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
j. 1. D. Who have been served through other components of the statewide workforce development system; and
Current Narrative:
Needs identified through other components of the statewide workforce development system include:
- Increase knowledge of services offered across core partner agencies and how to connect with those services.
- Utilize a combined approach in the provision of services.
- Accessibility of Job Center resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Working with local Job Centers shows that RSB services may not be known by Job Center staff and that RSB staff may not always be aware of Job Center and Workforce programs. The recent addition of the Executive Director of the Missouri Workforce Development Board (MOWDB) on the SRC for the blind provides opportunity to educate the MOWDB team regarding RSB services and capabilities of the population served. In turn, RSB can learn about various WDB services and programs. RSB participates in the monthly Missouri Job Center Connect Statewide partnership meeting with all WIOA partners to discuss services, performance, and provide agency updates. RSB Job Development staff also participate in seven Regional Employment Nexus groups to collaborate with our Workforce Development partners.
RSB provides training and support to the local job centers through individual vocational counselor and supervisor visits and on-demand training for job center staff. The purpose is to strengthen the partnership and encourage the joint delivery of services across agencies. Training covers such topics as blindness awareness training, the RSB referral process, and the various RSB services available to our clients and dual customers.
Another area to be strengthened is the accessibility of Job Center resources for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. RSB executive staff are involved with multiple WIOA committees, the MAWD (Missouri Association for Workforce Development), the Statewide Workforce Development Board and have provided insight into this concern. This has led to training provided by RSB staff to Job Center staff on assistive technology for the blind in employment. RSB Job Development staff currently meet regularly with Workforce staff regarding making available apprenticeship programs more inclusive. In addition, RSB Job Development staff worked with the Northeast Missouri Workforce Development Board to help make their fliers and social media more accessible for blind and visually impaired job seekers. RSB offers each local board technology assessments to help with accessibility solutions for blind and visually impaired individuals.
RSB will continue working with all partners to develop innovative programs that serve common clients, to develop new ways to provide job creation, and to work cooperatively towards removing the stigma associated with having individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Improved common work needs assessments and referral processes to appropriate agencies will assist in the provision of services and success of clients served.