Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
- a. Input of State Rehabilitation Council
All agencies, except for those that are independent consumer-controlled commissions, must describe the following:
- a. Input of State Rehabilitation Council
a. 2. The designated State unit's response to the Council’s input and recommendations; and
Current Narrative:
The following is a summary of the input and recommendations made from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Recommendations are transmitted to LRS both verbally at LRC meetings and in writing throughout the year by committee reports and the LRC minutes.
LRS appreciates the input, partnership, and ongoing dialogue with LRC throughout the year, and will continue to provide updates to LRC on progress made toward implementation of recommendations.
LRC Input: The LRC commends the collaboration LRS has demonstrated with providers/partners and the improvement of service delivery as evident in the state plan materials and policies in a number of areas benefiting Louisiana citizens with disabilities.
Recommendation: The LRC recommended that LRS continue to increase and improve services for transition students; especially Pre-Employment Transition Services.
Response: LRS accepted the recommendation. Counselors continue to attend Transition fairs, IEP meetings and other events at the schools throughout the state and provide information about the benefits of Pre-Employment Transition Services. Additionally, informative Pre-Employment Transition Services flyers and booklets were distributed to entities and students throughout the state including school boards, charter schools, and other Local Education Associations (LEAs).
Recommendation: The LRC suggested that LRS improve vocational exploration for adults with disabilities to include work-based evaluations and learning experiences.
Response: LRS staff and LRC members are collaborating together to research what vocational exploration services are provided by other states and how successful the services are to individuals with disabilities.
Recommendation: LRC recommended that LRS continue to work on improving employer awareness of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and the services that LRS can provide to individuals with disabilities.
Response: LRS accepted the recommendation. Through collaboration with the LRS Rehabilitation Employment Development Specialists (REDS) and Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP’s) throughout the state, LRS continues to develop strong relationships with local businesses.