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
n. 2. B. How the State will leverage other public and private funds to increase resources for extended services and expanded supported employment opportunities for youth with the most significant disabilities.
Current Narrative:
When supported employment service funding requirements exceed the funds allocated for them under title VI, part B, funds from title I will be used to supplement the costs of supported employment services that are listed on an individual’s supported employment individualized plan for employment (IPE). A lack of title VI, part B funds will not restrict or prohibit the inclusion of supported employment services on an IPE or the purchase or delivery of such services when they are needed.
In efforts to increase resources for extended services and expand supported employment opportunities for youth with the most significant disabilities, the Department has coordinated with other stakeholders, including the Department of Human Services Medicaid Waiver program. We will continue to collaborate and work with partners to ensure these youth who are blind are receiving the services they need to be successful. IDB has had success in partnering with the individual and other stakeholders through use of Integrated Resource Teams and will continue using this strategy. Through these collaborations, we have been able to leverage funds and increase resources for the individual to have additional opportunities and supports.
IDB is focused on services being provided in the community, in integrated and competitive environments. The Department for the Blind participates in activities with other Partner agencies to cooperate as well as involve community partners, families and education in implementing an Employment First approach. The Department has also worked with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services to develop an agreement to identify collaborative efforts and to reduce duplication of services. By working together, the Department and IVRS ensure that CRPs receive consistent information and direction from the VR agencies in Iowa.
In addition to collaborating to leverage funds, the Department believes in the importance of providing training to stakeholders, including providers of extended services. IDB provides training on a variety of topics including services, assistive technology, nonvisual techniques, and accommodations. Through these trainings and collaborations, IDB will continue to work to increase opportunities and expectations for youth with the most significant disabilities so that they are able to work successfully in competitive and integrated employment settings.