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
- o. State's Strategies
Describe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):
- o. State's Strategies
o. 3. The outreach procedures that will be used to identify and serve individuals with disabilities who are minorities, including those with the most significant disabilities, as well as those who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program
Current Narrative:
(3) The outreach procedures that will be used to identify and serve individuals with disabilities who are minorities, including those with the most significant disabilities, as well as those who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program.
Opportunities for outreach have been limited during program year 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- DORS will continue to provide staff resources and staff training to support Evidence-Based Practice Supported Employment and consumers who receive Assertive Community Treatment services. DORS and Behavioral Health Administration have worked together to improve the VR application process, specifically adjusting to technical challenges created by BHA’s migration to a new data system. ;
- The DORS multi-cultural workgroup will continue to develop and publicize specialized resources for minority groups, focusing on Hispanic and Asian consumers. DORS has re-established this workgroup, rebranded D.A.R.E. Committee (Diversity Awareness Respect Equity), in November 2020, to ensure equal access for minorities to DORS services and that resources are developed for DORS staff. This committee has conducted regular quarterly meetings, created a newsletter to promote opportunities and highlight upcoming events, as well as with establishing agency activities that promote awareness and diversity;
- DORS will continue strategic activities to enhance the agency’s capacity to meet the unique needs of students and adults with Autism spectrum disorders who are preparing for employment. In-person autism services provided by the Workforce and Technology Center were unavailable during the program year, however a number of virtual training opportunities were offered. It is anticipated that services will increase as conditions allow;
- Meetings and trainings for VR Specialists, including Transitioning Youth Specialists who serve individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury, have been held during the program year, although focus has primarily been directed to impact of COVID-19 on students. DORS will return to quarterly meetings and examine ways to increase training opportunities in the upcoming year.
- Through the WIOA Jobseeker Advisory Focus Groups and additional means, DORS will seek input of minorities, those with the most significant disabilities, and those who have been unserved or underserved at statewide public meetings and at quarterly state Rehabilitation Council meetings. MD SRC has provided input and assistance to identify ways DORS can improve services and outreach toward underserved populations, with focus on the Asian and Latino communities prevalent throughout Maryland.