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2 Year Modification

Plan: Louisiana PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: a. 1.

Published
Located in:

a. 1. Input provided by the State Rehabilitation Council, including input and recommendations on the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan, recommendations from the Council's report, the review and analysis of consumer satisfaction, and other Council reports that may have been developed as part of the Council’s functions;

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2020-2023

Current Narrative:

The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council (LRC), which is the State Rehabilitation Council, met with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) quarterly as a part of the council meeting. During these meetings, LRS provided quarterly updates, and LRC provided input and recommendations to LRS. The LRC incorporates public forums, consumer/counselor interviews, etc., to ensure the services provided by LRS meet the needs of Louisiana’s citizens with disabilities. The LRC uses a committee structure to provide focused review and comment to LRS. These committees are: Executive, Eligibility and Planning, Employment, and Transition. Most of the interaction in these committees include the exchange information to achieve greater clarity and understanding. While the detail work is done in the committee structure, all comments and recommendations received by LRS are made from the full LRC.

The following is a list of activities and accomplishments of LRC for the period from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021:

  • The LRC produced the FFY 2019-2020 Annual Report on the status of the vocational rehabilitation program operated within the state.
  • LRS staff made numerous presentations to Council for education of programs and services offered.
  • The LRC advised and assisted LRS with the VR Services portion of the Combined State Plan.
  • Council members received an in-depth report from the LRS Director on federal, state, and departmental issues of interest.  LRC members engaged with the LRS Director to ask questions, provide input, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities.
  • LRC provided feedback and input regarding proposed changes to the LRS Technical Assistance and Guidance Manual.
  • The Louisiana Workforce Commission webpage continues to be utilized to distribute information about Council activities to include quarterly meeting locations and public forums.
  • LRC ensured public comments were welcomed and encouraged by including a public comment period on the agenda at all meetings.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) consumers are invited to speak to the Council to discuss their experiences regarding VR service provision. The LRC provided a forum allowing consumers and the public the opportunity to openly discuss LRS services and offer suggestions for improved service delivery. The Council provided feedback to LRS on these ideas and concerns.
  • The Executive Committee of the LRC continued recruitment of new members, filling seats vacated by outgoing members.
  • LRC educated State Legislators during the 2020 Legislative Session on the VR program and the services that benefit the State of Louisiana and its citizens with disabilities.
  • LRC provided feedback and input regarding the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment.
  • LRC reviewed copies of due process hearing decisions.

LRC members are active with other boards and groups statewide that include, but are not limited to, the Statewide Independent Living Council, Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs, Developmental Disabilities Council, Workforce Investment Council, Blind Vendor Trust Fund Advisory Board, Brain Injury Association of Louisiana, Advocacy Center of Louisiana, Metropolitan Human Services District and Governor’s State as a Model Employer Task Force.