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.
k. Coordination with Employers
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(11)(E) of the Rehabilitation Act, describe how the VR agency will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities in order to facilitate the provision of VR services; and transition services for youth and students with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
LRS employs Rehabilitation Employment Development Specialists (REDS) regionally across the state. The REDS are responsible for developing relationships with local employers through ongoing and regular contact to facilitate the placement of LRS consumers into competitive integrated employment. LRS also employs a Program Coordinator responsible for the oversight of employment initiatives and provides training and technical assistance to the REDS. The local municipality of another region of the State hosts its annual diversity job fair and ensures to include LRS staff in its planning and execution. These job fairs offer opportunities for our consumers and employers to meet and begin the job application process. The job fairs provide another means for the REDS and Program Coordinator to maintain relationships with local, regional, and statewide employers.
As it relates to the provision of pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, fee-for-service vendors and VR Counselors coordinate efforts with employers specifically for students to participate in Work-Based Learning Experiences, Employer Site Visits, and Job Shadowing opportunities.