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.
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development.
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act, the VR agency must develop and maintain annually a description (consistent with the purposes of the Rehabilitation Act) of the VR agency’s comprehensive system of personnel development, which shall include a description of the procedures and activities the State VR agency will undertake to ensure it has an adequate supply of qualified State rehabilitation professionals and paraprofessionals that provides the following:
- i. Comprehensive System of Personnel Development.
i. 4. Method(s) the VR agency uses to ensure that personnel are able to communicate in appropriate modes of communication with or in the native language of applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English speaking ability.
Current Narrative:
DVR is committed to providing quality services to everyone who applies for vocational rehabilitation services. Consequently, DVR strives to meet the communication needs of all participants. DVR collects information about preferred language at the time of application and utilizes available resources to provide services and information in the language preferred by the individual. DVR has staff members who speak a variety of languages such as Spanish, Hmong, Polish, and Hindi. All offices have access to interpreter and translation resources; these services are routinely used when needed to ensure effective communication. DVR also is able to access the State of Colorado Division of Refugee Services to capitalize on the knowledge, expertise, and resources available to provide the best possible rehabilitation services to individuals served in both programs. DVR ensures that critical forms are available in common foreign languages, including Spanish, and translates these forms to additional languages when needed. DVR continues to explore technological options to improve options for ensuring appropriate modes of communication, including tools available in Google, Zoom, and piloting Translate Live. While these tools cannot fully replace live interpreter services, they can support on-demand communication and minimize delays for individuals who reach out to a DVR office.
DVR has developed specialized Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to better meet the communication needs of individuals who are Deaf. Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is considered during the hiring process for these positions. If unable to hire a qualified rehabilitation counselor proficient in ASL, DVR explores opportunities to provide intensive ASL training to support effective communication. DVR currently has 10 staff who are proficient in ASL. All offices have access to interpreter services.
There are approximately seven community-based organizations throughout Colorado that provide interpreting services as well as numerous private vendors. DVR provides personnel or obtains services to accommodate individuals in need of appropriate modes of communication. Agency staff members who have an interest are encouraged to take sign language classes. DVR has contracts in place for interpreting services with several organizations and local staff are readily able to arrange for interpreting services. Every DVR office in the state has access to relay services and those offices that serve a high number of individuals who are deaf are equipped with video relay equipment.
DVR also has the advantage of having several local colleges that provide interpreter preparation programs, such as Community College of Aurora, Front Range Community College, Pikes Peak State College, and the University of Northern Colorado. The combination of these programs is expected to sufficiently address future interpreter needs.
The capacity to provide materials in Braille is available through equipment located in some of the offices throughout the state. Additional needs are addressed through private transcribers. This has been meeting the current level of need. Many individuals with vision loss prefer materials electronically and this is accommodated routinely. Materials are also routinely made available in large print. In addition, all of the orientation and mobility specialists and vision rehabilitation therapists receive ongoing training on the various uses of the iPhone and various applications that enhance accessibility.