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. 8. A. Achieve goals and priorities by the State, consistent with the comprehensive needs assessment;
Current Narrative:
DVR’s strategies will support its goal to reduce the prosperity gap for people with disabilities by increasing quality employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in the following ways:
By promoting the rapid engagement of job seekers, DVR expects to maintain or increase the motivation of individuals when they first request services. Creating opportunities for applicants to be proactive in moving forward with vocational activities as soon as possible, rather than being slowed by process will improve the customer experience, support engagement, and lead to increased employment outcomes. By finding solutions that will minimize the impact on service delivery when counselor vacancies occur will support timely, effective, and high quality services, supporting the achievement of quality employment outcomes. Increased focus on key industries in Colorado will support eligible individuals to pursue employment in which jobs are more readily available, pay higher wages, and offer more opportunities for advancement. Both DVR and the SRC believe that access to the right data is critical to monitoring progress, identifying barriers, and adjusting course as needed, including identifying more targeted approaches to meet the unique needs of various demographics. Lastly, a positive customer experience is critical to overall success of the vocational rehabilitation program, which goes beyond a simple survey of customer satisfaction. A positive customer experience supports engagement, progress, and participant success.
DVR’s strategies will support its goal to create a culture of growth and development to support staff retention and high quality service delivery to individuals with disabilities in the following ways:
Developing actionable and individualized growth and development goals, demonstrating commitment to highly skilled and engaged staff, will help all staff evaluate areas in which they’d like to improve their skills, while creating more highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Implementing State as Model Employer strategies and building a more diverse and effective workforce will improve overall program quality and develop internal expertise. As a model for inclusive hiring, DVR staff will be able to more effectively provide technical assistance and support to other businesses regarding inclusive hiring practices. Lastly, an internal staff committee to advise leadership on opportunities to improve the organizational culture will lead to the growth, development, and engagement of staff at all levels.
DVR strategies will support the implementation of Employment First in Colorado, through the Office of Employment First and DVR’s Employment First Initiatives in the following ways:
Successful development of the Office of Employment First is critical to furthering Employment First in Colorado and to be successful key stakeholders must be involved in monitoring guiding its implementation. DVR received a time limited appropriation for four Employment First staff positions, including the State Advisor on Disability Employment, I/DD Supported Employment Trainer/Coordinator, Behavioral Health Supported Employment Trainer/Coordinator, and Benefits Planning Coordinator. Demonstrating the success these staff positions have on DVR’s ability to implement Employment First will be critical to ensuring the sustainability of these positions and/or maintaining effective Employment First policies and practices. Lastly, effectively coordinating the EFAP and monitoring the State’s progress on EFAP priorities and recommendations are vital to the ongoing success of Employment First in Colorado. Significant progress has been made and maintaining this momentum will require ongoing support from DVR and the SRC.