Narrative: o. 1.

VR Strategies DSB has developed the following VR strategies to expand and improve services to its consumers for Program Years 2020-2021 and updated for PY2020-2023.

Goal 1: DSB will increase the employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely visually impaired.

Strategy: VR Counselors will schedule and attend face-to-face job exploration meetings to interview human resource professionals regarding the types of jobs they have, and the skills needed to do those jobs. Performance Measures:  A minimum of two employer job exploration meetings will be scheduled per month for each client in job-readiness status.  DSB will provide additional training on conducting outreach.  The DSB Quality Assurance Unit will develop methods to track employer contacts in AWARE and Salesforce.

Update PY2020-2023 Staff no longer have AWARE employer access and employer contacts are entered by Business Engagement allowing for consistent and accurate tracking. Counselor made 43 employer contacts for Program Year 2020, and 35 employer contacts in the first 2 Quarters of Program Year 2021. While contacts have been made more challenging due to the pandemic, DSB continues to work to increase contacts with employers and to provide staff training and support to improve outreach.

Strategy: VR Counselors will ensure that participants in job ready status are actively seeking employment. Performance Measures: VR Counselors will require three job contacts per week.  Assist job-ready participants with registration at Workforce Services.   Assist job-ready participants with registering and applying for careers available through the Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP); and assist participants with registering and applying for jobs through employer internet accessible application processes with private, federal, state and non-profit employers.  VR counselors will update employer information in the AWARE module and Quality Assurance staff will implement a more effective use of the employer module. DSB will utilize the Salesforce program for tracking employer services.

Update: PY2022-2023 DSB Staff received training and guidance on required supports and expectations for consumers in Job Ready Status. Staff also received training on how to identify consumers who should be placed in Job Ready Status. This training was at the July 2021 Field Services Meeting.

Strategy: DSB will encourage and support viable self-employment. Performance Measures: Through the DSB Small Business Committee, participants will be provided access to Small Business Association trainings and the Arkansas Secretary of State’s trainings on small business enterprises. The counselors will schedule job shadowing experiences with participants who are blind/visually impaired that have maintained successful businesses. Each self-employment proposal submitted by a participant will be reviewed by a team composed of the Field Services Administrator, the Business Engagement Coordinator, and the participant’s VR Counselor to ensure that a proposal is realistic and sustainable before it is approved and any funds are provided. DSB will develop an updated brochure to provide interested consumers with information about DSB’s small business self-employment program.   DSB will revise their policy and procedures for funding small businesses. DSB will coordinate a small business team to review proposals and provide training for VR counselors on completing a small business proposal.

Update: PY2022-2023: DSB has developed a Small Business Committee and is working to update our policy on Small Business. In addition, DSB is designing a Small Business Brochure to share with consumers.

Strategy: DSB will work in conjunction with provider agencies to provide work appropriate skills and training to blind and low vision participants. Performance Measures: DSB will refer participants to apprenticeship programs across the state. DSB will refer participants to World Services for the Blind, Alpha Pointe, the Louisiana Center for the Blind, Sources, Goodwill, Adult Education, and other providers as necessary for additional skills training, including, but not limited to soft skills and work readiness training to assist participants in improving their probability of securing competitive employment. DSB will work with provider agencies to develop more high demand training for more high demand jobs.  DSB will ensure that appropriate guidelines are in place to monitor providers and training. DSB will refer participants to Apprenticeship programs.

Update: PY2022-2023 DSB continues to work with provider agencies to assist consumers. DSB is working with the Quality Employment Technical Assistance Center to provide training and support to staff on providing apprenticeships to consumers.

Strategy: DSB will provide detailed benefits counseling information to each participant on SSI and SSDI. Performance Measures: DSB will refer 100% of clients, adults, students and youth on SSI and SSDI to benefits counseling for a one-on-one benefits analysis. Area Managers will monitor caseloads to ensure that VR Counselors are referring 100% of SSI and SSDI VR participants to benefits counseling. Counselors will make participants aware of benefits counseling at the time of application, at the time of IPE’s, and at the time of closure. New counselors will receive benefits counseling training and current counselors will receive benefits counseling updates.

Strategy: DSB will continue to refer Older Individuals who are Blind (OIB) and interested in employment to VR services. Performance Measures: DSB will refer 100% of Older Blind individuals who are interested in employment to VR services.  VR counselors will make contact with agencies that serve older individuals such as Green Thumb, and AAA to seek referrals and to educate these agencies about DSB services. 

Update: PY2022-2023 100% of clients who express interest in work will be referred to VR. DSB will work to develop a tracking mechanism for those clients who start as OIB but decide they wish to work. Clients who express interest in work at the beginning are immediately referred to VR. DSB staff work with local agencies to provide needed services to consumers. DSB also invites agencies to participate in the Older Blind Advisory Committee. Staff have connected with local assisted living centers and town hall meetings to educate communities on our services.

Strategy: DSB will continue to recognize successful participants and their employers. Performance Measures: Each year each counselor will recognize one individual from his/her caseload as an area Consumer of the Year and nominate the individual as a candidate for the overall state Consumer of the Year. DSB will award area Consumers of the Year and their employers with trophies/framed certificates and related publicity.

Update: PY2022-2023 All Pre-ETS caseloads submitted nominations for Student of the Year, and one overall winner was chosen. DSB had 17 VR caseloads submit a COY nomination, and DSB honored all COYs at the virtual December meeting in PY20 and PY21.

Strategy: DSB will continue to expand its assistive technology services and improve access to these services and equipment. Performance Measures: DSB will provide trainings to employers on the use and function of common assistive technology devices for the blind and visually impaired. DSB’s assistive technology staff will develop trainings that can be modified for small and large employers. DSB will provide outreach and training to community organizations on technological advances in low vision and blindness. Provide training to new Workforce Services staff as vacancies occur to increase their knowledge of accessible technology and the needs of participants.  DSB staff will continue to meet participants at Workforce Services offices, including DSB sponsored accessible kiosks, to assist participants in their job searches and in becoming more comfortable interacting with the public in an employment setting.

Update: PY2022-2023 DSB recorded 41 Outreach contacts by counselors during Program Year 2020. DSB staff are now located in Workforce Centers and will work with outreach coordinator to ensure community awareness of programs available.

Strategy: DSB will increase the skills, credentials and professional affiliations of its novice Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors as they move to assume senior counseling responsibilities in connection with DSB overall succession planning. Performance Measures: Novice counselors will attend a specific orientation to VR issues and participate in specialized immersion training during their first six months.  Training through the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association, Vision Quest, and other qualified sources. Novice counselors will be exposed to professional organizations each year, as documented in their professional development plans. Novice counselors will attend Immersion training during their first six months. Counselors will attend specialized training with Louisiana Center for the Blind Mississippi State University and other training opportunities. DSB will utilize the UofA Currents and online training opportunities to provide staff with professional trainings.

Update: PY2022-2023 Due to Covid 19 and travel restrictions no in person training has taken place. DSB Staff were provided the opportunity to participate in numerous virtual trainings through NRTC, Mississippi State University, University of Arkansas Currents, Helen Keller National Center, CSAVR, NFB, ACB, and the Technical Assistance Centers.  DSB had staff participate in AER Pre-ETS trainings, Lead VR, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Supported Employment course.

Strategy: To augment the efforts of DSB staff, DSB will use peer mentoring in transition and job ready exploration to allow experienced participants to provide information, advice, and support to less experienced participants. Performance Measures: Peer mentoring will be used to connect participants interested in self-employment with individuals who have owned small businesses and can offer advice and support. Area Consumers of the Year will be encouraged to provide peer mentoring to other individuals who are blind and severely visually impaired that are trying to manage their rehabilitation plans, gain marketable skills, and secure good jobs. Participants are connected to DSB Vendor Operators.  A Peer Mentoring program will be developed for Pre-ETS students. Information will be provided on NFB and ACB organizations and utilize their members as mentors.

Update: PY2022-2023 Due to Covid 19 and restrictions we have not been able to implement these strategies. All DSB counselors, supervisors, and Field Administrator attended the NFB and ACB conferences.

Strategy: DSB will support training and the exchange of information among the core partners of WIOA. Performance Measures: DSB staff will be active members of the Workforce Investment Boards and WIOA planning committees throughout the State. DSB Executive staff attend monthly WIOA Executive Roundtable meetings with all partners and serve on sub-committees to coordinate services.  Staff attend bi-annual partner trainings. DSB executive staff will be active members of the State Workforce Investment Board and its committees.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB staff serve on all WIOA Executive Roundtable Subcommittees. DSB Counselors and Supervisors sit on the WIOA local boards. All DSB counselors, supervisors, and some administrative staff attend the WIOA Partner’s meetings each year. Both meetings were virtual in PY2020 and PY2021.

Strategy: DSB will ensure that all job ready participants will receive career exploration activities in their chosen career field at training settings. Performance Measures: DSB will arrange for and accompany job ready adult participants to college, vocational/technical, or university campus visits. DSB will assist participants with reviewing entrance requirements to college, vocational/technical, or universities.  Counselors will connect participants to campus tours, assist students with FAFSA and college applications. Counselors will assist students with campus acclimation and introduce them to campus disability services.

Update: PY2022-2023 DSB staff are available to assist consumers with necessary applications. Counselors arrange for O&M as well as introductions for consumers going to college.

Goal 2: Increase Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students; increase transition services to out-of-school youth.

Strategy: DSB will ensure that all Pre-ETS students and youth receive exposure to work experiences and career exploration activities. Performance Measures: DSB will arrange for tours of local businesses for Pre-ETS students to explore potential career opportunities. DSB will arrange for job shadowing opportunities for Pre-ETS students. DSB will arrange for informational interviews for Pre-ETS students to explore job opportunities. DSB will arrange volunteer opportunities for Pre-ETS students to explore career fields. DSB will accompany Pre-ETS students to career seminars and career fairs. DSB will arrange for and accompany Pre-ETS students to college, vocational/technical, or university campus visits. DSB will work with more vendors and businesses around the state to develop work experience, job shadowing, informational interviews, and career exploration opportunities.  Pre-ETS counselors will explore career options with students and set up work experience and volunteer opportunities for students to gain “real experiences”. DSB will provide a three-week “Jump Start” program in which students will hear from company representatives, explore careers and gain work experience. Pre-ETS students will participate in job shadowing opportunities and informational interviews. DSB will conduct transition fairs and accompany students to other transition/career fairs.

Update: PY2022-2023 Students were still able to participate in virtual work-based learning experiences. Pre-ETS students were able to attend a virtual informational session with blind and visually impaired individuals who discussed their experience in the workforce and with creating their own businesses hosted by Ace Academy. In the first quarter of PY2021, DSB provided 32 Work-Based Learning Experiences to VR eligible Students with a Disability, and 21 Work-Based Learning Experiences to potentially eligible Students with a Disability.

 Strategy: DSB will support training and the exchange of information among state transition partner organizations. Performance Measures: DSB will sponsor or participate in at least one training or event that will bring together transition partners for the purpose of exchanging information that will specifically benefit students who are blind or severely visually impaired. DSB will conduct local transition summits with school districts across the state. DSB will participate in trainings with our core partners, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), Arkansas Career Education (ACE) and Career and Technical Education (CTE). DSB will coordinate a training with the Arkansas School for the Blind and Vision Impaired (ASBVI) project.

Update: PY2022-2023 DSB participated in AER trainings and conferences. Staff also participated in trainings with Helen Keller National Center and Children And Youth with Sensory Impairments (CAYSI).

Strategy: DSB will update the collaborative database of transition students as needed. Performance Measures: Counselors will coordinate with Local Education Area (LEA) Supervisors to maintain lists of transition students. The Pre-ETS Manager will review the database to ensure it is being maintained by Rehabilitation Assistants who input the local information and update the list monthly. Pre-ETS counselors will contact LEA Area Supervisors and have face to face meetings with school staff. Referrals identified by LEAs are sent to Pre-ETS counselors and the Pre-ETS Manager for review. Monthly reports of school contacts will be provided to the Pre-ETS Manager.

Update: PY2022-2023 Pre-ETS counselors have continued to connect with LEA staff and meet face to face when allowed by schools during the pandemic. Pre-ETS staff submit monthly contact reports to their supervisor on all school contacts for that month.

Strategy: Counselors will continue to track transition students on their caseloads to ensure that the IPE is developed or updated before a student graduates from high school. Performance Measure: Area Supervisors will monitor this during case reviews to ensure that no transition student will graduate without a current IPE. Pre-ETS counselors will develop and update IPEs of transition students before they graduate.  Pre-ETS Counselors will facilitate a meeting with high school staff and college disability services for those attending college. The Pre-ETS manager will review and monitor the cases to ensure the IPEs are completed.

Update PY2022-2023 Pre-ETS counselors maintain updated IPEs for VR eligible students with updates completed at least every 12 months. All potentially eligible students receive information on applying for VR services prior to graduating so that they may make the appropriate decision for their needs.

Strategy: DSB will hold Parent Summits to assist parents and other stakeholders in becoming more knowledgeable and better prepared to advocate for their children at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings. Performance Measures: Annually, DSB will invite ESVI Regional Certified Vision Consultants and transition parents to a Parent Summit with VR Counselors to provide information about assistive technology; rights and responsibilities; available resources and services; benefits counseling; and funding for college and career start—up costs. DSB will conduct an annual Back to School Parents Summit and parent summits in local areas. 

Update PY2022-2023 DSB did conduct a virtual Back to School Summit in August 2020.

Strategy: DSB will continue to provide assessments and services to transition students specifically focused on activities of daily living, including but not limited to, mobility, knowledge of available transportation resources, self—advocacy, acquisition of a variety of reading options, awareness of job opportunities, benefits counseling, and rights and responsibilities as an informed participant. Performance Measures: Formal evaluations for assistive technology will be performed by Tech Lab staff in accordance with RSA guidelines on Rehabilitation Engineering. Counselors will arrange for training for Pre-ETS students and youth to acquire independent living skills and technological skills in order for them to participate in career exploration services. Pre-ETS counselors arrange trainings in independent living skills and assistive technology for students and youth. DSB will consult with additional vendors to provide independent living and technology training. Pre-ETS counselors will refer students for appropriate trainings. The DSB Tech Lab will provide assistive technology trainings. DSB will provide assistive technology through its Assistive Technology Loaner Program.

Update PY2022-2023 The DSB Tech Lab staff averaged 21 visits per month and 60 calls for technology support.  Due to Covid 19, the lab was closed for in person visits from March 2020 to May 2021. However, the lab was able to provide remote services and evaluations to consumers. DSB hosted a one week, in person, day Jump Start program that focused on independent living skills and technology for Pre-ETS Students. DSB also hosted a two-week virtual Jump Start through Ace Academy for students. DSB continues to work find new vendors. DSB added Ace Academy, Challenge Solutions, Superior Success, and Helen Keller National Center in the last year.

Strategy: DSB will continue to strengthen relationships with schools, including Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Performance Measures: DSB will present at school assemblies, parent—teacher organization meetings, and open houses to provide information on Pre-ETS and how to access these services. DSB will establish an information clearinghouse and schedule demonstration labs on selected high school campuses to inform parents, students, and education professionals of the needs of students with significant vision problems, and the cost-effective resources available to them. DSB will continue its system of mail outs and emails to public schools. DSB will continue efforts to reach private, home, and accredited virtual schools. Pre-ETS counselors will have face to face meetings with the schools.

Update PY2022-2023 Pre-ETS counselors have continued to connect with LEA staff and meet face to face when allowed by schools during the pandemic.

Strategy: DSB will continue to strengthen relationships with Educational Services for the Visually Impaired (ESVI). Performance Measures: DSB will continue its system of mailouts and emails twice a year to area ESVI representatives. In addition to the local networking efforts, the Pre-ETS Manager will dialogue with ESVI at a state level to discover any transition students that need services and should be referred to DSB. DSB will refer participants under age 14 to ESVI and will encourage referrals from ages 14 and older from ESVI to DSB. Pre-ETS staff will meet with the ESVI team as a group to strengthen our working relationship. Pre-ETS counselors and ESVI consultants will refer students to each other’s agency for appropriate services. Pre-ETS Manager will provide an updated list of students to the counselors. Pre-ETS staff will attend the annual AER conference.

Update PY2022-2023 All Pre-ETS counselors and additional DSB staff attended AER conference. While staff were not able to meet as a group, Pre-ETS counselors maintained contact with their local ESVI consultants, allowing them to continue to receive referrals to the Pre-ETS program.

Goal 3: DSB will expand its outreach efforts to include the general public, as well as the unserved, underserved, minorities, and stakeholders.

Strategy: DSB will expand and improve services to individuals who are blind or severely visually impaired in the underserved Delta area. Performance Measures: DSB will formulate an alliance with non-profit organizations established in the Delta region, to provide economic literacy and soft skills trainings to individuals living in poverty in the Delta region of the State of Arkansas. DSB will coordinate meetings with non-profits and agencies that are established in the Delta region, to provide information and trainings to individuals living in the Delta region of the state.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB outreach continues to be conducted by VR staff. However, DSB has also hired an Outreach Manager to assist with outreach efforts.

Strategy: DSB will use exhibit booths to educate the public about DSB services and their availability. Performance Measures: Each VR Counselor will staff at least one DSB exhibit at a widely attended or significantly relevant event in his/her territory. Staff will increase participation at job fairs and health fairs.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB outreach continues to be conducted by VR staff. However, DSB has also hired an Outreach Manager to assist with outreach efforts. DSB staff attend job fairs and events in their regions. DSB staff have also participated in partner efforts to expand information, such as events on ADA accommodations and transition question and answer sessions.

Strategy: DSB will increase its outreach to minorities and faith—based groups. Performance Measures: DSB will establish a cooperative agreement with the Urban League in Little Rock and Springdale to reach the underserved and unserved populations. VR Counselors will make at least four faith—based outreach efforts in each of their geographic areas annually. VR Counselors will make at least two minority outreach efforts to Hispanic, Asian, or other ethnic groups in each of their geographic areas annually. DSB will develop a new Faith-Based Outreach program. DSB will provide outreach training for their counselors and staff.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB outreach continues to be conducted by VR staff. However, DSB has also hired an Outreach Manager to assist with outreach efforts.

Strategy: Area Supervisors and DSB administrative staff will continue to attend the state conferences of blindness consumer groups, and opportunities will be offered to direct service staff as well. Performance Measures: DSB will continue to send supervisors/administrators to these conferences to interact with participants and they will make presentations as requested. DSB staff will attend the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Council for the Blind (ACB) state and national conferences. DSB will participate with other state conferences of blindness and visual impairment organizations to network on issues faced by other states and gain ideas about how to better serve individuals.

Update PY2022-2023 Supervisors and administrative staff attended NFB and ACB.

Goal 4: DSB will increase coordination with employers.

Strategy: DSB will ensure that all job ready participants will receive career exploration activities and work experience in their chosen career field at the job site. Performance Measures: DSB will arrange for tours of local businesses for job ready adult participants to explore potential career opportunities. DSB will arrange for job shadowing opportunities for job ready adult participants. DSB will arrange for informational interviews for job ready adult participants to explore job opportunities. DSB will arrange volunteer opportunities for job ready adult participants to explore career fields. DSB will accompany job ready adult participants to career seminars and career fairs.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB Staff received training and guidance on required supports and expectations for consumers in Job Ready Status. Staff also received training on how to identify consumers who should be placed in Job Ready Status. This training was at the July 2021 Field Services Meeting.

Strategy: DSB will become Chamber of Commerce members. Performance Measures: VR counselors will make contact with at least two Chamber members per month to learn about the trends and needs of those businesses. Each Counselor will obtain an updated Chamber list for their area. Each DSB office will join their local Chamber of Commerce. VR counselors and the Business Engagement Coordinator will contact chamber businesses. DSB staff will attend Chamber of Commerce events.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB renewed 5 Chamber memberships in PY2020. In PY2021, DSB joined or renewed 17 chamber memberships. DSB is currently a member of 24 local chambers in the state of Arkansas. DSB staff attend as many chamber events as possible. In PY2021, DSB has attended 8 in person chamber events.

Strategy: VR Counselors will conduct public speaking engagements. Performance Measure: At least one presentation per year will be given to the local area Lions, Rotary, Civitan, or Kiwanis Club in order to form relationships with local leaders by DSB counselors. Counselors will conduct COY presentations at local civic community clubs.

Update PY2022-2023 Due to Covid, PY2020 presentations were not done in group settings. In PY2021, some staff were able to make group presentations to their COY. However, most still were informal due to covid restrictions and consumer concerns about Covid.

Strategy: DSB management staff will connect with employers in each economic development district. Performance Measure: DSB management staff will establish at least one ongoing internship site per region for DSB participants. DSB management staff will work in conjunction with the Arkansas Apprenticeship program to locate apprenticeship opportunities for participants. DSB Business Engagement Coordinator will connect with employers in each economic development district and will develop internships and apprenticeship opportunities for participants.

Update PY2022-2023 The Business Engagement Coordinator has made contacts in all economic areas of the state through the local chambers of commerce. The local chambers have an array of different businesses to promote and partner with to achieve maximum employment expansion for all DSB clients. This promotes the whole workforce system dynamic for complete community and economic development.

Supported Employment Goals and Strategies:

Goal 1: DSB will increase the number of Supported Employment (SE) providers to better serve DSB participants.

Strategy: DSB will collaborate with organizations such as World Services for the Blind, Job Connections, AEDD Inc., Easter Seals and Goodwill to increase SE service availability in unserved or underserved areas of the state due to geographic or other issues. DSB will join ARS to conduct at least one meeting with providers to discuss ways to increase SE services to rural areas.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB is working with the Quality Employment Technical Assistance Center to develop and improve our Supported Employment Program. DSB is also working with the Helen Keller National Center to become an SE vendor.

Goal 2: DSB will increase Supported Employment services to Pre-ETS students and out-of-school youth.

Strategy: Counselors will determine whether students or youth are candidates for SE services during the employment planning process. Performance Measures: DSB will train new staff and provide updates to veteran staff on identifying and providing SE services to Pre-ETS transition youth. Staff trainings on Supported Employment and Customized Employment will be conducted.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB is working with the Quality Employment Technical Assistance Center to develop and improve our Supported Employment Program. DSB is also working with the Helen Keller National Center to become an SE vendor. Six staff completed the Supported Employment Course with Virginia Commonwealth University.

Goal 3: DSB will increase the quality of SE providers for individuals who are blind or severely visually impaired.

Strategy: DSB will determine SE vendor standards targeted to meet the blindness and visual impairment needs of its participants. Performance Measure: At least one presentation or training will be made to educate SE providers about vendor standards. DSB will provide training for SE providers on blindness and vision impairments.

Update PY2022-2023 DSB is working with the Quality Employment Technical Assistance Center to develop and improve our Supported Employment Program. DSB is also working with the Helen Keller National Center to become an SE vendor.