Narrative: p. 2. B.

(B) Factors that Impeded the Achievement of Goals

Strategy 1.4: Increase consumer participation in industry certifications, apprenticeships, and post-secondary outcomes/impacts.

FDBS did not achieve this goal due to the temporary closure of CRP locations, some schools, and many businesses during the pandemic. FDBS revved up its activities around apprenticeships by working in collaboration with an interagency partner to educate counselors and other staff about these programs. In addition, FDBS made changes to the Aware case management system allowing counselors to track apprenticeship activities.  

Strategy 2.3: Increase the number of individuals with significant and most significant disabilities receiving services.

FDBS served 662 individuals with a significant disability in 2019 and 599 in 2020 – a decrease of 63. There were 744 individuals with most significant disabilities served in 2019 and 775 in 2020 – an increase of 31. This data demonstrates FDBS met half of this goal.

Strategy 4.2: Incorporate elements of the common performance measures into employee expectations and evaluations.

In 2020, FDBS added elements of the common performance measures to the performance expectations of VR (employment program) staff.

Other factors that impeded the achievement of FDBS's goals were as follows.

• FDBS has continued providing uninterrupted services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, online service delivery replaced many face-to-face meetings and trainings. This impeded delivery for those who lacked access to technology and technology training. With uncertainties related to COVID-19, some clients declined face-to-face services or put their training and/or vocational pursuits on hold.
• As a precaution, FDSB also temporarily shifted residential training into an online format.

The pandemic has presented challenges with filling vacant positions. This accompanied by lower salaries/wages, and staff turnover had an impact on some program outcomes. Supported Employment Program Goals:

For the 2020, the goals described below drove FDBS’s activities and service delivery for the Supported Employment program.

Goal 1: Highest Client Achievement

Strategy 1.3: Increase utilization of online job systems/portals to expose employers to job-ready FDBS consumers.

The SBC works with the district staff to ensure clients who are job-ready have uploaded resumes in the TAP. Employment Placement Specialists and counselors refer job seekers to other online tools, such as the Labor Market Information (LMI), National Employment Team (NET), Employ Florida and NSITE.

Strategy 1.5: Develop and implement an Employment Skills Training Program at the Rehabilitation Center.

The Rehabilitation Center provides employment training under the PEP and EEP programs. The PEP focuses on preparing clients for the workforce by training clients on interviewing, completing applications, professional presentation, etc. The EEP provides refreshers on skills obtained during the PEP.

Goal 2: Seamless Articulation & Maximum Access

Strategy 2.1: Increase the provision of accessibility tools, awareness, and regular follow-up with consumers to ensure equality in educational experiences and vocational opportunities.

FDBS has a license agreement with Vispero to provide accessibility software tools. The core partners and clients receive a link to register and download the software license. The agency or client can install the software on up to three computers.

Strategy 2.3: Increase the number of individuals with significant and most significant disabilities receiving services.

FDBS served 662 individuals with a significant disability in 2019 and 599 in 2020 – a decrease of 63. There were 744 individuals with most significant disabilities served in 2019 and 775 in 2020 – an increase of 31. This data demonstrates FDBS met half of this goal. The decrease is mostly attributable to the pandemic and the termination of the contract with the Conklin Center. The Conklin Center provided the bulk of services consumed by individuals with most significant disabilities. This created a small gap in services as FDBS shifted these individuals to the Rehabilitation Center.

Goal 3: Skilled Workforce & Economic Development

Strategy 3.7: Support and track successful employment outcomes for blind Floridians with significant and most significant disabilities.

FDBS uses the Aware case management system to track outcomes for all clients enrolled in the employment program.               

Strategy 3.9 Identify an approach to expedite eligibility and service delivery to individuals who are at risk of losing employment.

Policy 2.16 Timeliness of Services describes the process to expedite the provision of services for clients at risk of losing employment.

Strategy 4.7: Strengthen contract monitoring activities and procedures/protocol to reflect new requirements.

The contracts team updated the contract manual to create stronger procedures/protocols in 2020.

Factors that Impeded the Achievement of Goals

• FDBS has continued providing uninterrupted services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, online service delivery replaced many face-to-face meetings and trainings. This impeded delivery for those who lacked access to technology and technology training. With uncertainties related to COVID-19, some clients declined face-to-face services or put their training and/or vocational pursuits on hold.
• As a precaution, FDBS also temporarily shifted residential training into an online format.
• The pandemic has presented challenges with filling vacant positions. This accompanied by lower salaries/wages, and staff turnover had an impact on some program outcomes.