Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
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. 1. Input provided by the State Rehabilitation Council, including input and recommendations on the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan, recommendations from the Council's report, the review and analysis of consumer satisfaction, and other Council reports that may have been developed as part of the Council’s functions;
Current Narrative:
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRC) provided the following general recommendations during meetings in PY 2019 and 2020:
During the Program Years 2019-2020 the quarterly meetings of the State Rehabilitation Council were held virtually in response to the need for social distancing. During the meetings the SRC was provided up to date information regarding changes, and innovations that would continue to allow RSB staff to provide quality services to clients and stakeholders. These included:
1. The RSB presented on the use of video conferencing software, document signing software, and secure fax and messaging software to allow staff to continue to provide services to clients as well as to participate in staff training opportunities. The council suggested a video conferencing software for increased accessibility during SRC meetings. The council supported pursuing document signing software to increase client form accessibility and provide more effective and efficient processes to facilitate case movement and delivery of client services.
RSB Response: RSB agreed with the council’s suggestion and used the video conferencing software for both the business portion and public forum portion of the SRC meetings. RSB successfully implemented document signing software and secure fax and messaging software.
2. The RSB presented information regarding protocols to ensure both staff and client safety. This included options for alternative work schedules, telework, social distancing, the provision of and training on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and communication. The council was supportive of the changes and innovations that would allow RSB staff to continue to provide for services and the safety of clients and staff.
RSB Response: RSB expressed appreciation of the SRC’s support for the protocols, and concern for the safety of RSB staff and clients. RSB continues to find ways to support change and innovation in these areas.
RSB has consulted regularly with the SRC on the development, implementation and revision of RSB policy, procedures, and the administrative rule pertaining to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services. The state plan goals and priorities for PY 2020 and PY 2021 were jointly developed and agreed by RSB and the SRC. As of July 30, 2021 the Administrative rule became effective. Shortly thereafter the RSB Policy Manual became effective on August 3, 2021.