Narrative: a. 1.

In matters of program administration and planning, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind has a strong commitment to seeking the advice of consumers of vocational rehabilitation services, service providers, family members, advocates, employers and others interested in disability issues.

Comprised of representatives of these stakeholder groups, the State Rehabilitation Council makes a major contribution to the OVR/OVRB program through advice provided during regular SRC business meetings, Policy Committee meetings, and other activities the members determine to be appropriate.

The SRC meets quarterly.  The SRC Minutes, which are maintained for all SRC meetings, summarize the advice and recommendation provided to VR and VRB.  VR and VRB continued to work closely with the SRC this year, providing the SRC with ongoing reports in regards to policy and procedure changes, RSA 911 submission updates, RSA Data dashboard information, client services, etc. 

The DSU accepts the comments and recommendations from the SRC. Below are SRC's comments, questions, and/or input:

SRC Comment/Question: 2020 has been a difficult year. I appreciate everyone who has done out-of-the-box thinking to get services to clients and helped keep spirits high amongst clients who are feeling down or frustrated at the closeness of service due to Covid-19.

SRC Comment/Question: The VRB Training Needs Survey should be disseminated to all current VRB referrals, applicants, and clients; state partners, including SRC members, School for the Blind, DD Council; IL Providers, among others and all VRB staff for dissemination and for sharing with Mississippians who experience blindness. The results will help VRB to plan the Structured Discovery Service provision that is being proposed to best meet the needs of Mississippians who need this service.

SRC Comment/Question: I am looking forward to learning more about the goal to establish the Structured Discovery Learning program in Mississippi. This sounds like a great opportunity to keep Mississippians who need this service.

SRC Comment/Question: If the order of selection is ever initiated, please make sure consumers are aware of the process. The policy appears to follow all law and regulation. It is outstanding to think that no categories have been closed since 2009. This is impressive. This signifies to me that staff are utilizing resources very efficiently.

SRC Comment/Question: The summer job programs are very exciting. Hopefully every employer will have a successful experience and see the benefit of employing our customers.

SRC Comment/Question: Combining WIPA with the Independent Living for the Blind doesn’t seem to fit. It seems to overwhelm staff, which can cause delays in WIPA services and WIPA services being less intense than needed when a benefits recipient is making choices about work and benefits.

SRC Comment/Question: It’s always nice to see the positive comments. It is important to constantly check up on the negative comments, trying to see if service delivery could be better, check to help resolve complaints The satisfaction surveys indicate overall satisfaction. It seems that both surveys should ask the same questions and use the same scale for best use. I believe that staff take the customer satisfaction seriously and review the results frequently with changes made when needed to bring about better satisfaction. Spend time next meeting reviewing satisfaction information. How do you keep the "Bias" out of people doing surveys? Planning survey questions; administering survey, interpreting responses. Should a neutral party be contracted to develop and administer survey?

SRC Comment/Question: Who makes the survey calls? Is it done in-house or by a third party?

SRC Comment/Question: I think that the service delivery to MDRS employees needing accommodations can stand some improvements.

SRC Comment/Question: I am excited about the idea of having Structured Discovery for our OVRB clients. I had no idea that some clients had to leave the state for an extended period of time to receive Structured Discovery. This will be a great benefit for our OVRB community. I think VR/VRB are working really hard toward meeting their goals. This makes Mississippi proud.

SRC Comment/Question: I’m impressed with the work the MDRS team is beginning to put in place. People in internships, establish careers opportunities and outreach to the business community. VR & VRB have continual new approaches that bring about good outcomes for people with disabilities. I was impressed to hear about the way that all high quality services are available, even if out of state. Great work. Keep striving to get our numbers back up to pre-Covid levels. It’s been a tough year and we are all thankful for the hard work to get us to the other side of the crisis.

SRC Comment/Question: It will be exciting to see the information from the Florida vendors and how it can be implemented in Mississippi. It is great to share resources.

SRC Comment/Question: Very good report. I love that this area is getting the needed attention. The resources for staff prepared by your new coordinator are excellent. Resources for employers could be helpful. Training to the public could assist as well. Great Report Jennifer. I am so glad that MDRS is focusing on the success of individuals with Autism. I love that you are collaborating on every case for individuals with Autism. That is awesome.

SRC Comment/Question: This is a great report. It really helped me understand what OOS means. I am glad that all categories are currently able to receive services and that there is an appeal procedure just in case it is needed.

SRC Comment/Question: I am thankful for your efforts in writing for the funds to reimburse business owners who lost merchandise during COVID.

SRC Comment/Question: The VRB Career Reboot sounds like a great program. Thank you for inviting Deana Criess to present to the SRC about the program. I also appreciated Betsy Simoneaux following up by email with informative materials to the group after Deana’s presentation on the VRB Career Reboot Program. I am happy to learn more about this resource and to learn that it is being utilized with people in our state.

SRC Comment/Question: The idea to do the brief SRC Orientation was excellent. It would be super to have an extended session. May be good for someone from NCSRC to come to Mississippi and share SRC roles, responsibilities and other state practices as an orientation for new members, current members and other parties.

SRC Comment/Question: This agenda item was tabled due to insufficient time. The SRC agenda needs to be expanded in length of time as not to rush the presenters and as not to discourage discussion from SRC members. How will Needs Assessment be utilized? May want to have a neutral party analyze and evaluate needs assessment and how to improve and increase services as expressed in the October 13, 2021 meeting. I like how the assessments are done on open ongoing and at the end of closed cases.

Letter from SRC Chairperson, Mary Meruvia

On behalf of the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), I am happy to share the annual report of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services’  Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (OVR/OVRB).

The State Rehabilitation Council is a body mandated by The Rehabilitation Act and its resulting regulations at CFR 361.  Members, described in these regulations, represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities across the state. We are pleased in 2021 to have received timely appointments which have enabled the SRC to be a fully functioning body.

Our mandated functions include:

•   Reviewing, analyzing, and advising OVR/OVRB on the performance of their responsibilities related to eligibility and order of selection; the extent, scope, and effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services; and functions that affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes

•   Partnering with OVR/OVRB in developing goals and priorities; and evaluating the effectiveness in obtaining these goals

•   Advising OVR/OVRB in the vocational rehabilitation portion of the Unified State Plan

•   Conducting a review and analysis of consumer satisfaction

•   Submitting this report and making it available to the public

•   Coordinating activities with other named Councils within the state, to include the Statewide Independent Living Council

•   Performing other relevant functions the SRC determines appropriate consistent with the purpose of OVR/OVRB

The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services’ OVR/ OVRB have continued effective Vocational Rehabilitation Services to Mississippi’s citizens who experience disability.  Employment outcomes secured after the receipt of Vocational Rehabilitation Services have assisted in Mississippi’s recovery after suffering from the Covid 19 pandemic.  “Recovery, Powered By Inclusion”, a phrase used during the VR and VRB Disability Employment Awareness Month, has been exercised year-long in programs and services that not only benefitted the citizens who experience disability and received services, but our entire state of Mississippi as well, in recovery.  

We hope you will consider strong funding of this agency for the 20% required state match to federal funds so that it will have the funding levels to remain an essential Mississippi resource to help restore both the State’s economy as well as the strong spirit of Mississippi Citizens through their own self-supporting employment.  The State Rehabilitation Council is happy to continue to advise the agency in regards to the individual stakeholder groups who we represent.

Sincerely,

Mary Lundy Meruvia, Chairperson

State Rehabilitation Council

FFY 2021 Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council Activity Report:

The Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) held four (4) quarterly meetings for the Federal Fiscal Year October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021.  Utilizing TEAMS and teleconferencing, the members were able to attend our quarterly meetings during the continued pandemic era.  During each meeting, everyone is welcomed, introductions are made and guests are recognized.   Agenda topics are centered around the SRC Functions and provided by the Offices of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (OVRB) and Business Development Services (BDS).  The State Rehabilitation Council reviewed and provided input at each meeting on selected topics related to:

• Reviewing, analyzing, and advising OVR/OVRB/BDS on the performance of their responsibilities related to eligibility and order of selection; the extent, scope, and effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services; and functions that affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes
• Partnering with OVR/OVRB in developing goals and priorities and evaluating the effectiveness in obtaining these goals
• Advising OVR/OVRB/BDS in the vocational rehabilitation portion of the Unified State Plan
• Conducting a review and analysis of consumer satisfaction, including a quarterly report from the Client Assistance Program (CAP) as well as a report of Due Process Hearings
• Submitting the SRC Annual Report and making it available to the public
• Coordinating activities with other named Councils within the state, with a specific agenda item quarterly for a report from the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
• Performing other relevant functions, the SRC determines appropriate consistency with the purpose of OVR/OVRB/BDS

DECEMBER 2020 MEETING

The 2020 State Rehabilitation Council Annual Report was reviewed and discussed at the December 2020 meeting.  LaVonda Hart, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation, explained the information contained in the SRC Annual Report. Draft copies were provided as some information was still being compiled.  The SRC Annual Report is required by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and must be submitted before the end of the calendar year. This report includes data in relation to the Offices of Vocational Rehabilitation (including Pre-ETS) and Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind. 

Ms. Hart also reviewed the State Plan that is submitted to the MDRS Workforce Core Partners for WIOA. This report is then submitted to the MS. Department of Employment Services which is the lead partner in organizing the combined report. 

The RSA 911 Report, a quarterly report, is submitted to RSA four times during the Program Year. The Program Year ‘21 begins July 1, 2020 and ends June 30, 2021. It was noted that the SRC still operates on the federal fiscal year.

More information was provided on the Structured Discovery Center and the requirements that will need to be met for approval.  Dr. Edward Bell, referred by the RSA, will be assisting the agency to ensure the requirements are met.

Further discussions included the Comprehensive Services Needs Assessment, which is compiled to reflect future needs of VR/VRB.  The Public Consulting Group has been contracted to compile detailed reporting.

Chairperson Election – Selection of the SRC Chairman for the 2021 Year was discussed.  Pursuant to the SRC Federal Regulations, a Council Chairperson must be selected.  The bylaws state the role and duties of the SRC Chairperson.  A survey will be sent via Survey Monkey asking for nominations for the Council Chairman for the upcoming year.  Once nominations are received, they will be voted on.

Nomination Committee – The nomination form was updated and available for all Council members to review.  Changes were made that followed specific wording from the Federal

Regulations in regards to positions on the council and information needed about the applicant.

The six members rolling off the Council as of June 30, 2021 due to having served the maximum of two term limits will be:  Pam Dollar; Jean Walley; Shannon Hillman; Lee Cole; Presley Posey and Cassandra Singleton.

Budget Committee – According to Article 4 of the SRC Bylaws, the Council is charged with developing a Resource Plan.  There is a data element in the Innovation and Expansion Report that asks for a dollar figure for the SRC. Even though expenses are consistent, the SRC has not had any input into the Resource Plan. A review of expenses based on the last five years was used to determine future costs.  A proposed budget has been established.

MARCH 2021 MEETING

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) were discussed.  Virtual Transition Camps will be held on a daily basis offering three and five day camps to our VR students with disabilities. This will be provided by Employ U which is a fee for services Pre-ETS Provider. These camps will be held during Christmas and Spring Break.

MPIC/HOPE Alliance,a contracted Pre-ETS third-party provider, will be serving incarcerated youth with disabilities. Participants housed at various facilities around the state will be participating with this program.

A report was provided on the startup process of the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment.  Three surveys were sent:  1) Community Partners,  2) OVR/OVRB Consumers,  and 3) OVR/OVRB/BDS Staff. 

The new policies of the Alcohol and Drug Program from the Department of Mental Health were reported.  Mr. Don Brown explained that the new process will be geared toward the person, not the program.   Funding is now called Fee for Services (FFS). 

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has developed an assessment tool which will be used to determine the level of care needed for an individual addicted to types

of drug substances and/or abuse.   Ranging from outpatient to inpatient hospitalization, the levels are based on the type and severity of the substance use/abuse.

JUNE 2021 MEETING

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the June 2021 meeting officially marked the first year of virtual meetings.   While the pandemic slowed many activities, the SRC was able to continue business as normal.  Due to technology,  the SRC conducted the four quarterly meetings. 

The Order of Selection (OOS) was explained to the SRC.  It is common practice of MDRS to provide comprehensive VR services to all eligible clients.  However, when resources are not sufficient to serve all clients, an Order of Selection may be implemented.  MDRS has been fortunate that all categories have been opened since 2009.  When an OOS is executed, it establishes a system of categorization for prioritizing individuals with the most significant disabilities providing individuals priority to receive services. Applications can still be taken during an OOS, but services will not be provided.

The Autism Program was highlighted by VR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Jackson.  Ms. Jackson discussed various trainings that have been provided to counselors and staff that work with clients that have Autism.  Continual monthly virtual trainings are being provided to assist counselors with learning from examples of past cases.

The VRB Career Reboot was presented to the Council.  It is managed by Perkins School for the Blind.   It is a young adult transition program available for anyone between 18-35 years of age, has a high school diploma and wants to achieve Competitive Integrated Employment.  Two paths are offered for clients that participate in the program.

NCSRC – Additional NCSRC information was provided to the Council.  A zoom training session will be held for all SRC members regarding the purpose, regulations and functions of the SRC.

Nomination Committee – Nominations for upcoming vacancies were received by the Council.  The Business, Industry and Labor position is still vacant with no nominations; therefore, the search will continue for this position and all other positions will move forward for approval. All Council Members were sent copies of the nominations. The motion was made and passed to submit the current nominations for the upcoming term of the SRC to the MDRS Executive Director.   Once the Executive Director has approved, the nomination letters will be sent to the Governor for confirmation.

Budget Committee - The current financial information was provided to the committee and the Resource Plan will be updated.  The SRC 3^rd Quarterly Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi (RAM) Annual Conference in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.  This meeting will be offered virtually as well.

OCTOBER 2021 MEETING

The October 2021 meeting was the first in-person meeting since the beginning of Covid-19 and was held in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Association of Mississippi (RAM) Annual Conference.  This meeting was also offered virtually. The newly appointed State Rehabilitation Council members were welcomed and the current members were appointed to serve their second term.  MDRS staff introductions were shared with the Council members with explanations of their agency positions.

Chairman Mary Meruvia reviewed the Mississippi SRC Bylaws, the Rehab Act of 1973, and the Federal Register Sections 361.16 and 361.17 with the Council members.   These document reviews detailed the guidelines for the State Rehabilitation Councils. 

Executive Director Chris Howard welcomed the newly appointed members of the Council and thanked them for accepting their position on the SRC.  Mr. Howard is looking forward to working with them in the future.   Mr. Howard explained MDRS’ programs, expounded the many successes of MDRS, and highlighted MDRS’ missions and goals.

Mr. Don Brown, Nomination Committee Chairman, thanked the new members for accepting the nominations, introduced each member and thanked the members who rolled off in June 2021.

LaVonda Hart, Dorothy Young, and Josh Woodward, Directors of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind, and Business Development, respectively, introduced themselves and discussed their individual programs.

Ms. Hart provided a Powerpoint presentation titled “WIOA Mandates a VR/SRC Partnership” which provides the framework for the SRC role and a basic overview of the SRC partnership with VR.  The presentation explained the duties and functions of the SRC Council, the requirements and rules of the RSA for the Council and reviewed the representatives required to serve on the council.

The SRC Chairman welcomed all members of the Council to the October Meeting and the members introduced themselves.  All SRC nominations have been confirmed by Governor Tate Reeves and certificates will be distributed at the December Meeting.

Nomination Committee – The chairman welcomed new members to the Council.  The chairman recognized newly appointed members, current members and thanked members whose term expired June 30, 2021 for their services to the Council and Mississippians with disabilities.

Budget Committee- There has been no update as of yet as no expenses have been incurred to date.

Offices of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind OVRB):

OVR and OVRB are advocates of the State Rehabilitation Council’s mission and assist the SRC with its responsibilities.  The offices of OVR and OVRB provide liaison support as well as administrative, technical assistance, and coordination in support of the SRC’s responsibilities.  OVR and OVRB provide a VR Program Specialist as a liaison to coordinate activities between MDRS and the SRC. The VR Program Specialist and Program Officers provide administrative support, when necessary, to facilitate the work of the SRC.  A Program Specialist is assigned, as requested, to assist the SRC members with specific mandated duties.

Administrative, technical, and liaison support offer the following:

• In-person meetings – coordinate dates, times, location, distribute  communications and handouts to SRC Council members and attendees
• Virtual Meetings – provide virtual meeting communications and reference handouts to SRC Council Members and attendees
• Meals/Refreshments – coordination of meal selection, deliveries, and location
• Communications/Bulletins – communications are distributed to members regarding quarterly meetings, special meetings, agendas, and follow up agenda items 
• Minutes – meeting recordings, preparation of the official legal record of the council meetings, and coordinate amendments to previous minutes 
• Technical Support – technical assistance is provided during meetings for presentations, etc. and coordination of technical equipment availability 
• Website – preparation and coordination through MDRS personnel for SRC communication uploads to the MDRS website 
• SRC Annual Report – prepare the SRC Annual Report and coordinate upload to the MDRS website

Results of the Annual 2020 - 2021 SRC Consumer Satisfaction Survey

A consumer satisfaction survey is conducted four times per year to determine the consumer satisfaction regarding closed cases during the year.

An outside marketing firm, Wolfgang Frese Survey Research Laboratory of Mississippi State University, conducted the survey for the SRC.

The ratings for the various services consumers received are presented below using the average (means) score given to each item by all respondents interviewed.  If an item did not apply to a particular respondent or if the consumer did not know or refused to rate an item, the consumer is not included in calculating the average score for that item. The seven items rated are in Table 1 (for exact wording, reference the questionnaire).  Chart 1 is included for an easy visual comparison. The respondents were asked to rate the items (Questions 1-9) on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being very bad and 5 being very good.  Thus, a high score indicates that the service was good and a low score that it was poor.

Table 1 - Service Ratings by Consumer:     The following items are rated on a scale of '1 to 5', with '1' being poor and '5' being excellent.