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Plan: Washington PYs 2024-2027
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: l. 1.

Published
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.

    • l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies

      In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(11)(C) and (K), describe interagency cooperation with and utilization of the services and facilities of agencies and programs that are not carrying out activities through the statewide workforce development system to develop opportunities for community-based employment in integrated settings, to the greatest extent practicable for the following:

l. 1. State programs (designate lead agency(ies) and implementing entity(ies)) carried out under Section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998;

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)

Current Narrative:

DSHS/DVR has an Interlocal Agreement with the University of Washington, Center for Technology and Disability Studies, Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP), which is the state program carrying out activities under section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. WATAP provides AT device demonstrations and evaluations, purchases some equipment requested specifically by DSHS/DVR, provides our ATAPs with a technology “go kit” for working with Customers, and lends AT devices to staff and customers. DSHS/DVR maintains a close collaborative relationship with WATAP, which includes DSHS/DVR representation on WATAP’s Advisory Council. 

DSHS/DVR customers will continue to have access to assistive technology devices, services, and consultations. DSHS/DVR counselors will assess whether assistive technology (AT) services or devices are needed to address all customers’ barriers to employment as part of DSHS/DVR’s  standardized vocational assessment process. DSHS/DVR has four full-time Assistive Technology Assessment Practitioners (ATAPs) to provide customers with specialized AT assessments, consult with staff and customers regarding a full spectrum of AT services and products, coordinate service delivery with AT vendors, and disseminate information and resources about advancements in AT devices. 

To ensure that DSHS/DVR staff is informed of ongoing developments in the AT field, assistive and rehabilitative technology will continue to be a core focus of the redesigned DSHS/DVR VR Institute curriculum. 

DSHS/DVR will monitor AT service delivery in compliance with WIOA requirements. In addition, DSHS/DVR will renew its commitment to being an organizational role model in effective utilization of AT as accommodations for individuals with disabilities including, but not limited to, individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.