Narrative: e. 6. B.

In developing the AOP, the SWA must solicit information and suggestions from NFJP grantees, other appropriate MSFW groups, public agencies, agricultural employer organizations, and other interested organizations. In addition, at least 45 calendar days before submitting its final AOP, the SWA must provide a proposed plan to NFJP grantees, public agencies, agricultural employer organizations, and other organizations expressing an interest and allow at least 30 days for review and comment. The SWA must: 1) Consider any comments received in formulating its final proposed AOP; 2) Inform all commenting parties in writing whether their comments have been incorporated and, if not, the reasons therefore; and 3) Transmit the comments and recommendations received and its responses with the submission of the AOP. The AOP must include a statement confirming NFJP grantees, other appropriate MSFW groups, public agencies, agricultural employer organizations and other interested employer organizations have been given an opportunity to comment on the AOP. Include the list of organizations from which information and suggestions were solicited, any comments received, and responses to those comments.

In accordance with 20 CFR Subpart B, 653.107(d)(1), (2), and (3), OWD gives notice that the Missouri Wagner—Peyser Agricultural Outreach Plan will be available for public comment to UMOS, Inc. (WIOA Section 167 grantee)  and other appropriate groups.

The Missouri State plan was distributed for the required 30 day comment period on the OWD website from  11-22-2019 to 12-23-2019. Once posted, the information was publicized to all partners.  Additionally, WIOA core partners simultaneously posted the plan on their websites and advertised the plan’s availability for public comment.  This information was also shared during Missouri State Board meetings which occurred both before and during the public comment period.   One public comment, which pertained specifically to serving persons with disabilities in sheltered workshops, was submitted during the public comment period.

That comment is listed below:

First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank the authors who created such a thorough and data driven document. The Missouri WIOA combined plan is a tedious task and you have molded a great document.

WIOA encompasses many facets to our workforce. My focus for this public comment is specific to youth  with disabilities.

I appreciate the authors acknowledgement that our workforce system has a “no wrong door” model offering individuals multiple entry and exit points (pg.63). People with and without disabilities are individualistic in their pathways and I am grateful this was acknowledged.

Youth and Opportunity for All

“In assessing the needs of youth and students with disabilities, research from the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition documents unsatisfactory outcomes achieved by youth with disabilities exiting school. They have difficulty accessing employment, education and community services. There is a need to bridge the information gap between schools, rehabilitation services, community agencies and employers.” “MVR has received feedback from many stakeholders such as consumers, parents, school districts and employers regarding the need for services for youth and students with disabilities.” (pg. 202)

To address this concern, I propose the opportunity for our youth to have access to and education on employment experiences at sheltered workshops.

To continue in the WIOA draft “Research verifies that pathways from school to work or secondary to postsecondary education can be more difficult for individuals with disabilities; therefore, the need for transition career series and pre-employment transition services is great.” “barriers that youth with disabilities face in obtaining successful employment are a lack of work exposure or work experiences”.

Prior to the implementation of WIOA youth transitioning directly from high school to a sheltered workshop was at 1.6% in Missouri. Post WIOA that number remains the same. The reason for this, Missouri has always allowed choice in employment in addition to the understanding that there is no wrong door for each individual path to employment.

Missouri’s distinct Industrial Model of sheltered workshops will meet the deficit of work exposer and work experiences for youth with disabilities who need a first chance, bridging the gap between schools and employers. The continued collaboration between the workshops and VR will ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to information and services that will enable them to achieve competitive employment. This vital opportunity needs to be entered into our Missouri WIOA plan.

Sincerely,

Katie Jones

Executive Director, MASWM

Member 4, Governors Council on Disability

314-369-5244

Rec:  12/20/2019

Sent from Mail for Windows 10