Narrative: a. 2.

Goals in the current plan were written prior to implementation of the new employment service delivery model.  How will this process change any/all goals?

Agency Response: The employment service delivery continues to be the same for the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  The client, through informed choice throughout the rehabilitation process and with the VR counselor, will agree upon an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) based on the employment goal.  DBVI will work mainly with two contractors in regions 1, 2 and 3 for clients with IPEs that require employment services.

How is client choice being addressed in Region I, II and III where the new service delivery model is being implemented?

Agency Response:  DBVI clients will have informed choice throughout their rehabilitation process.  Once the client has agreed to an IPE that includes employment services to attain the employment goal, a referral is made to a provider for those services.  Each of the two major providers of employment services in regions 1, 2, and 3 has a process to provide information regarding services so each consumer can make an informed choice on the provision of those services.  There is also a process in place to communicate any dissatisfaction with any of the services and come to a resolution.

How will VR address the drop in successful employment outcomes for adults with disabilities given the new WIOA requirements for serving youth?

Agency Response: DBVI will continue to work with consumers 14 and older to provide blindness rehabilitation services in the VR program.  Given the new performance measurements within the WIOA regulations, DBVI will have a greater focus on measurable skill gains and credential attainment as consumers work towards a “career” goal, which may take a longer period of time, causing a decline in the number of successful employment outcomes.

Agency Response to SRC input on Goal #1:  DBVI is in agreement with the SRC recommendations and has removed this goal from the state plan.

Agency Response to SRC input on Goal #2: DBVI is in agreement with the SRC recommendations and has removed this goal from the current state plan.  New goals have been developed that are more relevant and more in line with the requirements within the WIOA regulations.

Agency Response to SRC input on Goal #3:  DBVI is in agreement with the SRC that spending 15% of the VR federal funds on Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students aged 14-21 has become part of the standard procedure.  It is a requirement for DBVI to report on expenditures made for Pre-ETS activities and is funded based on meeting this requirement.  These activities have provided students with many blindness rehabilitation skills, soft skills and better prepared them for employment. Also, parents have been able to see the growth in their children through these activities.

Agency Response to SRC input on Goal #4: The agency agrees that transportation continues to be an unmet need for individuals who are blind or visually impaired and will continue to work with stakeholders to improve transportation options.  DBVI continues to work to improve services for consumers with dual sensory loss; one of those services could be an SSP.  The Independence Without Fear program is no longer available but SSP services are (on a limited basis) through the University of Southern Maine.

Agency Response to SRC input on Goal #5: The agency will continue to work to increase awareness of DBVI services through various methods and will continue to work with the SRC to provide outreach to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.