Narrative: III. b. 4. B.

WIOA core programs are mandated to submit an annual report to federal agencies by October 1.  These results are used to determine the overall effectiveness of each program. The results also assist in planning for the subsequent program years.  

As mentioned previously, Adult Education evaluates each program annually through an E&E (Effective and Efficient) calculation, currently based upon the programs’ progress on the federally negotiated benchmarks in NRS Tables 4 and 5. Programs not meeting E&E are provided intense technical assistance to develop and implement a program improvement plan, with follow-up throughout the remainder of the program year.  In the program year 2021-22, 33 of the 37 local programs (89%) met the E&E requirement. This was a 5% increase over the previous year. In 2022-23, 34 of the 37 programs (92%) met the requirement, which was an improvement of 3% over the previous year. Only one program did not meet the requirement for the past two years but was held harmless due to COVID-19.  

Adult Education provides intense technical assistance for programs falling short of the required benchmarks. In the first year of not meeting the requirement, the program’s regional Program Advisor meets with the program to identify deficiencies and assist with developing a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) implemented by the program and monitored by the regional Program Advisor in the following year. If a program does not meet the E&E requirement for a second consecutive year, an Adult Education team meets with the program to identify deficiencies and assist in developing a PIP. Team members are chosen based on the needs of the program.  This targeted technical assistance effectively assists local programs in making necessary changes for future success.

Adult Education updates its monitoring instruments for annual site visits and program reviews as needed to ensure that providers are operating in compliance of federal and state laws, policies, and procedures. The most recent updates included an increased focus on collaboration with One-Stop Partners, student credential completions, and the integration of career pathways, workplace literacy, digital literacy, etc., across the curriculum.  

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Assessments: In PY20, 8,214 participants were served and 2,377 exited successfully employed. The employment rate second quarter after exit was 55.4% and the fourth quarter rate after exit was 50.5%. The credential rate was 19.2% and the measurable skills gains rate was 60.9%. During PY22 8,340 participants were served and 1,200 exited successfully employed. The employment rate for second quarter after exit was 65.2% and the fourth quarter rate after exit was 64.6%The credential rate was 35.5%and the measurable skills gain rate was at 59.4%.
 
Increase the availability of Supported Employment (SE) services to youth and adults with significant disabilities: ARS places a high priority on Supported Employment (SE) Services to youth and adults with the most significant disabilities. As a result of the 2021 RSA monitoring, ARS made changes to its SE services model. ARS continues to research other VR agencies to determine SE best practices. During PY2022, 381 individuals had an SE employment plan.
 
Improve public relations, marketing, information, outreach, and referrals:  ARS promotes the services of the agency and its programs through a variety of mediums, including digital platforms, video clips, written publications, graphic flyers, and our website. ARS has contracted with communications providers to offer materials in alternative languages and in alternative formats. ARS also hosts outreach events for special populations, like the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, to meet their unique needs. An online electronic referral form was developed that can be sent via a hyperlink that takes less than 30 seconds to complete to begin the referral process. QR codes are now present on all materials to make it much easier for potential clients to find our website and specific pages by using their phones to scan the codes. ARS used data gathered through the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment to set goals and priorities to improve services, marketing, and outreach for PY2024-2027.
 
Increase collaboration with business that leads to increased employment outcomes:  ARS is increasing partnerships with businesses to promote On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeships. The programs support paid work experiences for clients that can result in employment offers upon successful completion of the training. ARS partners with the National Apprenticeship Training Foundation and the Career Technical Education program of local high schools to bring apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to clients in a supported setting where they are succeeding and becoming gainfully employed in the medical field and in transportation/logistics upon completion of the programs.
 
Expand and improve transition services program: The transition services programs expanded to include work-based learning programs to school districts across the State where students are engaged in small-business efforts on campus or in work opportunities both on and off campus. The transition services program includes the Youth Leadership Program, summer Film Camp for careers in the film industry, College Bound Arkansas, the Transition Employment Program.
 
Develop and improve Community Rehabilitation Programs: ARS has an open application process for entities wishing to become a Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) vendor for external employment services. ARS provides training to CRPs throughout the year. ARS’ state-owned CRP Arkansas Career Development Center (ACDC) offers a limited number of programs via brick and mortar. In partnership with Educational Co-ops ACDC has expanded online/hybrid programming. ACDC offers Career Technical Education courses to high school students to gain industry recognized credentials, along with workforce experience. ACDC also offers several support services such as assistance with financial aid applications, interview skills, and job searching through the Student Assistance & Support Services (SASS) program. ACDC provides Career Counseling to 14Cs statewide. Recipients of ACDC services include pre-employment transition students, high school students, vocational clients, veterans, and juveniles.
 
Improve training, resources, and continuing education: ARS partners with the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the Council for State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Technical Assistance Center on Quality Employment, and San Diego State University to offer direct training on vocational rehabilitation service provisions and management of the vocational rehabilitation program. ARS offers direct training supports that are approved through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification for CEU credential training for counselors throughout the year.
 
Improve ARS’ ability to act as a resource when assisting individuals with disabilities and employers in addressing accommodation needs: A major factor in employers retaining employees with disabilities in the workplace is accessing and implementing appropriate accommodations. ARS, through Access and Accommodations and the Business Engagement Unit acts as a resource to other State agencies and private businesses to provide information and assistance on ADA accommodations, technical assistance on ergonomics, technological advances, and how ARS can aid in meeting accommodation needs for existing employees through assessment and training services. ARS’ Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work program assists employers in participating in the interactive process with employees with disabilities to access and implement workplace modifications and accommodations to get employees with disabilities back to employment as quickly and safely as possible or to retain employees with disabilities as productive/valuable members of the workplace.
 
Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery for agency clients: ARS is implementing a new case management system with enhanced features to create efficiency with data entry and a goal to improve timely services. ARS is focusing on rapid engagement process to include a short referral or QR code to start the referral/ application process. The agency field program is receiving technical assistance from VRTAC-QM, to help provide statewide training on fiscal basics and vocational spending. ARS is revising rates of payment for all services, to increase effectiveness to clients and establish consistency.

In PY 2021, DSB served 932 participants with 145 rehabilitated closures. In PY 2022, DSB served 1021 participants with 148 rehabilitated closures.  In PY 2022, the employment rate second quarter after exit was 44.8% and the fourth quarter rate after exit was 35.1%. The credential rate was 40.0% and the measurable skills gains rate was 19.0%.  The median earnings second quarter after exit for PY 2022 was $7,949.00.  DSB has worked with the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE) to increase staff capacity and understanding of the Supported Employment (SE) program. This will increase identification of participants, including youth, who can benefit from SE services. DSB has revised Supported Employment Policy and procedures, including rates and payment structure in response to the monitoring and feedback from RSA and the technical assistance centers.  DSB is working to expand Pre-ETS service provision across the state. DSB added the College Experience Camp for VR eligible Students with a Disability in July 2023 and looks forward to growing that program to meet the needs of participants. DSB staff have participated in the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, Association of People Supporting Employment First,  Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired,  National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, Lead VR, National Training Center for Transformational Rehabilitation Leadership, and Randolph-Sheppard trainings to enhance knowledge of VR and participant success. These conferences and trainings also provide insight and bring innovation to the agency. In addition, DSB has worked with and brough in trainers from all technical assistance centers to develop policy, procedures, and provide training. DSB has worked with the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management (VRTAC-QM) to develop a new rate setting guide and standards. DSB has worked with VRTAC-QM to update and improve the case and contract review process to allow evaluation of service provision.