this survey (20 individuals) reported transportation as a barrier to them finding employment.

One of the goals currently in the state plan is to provide more outreach about DBVI services.  This survey identified the need to do more outreach to employers about individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  Employers need to learn more about the consumer’s unique strengths and capabilities and the services provided by DBVI. 

Changing technology and keeping devices updated and the training needs of both staff, contracted staff and clients were identified in the survey as a need. However, when asked about preferred methods of communication, a high number (68.29%) reported that they utilize large print to receive information and only a small number self-reported that they prefer electronic communication but cost is prohibiting them from accessing information this way. No one identified that a lack of knowledge or skill is preventing them from electronic communication. Also, interesting to note is that 55% of respondents identified using a sighted reader as a preferred method.  Again, this could be indicative of the age of the majority of respondents in this survey pool.

The elimination of Homemaker status will have an impact on the Independent Living (IL) program also administered by DBVI. Many respondents to the survey reported that they did not know about the IL program. Since there is a chance that many of these respondents will need services in the future, outreach should be done to let these individuals know that services will be available through the IL program.

Interestingly, while many (80%) of the survey respondents reported that their rights as a DBVI client were explained to them, an overwhelming (88%) number were not aware of the client assistance program (CAP). CARES, Inc. the current contractor for CAP services in Maine does report a small number of cases involving DBVI clients, thus while the clients feel they know their rights as a client, they may need better explanation of the services available to them through CARES, Inc, should they disagree with the services provided to them from DBVI.

Even though Maine is a large and predominantly rural state with an aging population, DBVI is experiencing an increase in transition-aged and working aged consumers (according to the data).  This could be the result of the loss of the homemaker closure coupled with the recent requirement to spend 15% of Title I funds on students with a disability. It could also be that the inverse is true and the increase in the transition-aged consumers is the direct result of the increased focus on activities for pre-employment transition services for students with a disability. This population is technologically savvy so there is a need to keep up with assistive technology and all the changes. Students and adults need to know what technology is available to assist them in their employment.

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.

The data shows a decrease in overall case costs.  With all the new regulations, there has been an increased awareness of the changes through trainings, webinars, along with a much greater emphasis on being good stewards of the state’s funds by analyzing costs for reasonableness, necessities and cost effectiveness.  

The data also shows that it is taking longer to close a case and fewer cases are being closed successfully. Since the average wage at closure is increasing each year from the average wage at application, a conclusion could be made that VRCs are working with consumers longer to better prepare them for quality employment outcomes.  Maine has experienced a decline in Community Rehabilitation Providers so it could also be deduced that it is taking longer due to service providers availability is limited.  However, there are many consumers (self-reported and not disclosed) that have a secondary impairment in addition to their visual impairment.  This assessment also demonstrates that there is a need for VRCs and contracted partners to receive more training on secondary disabilities.  This knowledge might facilitate a case moving through the process quicker because the VRC would know more about the appropriate services for the client.

Transportation continues to be an unmet need in the rural state of Maine.  While many of our consumers are taking advantage of some of the newer methods of transport such as Uber or Lyft services, Maine will likely never have the public transit systems of some of our more populated neighboring states. DBVI will continue to provide education, advocacy, and outreach, when appropriate, around how to access transportation for getting to work or around communities.

Overall, the information received from the surveys, both through telephone conversations and on-line, the data from the census, along with the data from our case management system validated many known unmet needs as well as identified new areas that DBVI needs to address to ensure that individuals, who are blind or visually impaired, are aware of, and receive the appropriate services to help them obtain or maintain quality employment in an integrated, competitive setting.