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
p. 1. B. Describe the factors that impeded the achievement of the goals and priorities
Current Narrative:
DVR made significant progress toward achieving all identified goals and priorities. However, these successes were not without challenges and DVR continues to work toward ensuring progress made is maintained and expanded moving forward. As is true of all organizations at all levels, DVR experienced tremendous disruption to business practices and shifting priorities as a result of COVID-19. Many changes were necessary to ensure continuity of operations during this time, but some have also led to improved program operations, such as electronic signatures, access to remote services, and, in some cases, increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Common change management challenges were present during this period of time, as were additional challenges such as increased stress on staff and participants, extended uncertainty, and awareness that members of our team and communities were significantly impacted by personal loss, all of which were very real circumstances impacting tDVR’s ability to effectively implement identified strategies.
In the first six months of PY21, DVR has experienced unprecedented staff turnover, particularly among front line staff and has increasing difficulty recruiting fully qualified rehabilitation counselors. Despite shifting priorities, training new staff, and managing staff vacancies, DVR made and continues to make substantial progress in all areas, yet these vacancies create very real challenges in achieving agency objectives.