Narrative: o. 3.

DVR is committed to providing quality services to everyone who is eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services and recognizes the importance of effective outreach to ensure unserved or underserved populations have increased access to DVR. As evidenced by the CSNA, DVR serves a diverse population that is largely reflective of the diversity of Coloradans with disabilities. However, the data demonstrate that adults who are Asian seek and receive VR services less frequently than would be expected. Similarly, some differences are noted when considering who reaches a plan for employment, with individuals who report they are Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, those who report they are Middle Eastern, and those who report two or more races all receiving services under an Individualized Plan for Employment less likely than would be expected. Lastly, individuals who are Black or African American receive a variety of services less frequently than would be expected and in particular, overall training expenditures for individuals within this demographic were found to be less than expected when DVR completed its Racial Equity Report in 2020. DVR is continuing to explore the reasons for these discrepancies to ensure appropriate action steps are identified and implemented to make certain individuals from minority groups have equitable access to all vocational rehabilitation services. Beyond this further analysis, DVR believes it is essential to continue to outreach to minority groups and others who have been underserved by:

• Ongoing focus on inclusive communications, maintaining an accessible website, and further developing DVR's social media presence, by maintaining a staff position dedicated to Partnership Engagement and Communication, which leads DVR’s efforts to ensure effective outreach strategies using a variety of modalities and approaches.
• DVR continues to implement Employment First and expand the availability of Customized Employment and supported employment.
• Continuing to improve access in rural areas by evaluating office locations and continuing to offer remote and community-based services to minimize travel in rural areas of the state. 
• Ongoing evaluation of opportunities to increase access to VR services within existing resources, such as by offering office hours at another WIOA program’s location, use of available technology, the DPN pilot, or other innovative approaches.
• The Blind and Low Vision Services unit continues to focus on building competency within rural areas to meet the needs of individuals who are blind or have low vision, with the expectation that this will increase access to services.
• Partnership with Wraparound Coordinators, Drug Courts, Parole and Probation, and various other community partners are intended to help reach individuals who are underserved.
• Continuing to leverage participation on a variety of advisory councils and task forces to inform community partners and programs about the services and supports available through DVR.
• Cross training with the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs in southwestern Colorado is ongoing and is a critical component of increasing the cultural competence of DVR staff and improve access to DVR services for Native Americans.
• As described in Section (l), DVR focuses on growth and development plans for all staff. These plans include development of skills supporting the ability of DVR staff to provide culturally competent services when relevant. 
• Continue to improve partnerships with Centers for Independent Living, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP), Adult Education, and other programs with which individuals with disabilities may benefit from co-enrollment and coordination of services.