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Plan: Arkansas PYs 2020-2023
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: o. 2.

Published
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:

    __________

    [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. 2. How a broad range of assistive technology services and devices will be provided to individuals with disabilities at each stage of the rehabilitation process and on a statewide basis

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2018-2019

Current Narrative:

Field Services staff receives training to determine whether a client would benefit from the provision of assistive technology services and devices at each stage of the rehabilitation process.  As appropriate, counselors refer clients to ARS’ Assistive Technology at Work (AT@Work) and Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) programs for assessment and consultation regarding the need for assistive technology as it relates to the achievement of their vocational goals. Counselors are also aware of services addressing the Arkansas Assistive Technology Act of 1998 offered by ICAN and the associated AFP.

ARS addresses the provision of assistive technology services for individuals with disabilities at each stage of the rehabilitation process in Goal 4: ARS will increase effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery.

Priority – ARS will ensure clients have access to assistive technology services by evaluating the need for assistive technology throughout the rehabilitation process, and make the proper referrals when assistive technology is appropriate.

Strategies – ARS will:

  • Make the assistive technology/AT@Work referral available in the CMS at the time of intake, plan development, placement, and post-employment checks.
  • Train staff on the assistive technology services available to clients.
  • Make application forms for various community service programs dealing with assistive technology available in the CMS.

ARS also addresses this provision in Goal 3: ARS will create effective partnerships to advance employment for Arkansans with disabilities.

Priority – ARS will increase services provided to public and private sector employers by leveraging Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) programs to assist employers in keeping employees with disabilities on the job.

Strategies – ARS will:

  • Increase the overall number of SAW/RTW and Job Retention clients.
  • Increase the number of employer referrals for SAW/RTW services.
  • Incorporate SAW/RTW services when business engagement staff interacts with businesses.