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
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
Describe the designated State agency's procedures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated State unit, including the following:
- 4. Staff Development
Describe the State agency's policies, procedures, and activities to ensure that, consistent with section101(a)(7)(C) of the Rehabilitation Act, all personnel employed by the designated State unit receive appropriate and adequate training in terms of:
- 4. Staff Development
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development; Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
i. 4. B. Procedures for the acquisition and dissemination of significant knowledge from research and other sources to designated State unit professionals and paraprofessionals.
Current Narrative:
Through training opportunities offered by other entities (i.e., George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University), VR counselors are kept informed of the latest developments in the field of vocational rehabilitation.
In addition, DARS has a Human Research Review Committee (aka Institutional Review Board) that reviews and approves, if appropriate, human subjects research involving staff and/or consumers of the VR program, Employment Service Organizations, Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, and Centers for Independent Living. This allows staff to participate in VR research activities and the results of the research are posted on the DARS' website.
VR staff also acquire knowledge of research activities with their involvement with the National Rehabilitation Association and are provided information and guidance around Virginia Rehabilitation Association membership.