Narrative: j. 1. B.

(B & C) individuals with disabilities who are minorities and individuals who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program

An analysis of the comprehensive statewide needs assessment revealed that other than individuals on a waiting list, there are no populations in Missouri that are unserved. MVR counselors refer any individuals on a waiting list to appropriate federal and state programs, including other components of the statewide workforce development system to assist with employment, housing, food and clothing needs.

The needs assessment identified underserved individuals with disabilities as minority populations of Hispanics and African-Americans, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Hispanic Population:

Based on MVR data, the projected number of eligible individuals with disabilities who are Hispanic that will annually receive MVR services for PY 2022–2023 will be approximately 254. After analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey, MVR feels these individuals are significantly underserved when compared to the total number of Hispanics with disabilities in Missouri.

From the comprehensive needs assessment, MVR identified the following services as necessary to meet the key needs of Missouri’s Hispanic population with disabilities:

• Interpreter Services -- These services depend upon the specific needs of clients and are provided by MVR’s bilingual MVR staff and state-contracted interpreters. The duration of interpreter services mirrors the length of other services.
• Translated Brochures – MVR has Spanish-translated brochures available on its website.
• Job Placement Services – These services involve specialists who identify and cultivate job placement possibilities in the community. These services offer short-term follow-up support and can last between three and nine months. MVR counselors and CRPs provide job placement services.
• SE Services (see description above)
• Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering Services (see description above) -- In addition, MVR has a diversity consultant who provides cultural diversity training to all MVR staff. The consultant delivers training specific to each office’s population area and assists with developing office plans to address diversity.

African-American Population:

Based on MVR data, the projected number of eligible individuals with disabilities that are African-American who will annually receive MVR services for PY 2022–2023 will be approximately 1,242. MVR data reveals that, as a percentage, there are fewer Caucasians dropping from services than African-Americans; therefore, a percentage of African-Americans receiving services are underserved. In addition, MVR reviewed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey. These individuals are underserved when compared to the total number of African-Americans with disabilities in Missouri.

From the comprehensive needs assessment, MVR identified the following services as necessary to meet the key needs of Missouri’s African-American population with disabilities:

• Follow-Up Services -- MVR established the need for follow-up services for individuals at risk of dropping out of services. Key MVR staff and MVR intake counselors along with CRPs assist with follow-up services and activities. Clients are contacted to uncover reasons for leaving or barriers to receiving services. Key MVR personnel and CRP staff work with community resources to alleviate any barriers. These follow-up services are implemented before clients’ cases are closed and can last between three and nine months. In addition, MVR has a diversity consultant who provides cultural diversity training to MVR staff.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD):

Based on MVR data, the projected number of eligible individuals with ASD who will annually receive MVR services for PY 2022–2023 will be approximately 997. Other variables could have an effect on this estimate such as the economy and the number of applicants coming into the system. MVR reviewed information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); the National Autism Society; NAMI; the Missouri Department of Insurance; The Community Report on Autism 2018; and MVR data. Based on this information and additional research, MVR concludes these individuals are underserved.

From the comprehensive statewide assessment, MVR identified the following services as necessary to meet the key needs of individuals with ASD:

• SE Services (see description above)
• Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering Services (see description above)
• Job Placement Services (see description above)
• Transition Services -- Transition services assist eligible students and youth with disabilities to successfully prepare them for transitioning into postsecondary education, vocational training or integrated employment. Services can be provided by MVR and coordinated with the Office of Special Education, local school districts and CRPs. Services are provided for the duration of the case.
• Workplace Modifications -- Individuals with ASD may experience difficulties in modulating sensory input. Environmental assessments can be provided to identify distractions such as noise levels, lighting, high traffic areas, etc. Services are provided by CRPs and can overlap SE services usually lasting nine months, but MVR can provide up to 24 months of community-based job training.
• Employment Services Plus (ESP) -- ESP is designed to assist an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder-Adult (ASD-A), Brain Injury (BI), and/or Cultural Deafness/hard of hearing (D/HH) who has barriers that require additional supports to achieve a successful employment outcome. ESP provides augmentative services for clients whose disability-related needs exceed the level of support provided by traditional vocational rehabilitation services but does not merit consideration of SE services.
• Other training appropriate to need such as vocational technical school, community college or college.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

Based on MVR data, the projected number of eligible individuals with TBI who will annually receive MVR services for PY 2022–2023 will be approximately 117. MVR reviewed data from the CDC, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Brain Injury Associations of America and Missouri, 2020 Missouri Traumatic Brain Injury Targeted Needs Assessment: Key Findings Report, and data from brainline.org. Research revealed that Missourians with TBI exceed 16,000. Based on this information and the number of clients with TBI, MVR concludes these individuals are underserved.

From the comprehensive statewide assessment, MVR identified the following services as necessary to meet the key needs of individuals with TBI:

• SE Services (see description above)
• Job Placement Services (see description above)
• Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering Services (see description above)
• Transition Services (see description above) (data indicated that one of the highest risk groups for TBI was ages 15 to 24)
• ESP Services (see description above)