Narrative: p. 1. A.

The following summarizes LRS’ objectives/goals and the progress that has been made toward reaching them for Program Year (PY) 2018.¹ State VR agencies submit a state plan annually to RSA to identify the goals and priorities of the state in carrying out the program.

Goal I: To maximize opportunities for individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive integrated employment and promote self-sufficiency.

Objective A. Provide quality vocational rehabilitation services leading to employment outcomes for 2,000 eligible individuals with disabilities annually through FY 2020.

Strategy 1. Evaluate and monitor case record documentation to maintain at least a 90% average level of compliance with LRS policy and procedures.

Progress: LRS quality assurance staff randomly selected and reviewed 267 consumer service records during the 2018 review cycle (January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018). Samples were drawn statewide from records in Service and Closed Rehabilitated statuses to review the following areas of casework for compliance: Application, Eligibility, Assessment, IPE, Supervision, Closed Rehabilitated, and Fiscal. The statewide rate of counselor compliance with agency documentation requirements delineated in the QA-1 monitoring form was measured at 94.9% (> 90% is considered “Satisfactory”) for the 2018 review cycle. This compliance rating represents a decrease (1%) from the 2017 review year which was measured at 95.9%. The sample size for the 2018 review year was in compliance with RSA recommendations (2%) based on total consumer population.

Each of the eight regions achieved a “Satisfactory” rating during the 2018 review cycle for casework documentation compliance measured by the monitoring form. Regional scores ranged from 91% to 98%. Corrective action recommendations resulting from QA monitoring activities for the 2018 review year have been implemented. The QA-1 monitoring form was revised to incorporate changes in LRS guidelines implemented over the past 12 months.

Strategy 2. Explore opportunities for consumers to participate in Telework in order to increase employment outcomes.

Progress: Telework employment options are considered for consumers when appropriate.

Strategy 3. Identify and collaborate with employers to provide job development, Work-Based Learning Experiences and job placement.

Progress: Through collaboration with the LRS Rehabilitation Employment Development Specialists (REDS) and local businesses throughout the state, 163 jobs were developed leading to successful job placements. Additionally, LRS vendors work with businesses throughout the year in developing jobs and placing consumers.

Strategy 4. Increase Counselor presence in secondary education settings in order to improve provision of vocational rehabilitation services to transition students.

Progress: Pre-ETS counselors have been assigned to all public schools throughout the state.

Strategy 5. Coordinate with employers on transition services for youth and students with disabilities.

Progress: Pre-ETS counselors and REDS have identified employers and placed students with disabilities into Work-Based Learning Experiences.

Strategy 6. Increase resources for assistive technology assessments and devices to improve employment outcomes.

Progress: The contractual agreement to hire a Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Engineer through LSU Health Sciences Department ended, and in compliance with guidance from RSA, the assistive technology program was re-vamped to be strictly fee-for-services.

Many, in-state vendor/providers have been vetted, and added to the approved, vendor’s list in the Technical Guidance & Assistance Manual (TG&AM) to provide rehabilitation technology assessments and training on a fee-for-service basis, to include vehicle modification specifications for LRS consumers. Specialized, professionals will conduct seating and positioning assessments, wheelchair and personal mobility evaluations, home modifications for accessibility evaluations, job accommodations assessments, and other rehabilitation engineering field services as required. The state-approved list of assistive technology and rehabilitation technology providers/vendors has been updated, and referral forms made available to the regional offices.

Strategy 7. Make all LRS documents available in accessible formats.

Progress: All documents can be provided in alternative formats, such as braille, large print, alternate languages, etc. upon request.

Strategy 8. Ensure LRS office buildings are 504 compliant.

Progress: Section 504 audits of the LRS buildings and facilities are on-going. In 2017-2018, Dr. Schweitzer worked with the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) Equal Employment Officer, to perform in-house Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAA) and Uniform Federal Access Standards (UFAS) assessment of our Baton Rouge Business & Career Solutions Centers, and the proposed Opelousas Center. One feature of this, included exploration of funding for accessible pathways from state-parish-city maintained pathways to these facilities.

Strategy 9. Expand employment opportunities through improved interfaces with professional organizations focused on employment.

Progress: The Rehabilitation Employment Development Specialists and Employment Coordinator participate in Job Fairs, Society of Human Resource Managers, Mayor’s Commission on Disability, Business Service, Reentry Meetings and Chamber of Commerce meetings. The Employment Coordinator has participated in the tours that employers were offering such as Cintas, a nationwide uniform business that has full time job opportunities and   The Employment Coordinator has also had several conversations with Amazon about their job opportunities and has passed that information along to the appropriate regions.  After the holiday season, the Employment Coordinator will be taking a tour of their facilities.        

Strategy 10. Increase outreach to targeted populations who are identified by the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment as being unserved/underserved, including those needing supported employment.

Progress: The Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment was conducted in 2017 and the results are in section (J) Statewide Assessment above.  The results of this assessment are being used to target areas of outreach. 

Strategy 11. Explore options for collaboration to provide transportation to consumers in rural areas.

Progress: A technical college with multi-campuses in Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes requested technical assistance in arranging transportation services for transition students to attend courses, following their graduation from high school. The Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging (TVCOA) and St. Helena parish transportation providers met with Dr. Schweitzer and the Dean of the North Shore Technical College to discuss a proposal to the Louisiana Department of Transportation to provide services with ADA-accessible vans between communities in St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes. The strategies behind this proposal will provide a reliable round-trip option for non-driving job-seekers, via apprenticeship and other transition, education plans for LRS consumers.

The Evangeline Parish the Council-on-Aging provides transit services for an LWC-sponsored apprenticeship training programs in Lafayette. A proposal to begin training technical skills at the Vocational Technical School in Ville Platte is in the planning stages.

As a result of WIOA-initiatives to increase collaboration between services agencies (LWC, LRS, VA, CAA and FITAP) at the local level, an initiative to link job-training and development programs between St. Landry and Evangeline parishes with Lafayette is underway from the Business and Career Solutions Center in Opelousas. The Community Action program has submitted a proposal to La DOTD that will build on their current fleet of five, USC-49 5310 (Elderly and Disabled) program vehicles.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Lafayette, Louisiana has linked urban transit services with rural communities such as Carencro and Breaux Bridge, LA. The LRS Regional Manager of the Lafayette office is an active participant in this MPO.

In 2018 the Technical Guidance & Assistance Manual (TG&AM) on Transportation Services was updated to provide Counselors with state-wide transportation resources that are current, and available.

Strategy 12. Explore options for collaboration to provide services to specific disability populations including those diagnosed with developmental/intellectual disabilities, autism, mental illness or addictive disorders, blindness/deaf-blindness, deafness/hard-of-hearing or individuals who are students in transition.

Progress: LRS has a fee-for-service agreement with Nicholls State University, University of Lafayette, Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, and the LSU Human Development Center to provide services to autistic and developmental/intellectual disability populations.  LRS also has eleven (11) Third Party Cooperative Arrangements with Local Education Associations (LEAs) throughout the state to provide Pre-ETS to students in transition. 

Strategy 13. Explore potential of establishing a program in Baton Rouge mirroring Café Reconcile.

Progress: LRS investigated establishing this program in the Baton Rouge area and determined that a similar program was already established.

Strategy 14. Explore potential of establishing a program to provide training to individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.

Progress: LRS has developed fee-for-service agreements with Nicholls State University, University of Lafayette, Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, and the LSU Human Development Center and a contract with Bossier Parish Community College to provide services primarily to consumers with autism.

Strategy 15. Explore how to determine if vocational training programs for industry-based certifications are qualified or certified to provide quality vocational training that results in competitive integrated employment outcomes.

Progress: LRS will work with the Workforce Investment Council to explore this further. 

Strategy 16. Collaborate with Louisiana Department of Health to determine if individuals interested in competitive employment and in Sheltered Workshops are eligible for VR services.

Progress: LRS is in the process of updating our Memorandum of Understanding with the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities to ensure a seamless referral process to LRS for individuals interested in competitive integrated employment. LRS also implemented WIOA’s subminimum wage regulations and developed guidance for staff statewide to aid in implementation.

Objective B. To expend a minimum of 15% of LRS federal funding to make available Pre-Employment Transitions Services      (Pre-ETS) to applicants and potentially eligible students with disabilities.

Strategy 1. Perform comprehensive statewide needs assessment to determine needs of students with disabilities.

Progress: The needs assessment was conducted in calendar year 2017 for submission in the State Plan submitted in 2018 and will be conducted again in 2020.  Students with disabilities were surveyed to determine needs and the results are being used to assist with strategies, outreach and activities.

Strategy 2. Expand outreach to students with disabilities to make them aware of VR services including Pre-ETS.

Progress: Pre-ETS counselors throughout the state attend IEP meeting, career fairs, and other school functions to make them aware of LRS services.

Strategy 3 Monitor the provision of Pre-ETS services to determine effectiveness and possible improvement to service delivery process.

Progress: Pre-ETS counselors monitor vendor activities in the schools to ensure delivery of appropriate services and determine any improvements needed.

Objective C. Increase the number of Randolph-Sheppard Managers earning at least $25,000 annually by expanding opportunities and enhancing consumer service delivery in the Randolph-Sheppard Program.

Strategy 1. Monitor all legislation, which might impact the program’s preference (first choice at selecting to occupy available locations).

Progress: This is monitored annually during the legislative session.

Strategy 2. Expand training opportunities for licensed blind managers to enhance skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and quality of service to customers.

Progress: Managers are provided upward mobility training annually. In the most recent Program Year, we began reimbursing registration fees for Randolph-Sheppard Managers who attend the National BLAST or Sagebrush conferences.

Strategy 3. Consider merging locations with annual earnings below $25,000.

Progress: As managers exit existing facilities, a systematic evaluation of the facility and potential for earning $25,000 or higher is undertaken. For those facilities that are not deemed to fall within that category, opportunities for merging with existing facilities and/or converting them to unassigned vending locations are investigated.

The location at the Louisiana Workforce Commission was converted from a Third Party vendor and assigned to a blind manager in November 2018.  Efforts are continuing to convert the location to a “hybrid” type location with a self-service micro market along with fresh food prep.  Customers are selecting from both pre-packaged items and/or items that are prepared on-site and paying for it using a self-service kiosk.  This is the first micro-market in Louisiana, and could serve as a basis for making changes to existing locations around the state as we try to adopt new technology to assist our vendors to become more profitable while providing excellent customer service.

During the year, we combined the vending locations at the all new VA hospital with the existing NASA vending facility in New Orleans.  This resulted in an increase of over 30% in the manager’s earnings.

In an effort to increase Randolph-Sheppard manager income at existing facilities, we have worked to improve product selection by upgrading equipment at multiple locations, including the Louisiana Department of Corrections and the Jefferson parish courthouse locations.

Strategy 4. Identify opportunities for new assigned and unassigned locations, including a staff position.

Progress: We will continue to pursue this goal pending availability of funds and positions.

Goal II: To ensure that Louisiana Rehabilitation Services has necessary and qualified rehabilitation personnel to provide quality vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive integrated employment and self-sufficiency.

Objective A. Provide training resources to 100% of staff in order to increase their efficiency in service provision through FY 2020.

Strategy 1. Implement upgrades to the Accessible Web-based Activity and Reporting Environment System (AWARE) software.

Progress: All upgrades were implemented through PY2018 to correlate with the state and federal guidelines. All Staff were trained on the changes in AWARE and were instructed on the information needed to address these changes. Supervisors were given instructions on monitoring the new information and changes in AWARE. During the New Counselor Academy, the new Counseling staff were trained on various functions of AWARE including layouts, reports, activity dues, and other case management tools to assist with managing timelines and case flow. Special attention was given to Measurable Skills Gains, Credentials, and Educational Goals.

Strategy 2. Identify alternative methods of succession training for staff members interested in pursuing leadership positions.

Progress: Succession training is provided through the State’s Comprehensive Public Training Program, mentoring LRS provides, cross training when applicable, and the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute. Staff members participate based on interests and career advancement goals.

Strategy 3. Provide in-service training to regional staff annually through a variety of methods as identified by training needs assessments/surveys and quality assurance reviews.

Progress: LRS provides in-person training, live video training, video recorded training, and archived accessed training to accommodate staff time and needs. In-person training is a very effective training method that allows staff to communicate with state office personnel and to relate field concerns. Each region faces a variety of obstacles that differ from region to region. Video training has allowed more flexibility to reach staff across the state on a more frequent basis without requiring state travel. Video recorded training is a vital resource for staff that may have pre-scheduled appointments and were not able to attend the live video training. Archived training is a good resource to have to refer to when staff want to refresh themselves on methods or procedures. Having a variety of methods has allowed LRS to reach more staff in various ways to communicate the necessary information.

Strategy 4. Provide support for professional staff to obtain a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.

Progress: Professional staff are encouraged to complete their Master’s Degree and are provided with information on Colleges and Universities that offer scholarships. In 2018, we had one Rehabilitation Counselor complete her Master’s Degree through the University of Kentucky and another begin the Master’s Program at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. New Rehabilitation Counselors have expressed interest in obtaining their Master’s Degree once they become more familiar with the VR process and more comfortable with their job duties.

Strategy 5. Develop and implement methods to increase recruitment and retention of qualified staff.

Progress:  Staff are offered numerous opportunities to attend conferences and trainings to improve competencies and skills. Staff are encouraged to submit any training request they find on their own that they wish to participate to the training department for consideration. Job related trainings are highly encouraged to enhance skills and knowledge about disabilities. Continuing education units can be provided by LRS for internal training events to assist staff with maintaining certifications. We encourage staff to assist with hosting interns to provide insight and ground level training to potential recruits.

Strategy 6. Provide LRS staff with disabilities, written or electronic communication in accessible format(s) or provide other reasonable accommodations.

Progress: Staff are provided training materials via recording, in braille, or in other alternate formats upon request.

Goal III: To maximize resources and pursue innovative means to leverage the state’s full federal VR grant allotment.

Objective A. Work collaboratively with Partners to leverage funding in order to ensure that services to consumers with disabilities are accessed and utilized to the utmost extent by FY 2020.

Strategy 1. Explore and utilize web-based networks in order to improve consumer employment outcomes.

Progress: LRS Counselors utilize the LWC Hire database to assist consumers in locating employment. In addition, the State Wage Interchange System Agreement has been signed to allow LRS access to wages of consumers working out of state.  The AWARE system has been updated several times to allow necessary performance data to be captured and LRS continues to look at more innovative ways to conduct activities more efficiently. 

Strategy 2. Continue collaboration with the Second Injury Fund (SIF) and request increase in funding to assist consumers in obtaining or maintaining employment.

Progress: During State Fiscal Year 2018, LRS served 758 consumers with SIF funds and spent the total amount allotted of $2,464,789.  Monthly updates are provided and a formal quarterly report to the SIF Board. In 2018 the Louisiana legislature approved the Second Injury Fund authorization bill and moved to remove the “sunset rule” that would have ended in 2020.

Strategy 3. Explore and implement third party cooperative arrangements with public entities and/or establishment projects with Community Rehabilitation Programs and/or public/private non-profit entities based on the needs identified in the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment.

Progress: LRS has negotiated Third Party Cooperative Arrangements with eleven (11) entities throughout the state including school boards, charter schools, and other public entities to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Strategy 4. Explore options to increase the number of Counselors dedicated to providing services to transition students.

Progress: All LRS rehabilitation counselors are trained to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services statewide.

Strategy 5. Collaborate with Veterans program and Apprenticeship program at LWC to determine methods to increase outreach and successful employment outcomes.

Progress: The Program Coordinator for Employment Development works closely with her counterpart at the state Veterans program and the Apprenticeship colleagues and often reminds the Regional Managers and their staff that participation in the Registered Apprenticeship program is a quality employment  goal as the chosen  occupation is learned through a structured program of supervised on-the-job training; and Registered Apprenticeships are clearly identified and commonly accepted throughout the industry,  requiring  a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience to learn and involves the development of manual, mechanical and technical skills broad enough to be applicable in like occupations in the industry.

Objective B. Monitor and evaluate 100% of the Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) for quality and cost effectiveness of service provision in order to assure compliance with agency standards through FY 2020.

Strategy 1. Monitor and evaluate CRPs through a Regional Triennial Renewal Process.

Progress: The Bureau of Community Rehabilitation Programs completed programmatic reviews of CRP’s across the state. Of those found to have deficiencies, feedback was provided regarding non-compliant areas and corrective action was taken to enable the CRP to become compliant. The triennial renewal was completed. Non- compliant vendors were required to take corrective action prior to renewal.  CRPs are continuously monitored at the regional level for quality performance as quality indicators must be met prior to payment for services.

Strategy 2. Monitor and evaluate the cost effectiveness of service provision by reviews of a sample of CRPs through site visits on an annual basis.

Progress: LRS reviews rates for services when it appears that a rate is too low or if a request for review is received.

Strategy 3. Annually measure consumer satisfaction with CRP services through a survey instrument.

Progress: The most recent survey completed in 2018 indicated an approval rating of 77% for the CRPs.

Strategy 4. Conduct outreach to determine potential vendors who can collaborate to serve targeted populations in rural areas including, but not limited to, those who are veterans, mentally ill, ex-felons, recovering from addictive disorders or homeless.

Progress: Regional Managers determine areas of service in which vendors are needed within the regions that they serve. In the event that a shortage of service providers is identified within a region, the manager will conduct outreach to determine interest by the public or local service organizations qualified to provide the targeted services.

Strategy 5. Explore the use of a vendor quality instrument and/or questionnaire for counselors/consumers to be used to provide informed choice.

Progress: LRS has considered the use of a “report card” for vendors and continues to consider this option.

Objective C. Explore the use of technology to increase LRS efficiencies in processes to realize cost savings.

Strategy 1. Explore requirements to upgrade AWARE to paperless system.

Progress: LRS has implemented the first stages of a paperless system and staff have the capabilities to attach documents in AWARE. Additional equipment will be needed to fully utilize a paperless system. LRS plans to purchase scanners and digital signature pads to assist in becoming more paperless.

Strategy 2. Explore options to increase functionality of LRS staff in the community by utilizing Telework, new technologies, and complementary work processes.

Progress: LRS has considered options to allow counselors to fully work from outside/community locations but does not currently have the appropriate equipment to access the AWARE case management system and capture consumer’s signatures. Laptops, scanners and signature pads will be required. New laptops are in the process of being purchased.  Scanners and signature pads are going to be purchased in the near future.

Goal IV. Investigate the transfer Independent Living (IL) Program to the Louisiana Department of Health to align with the federal program transfer.

Strategy 1. Discuss with administration of the Louisiana Department of Health, LWC and stakeholders.

Progress: Discussions were held and it was decided that the Independent Living Program will remain with LWC at this time. The IL Centers and their stakeholders have an excellent relationship with LWC and are satisfied with the current placement.

The following is a report of progress for specific LRS activities:

Second Injury Fund:

In 2018, LRS served 758 consumers with SIF funds and spent the total amount allotted of $2,464,789. LRS provides monthly updates and a formal quarterly report to the SIF Board. In 2018 the Louisiana legislature approved the Second Injury Fund authorization bill and moved to remove the “sunset rule” that would have ended in 2020.

Transportation Initiative:

A technical college with multi-campuses in Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes requested technical assistance in arranging transportation services for transition students to attend courses, following their graduation from high school. The Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging (TVCOA) and St. Helena parish transportation providers met with Dr. Schweitzer and the Dean of the North Shore Technical College to discuss a proposal to the Louisiana Department of Transportation to provide services with ADA-accessible vans between communities in St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes. The strategies behind this proposal will provide a reliable round-trip option for non-driving job-seekers, via apprenticeship and other transition, education plans for LRS consumers.

The Evangeline Parish the Council-on-Aging provides transit services for an LWC-sponsored apprenticeship training programs in Lafayette. A proposal to begin training technical skills at the Vocational Technical School in Ville Platte is in the planning stages.

As a result of WIOA-initiatives to increase collaboration between services agencies (LWC, LRS, VA, CAA and FITAP) at the local level, an initiative to link job-training and development programs between St. Landry and Evangeline parishes with Lafayette is underway from the Business and Career Solutions Center in Opelousas. The Community Action program has submitted a proposal to La DOTD that will build on their current fleet of five, USC-49 5310 (Elderly and Disabled) program vehicles.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Lafayette, Louisiana has linked urban transit services with rural communities such as Carencro and Breaux Bridge, LA. The LRS Regional Manager of the Lafayette office is an active participant in this MPO.

In 2018 the Technical Guidance & Assistance Manual (TG&AM) on Transportation Services was updated to provide Counselors with state-wide transportation resources that are current, and available.

Employment Initiatives:

Throughout the regions in this state, LRS continues to focus on business engagements which focuses on connecting with various employers and thereby increasing employment outcomes with people with disabilities. Our Employment Specialists, REDS, and our Program Coordinator continue to educate employers on the advantages on hiring people with disabilities and the financial incentives such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program (WOTC) that they may be able to receive. During Disability Awareness Month, (October) job fairs are held across the state which enables our consumers to make solid connections with employers that could lead to employment opportunities. Our Employment Specialist and REDS continue to provide job development/placement assistance to our consumers. This assistance may include direct job placement, job shadowing, work experience, on the job training, or custom solutions.

LRS has a dedicated State Office position that coordinates employment activities statewide. The Employment Initiative Program Coordinator serves as LRS’ direct contact to the VR Business Network and distributes job leads and information to the regional offices. The Program Coordinator continues to network by means of attending the Society of Human Resource Management monthly meetings, WIOA board meetings and monthly meetings with the Louisiana Diversity Council. The Program Coordinator continues to work closely with the Veterans personnel related to business engagement as employers often group veterans and people with disabilities as one group.

The Louisiana Rehabilitation Council also has an employment committee that focus on strategies used to increase business engagement as well as various approaches that we can use when working with our consumers to increase their own potential to employment. These committee members consist of Employment Specialists, HR managers from businesses, Representatives from Independent Living Council and former recipients of vocational rehabilitation services. The committee focuses on establishing best practice models to improve services and employment outcomes for LRS consumers.

Ticket-to-Work:

LRS continues to network and collaborate with MAXIMUS, as well as many other agencies in the state, to ensure Ticket-to-Work is successful in Louisiana. LRS continues to maintain a statewide 1-800 Ticket Hotline number for individuals interested in learning more about their Ticket and how LRS would be able to assist them.

In PY 2018, LRS received $732,404.41; this amount was a decrease from FY 2017’s $1,163,021.25 which was received from the Social Security Administration’s (SSAs) reimbursement program. The Program Coordinator continues to work closely with SSA to insure all documentation is submitted properly so that claims can be processed.

Collaboration with Title 121 Programs:

LRS and the Tribal programs continue to provide coordinated services under the collaborative agreement to make the rehabilitation process more responsive to the needs of American Indians with disabilities. The collaborative agreement allows for mutual acceptance of eligibility decisions, the provision of services through concurrent (joint) cases, the sharing of resources, and to continue cross-training opportunities to facilitate the development of staff persons.

Due Process:

LRS had two scheduled Fair Hearings during 2019. Of the two fair hearing requests, both were resolved prior to the actual fair hearing; There was one fourth level review.

Impartial Hearing Officers and Mediators are initially provided training on LRS Policy and Technical Assistance and Guidance manual materials. Copies of revised policy and technical assistance manual material is provided to the Impartial Hearing Officers/Mediators, if needed, training is provided.

¹ The goals and strategies identified in this section align with the goals identified in O.1. State's Strategies section and P.1.A. Evaluation of Reports of Progress of the 2018 State Plan.