Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by sections 101(a) and 606 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA.
a. 5. Provide the VR agency’s response to the Council’s input and recommendations, including an explanation for the rejection of any input and recommendations.
List each recommendation/input followed by the VR agency response
Current Narrative:
Input and recommendations received from the Council during committee meetings are shared with the LRS Director. Quarterly reports are provided to the Council during meetings to advise of updates regarding the effectiveness of LRS programs and the progress of recommendations that were offered.
Recommendation: The LRC recommended that LRS provide Pre-ETS overnight camps in Louisiana.
Response: LRS has been working with their vendors by creating opportunities during the summer to provide the five (5) required Pre-Employment Transition Services. LRS was requested to provide funding for an overnight Advocacy camp on the campus of University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Had the program conducting this camp provided appropriate documentation that was requested, LRS could have potentially assisted LRS consumers attending this camp receiving education or an experience that qualified as one of the 5 required Pre-Employment Transition Service activities. Maintenance/supports services would only have been offered to eligible vocational rehabilitation participants through approved Individualized Plans for Employment.
Recommendation: The LRC suggested that LRS staff improve the timeliness of processing invoices for Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs).
Response: LRS began utilizing the vendor portal which has improved timeliness of payments. To further this improvement, State Office staff is also assisting by alleviating the field staff of bill paying duties. LRS continues to provide CRPs and LRS staff with training on how to utilize the vendor portal.
Recommendation: The LRC asked LRS to consider conducting a CRP/vendor survey annually.
Response: At the time this recommendation was provided by the Council, LRS had been approached by other Workforce programs asking to join in the subscription of an updated Survey Monkey platform for survey implementation. Since that time, LRS has contributed to this account subscription and is now capable of creating and disseminating various surveys which will include those for CRPs/vendors.
Recommendation: The LRC developed a list of several questions to be added to the next Consumer Satisfaction Survey. The results of which will be utilized toward the development of the 2024 Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment.
Response: LRS incorporated all of the recommendations provided by the LRC into the survey instrument.
Recommendation: LRC asked LRS to assist in developing a marketing plan to help with recruitment.
Response: Members of the LRC provided a draft document during the July 2023 quarterly meeting and requested LWC approvals for this LRC membership awareness and recruitment flyer to be shared and disseminated publicly. Since this document contain the seal of the State of Louisiana and the official logo of Louisiana Workforce Commission, LRS worked with the LWC Public Relations Office to get the necessary approvals. The final document was approved by the LRC during the October 2023 quarterly meeting and was distributed to members and LRS staff to begin sharing as appropriate.
Recommendation: The LRC suggested LRS assist with providing information to current and former participants of Vocational Rehabilitation services about joining the LRC.
Response: LRS assisted by instructing staff at the Regional Offices to share the LRC membership flyer to current and former participants. The next Consumer Satisfaction survey will also contain information on LRC membership to educate the survey respondents.
Recommendation: The LRC requested LRS to develop a comprehensive statewide vendor list and publicize it on the LWC website, while also ensuring the site and associated webpages are 504 compliant.
Response: LRS worked with the LWC Information Technology department to address and correct accessibility issues found on the LWC website and its webpages. LRS identified links and pages that required reformatting for compatibility and accessibility purposes. These changes are also needed in order to accommodate a new virtual method of accessing the LRS Technical Assistance and Guidance Manual that will be made available to the public in January 2024. LRS will continue with these efforts to create an accessible vendor listing.
Recommendation: The LRC suggested LRS implement an on-going vendor training program (beyond annual training) that includes Counselors.
Response: LRS conducted virtual training for Community Rehabilitation Programs and LRS field staff statewide to discuss the implementation of changes made to procedures for Supported Employment and Pre-Employment Transition Services. LRS will conduct statewide vendor meeting and/or trainings as changes are implemented or emergent needs arise throughout the year.
Recommendation: To target underserved populations/rural parishes/cities to serve additional consumers, the LRC recommended LRS develop an outreach plan.
Response: Due to staffing shortages, current field staff are not able to conduct extraordinary outreach efforts. Once more staff can be retained, LRS will be capable of fulfilling this request.
Recommendation: LRC suggested LRS develop a statewide strategy to promote NDEAM annually and encourage vendors to participate.
Response: LRS collaborated with employers, job seekers, and community agencies to conduct a Statewide Disability Inclusion Virtual Job Fair during October (the designated National Disability Employment Awareness Month) during both 2022 and 2023. LRS vendors were encouraged to participate in this event. LRS will endeavor to make this a recurring annual event.
Recommendation: LRS was requested to continue to enhance service fee schedules to reflect and cover vendor expenses.
Response: During PY 2022, LRS received the results of a Rate Setting Study that was conducted by Louisiana State University. The outcomes of this study, in conjunction with other research performed, resulted in LRS increasing or restructuring fee schedules for multiple services. Efforts to maintain updated service rates will continue in order to retain and sustain quality service providers.
Other than the request to develop a plan requiring an increase of outreach activities, all recommendations have been considered and accepted by LRS. When LRS staffing shortages can be mitigated, this recommendation may be reconsidered.