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.
- b. Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA).
Section 101(a)(15), (17), and (23) of the Rehabilitation Act require VR agencies to provide an assessment of:
- b. Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA).
b. 1. A. Individuals with the most significant disabilities and their need for Supported Employment;
Current Narrative:
In Program Year (PY) 2022, VR, in collaboration with the FRC, initiated steps to complete a CSNA. The CSNA was conducted by the San Diego State University Interwork Institute. They worked closely with members of VR staff, FRC and VR’s stakeholder groups to assess the perceived rehabilitation needs of Floridians with disabilities, using the following methods: analysis of existing data sources, key informant and focus group interviews, surveys of individuals with disabilities, partner surveys, VR staff surveys and business surveys. The CSNA focuses on seven topical sections and identifies recurring themes and recommendations for organizational and programmatic improvement. The CSNA final report is currently in development. CSNA findings and recommendations will help inform agency planning and development of state plans for program years 2024-2026.
The following represents selected initial recommendations in the seven topical sections from the upcoming CSNA final report.
Overall Performance of VR.
1. VR is encouraged to implement an initiative focused on rapid engagement of participants in the VR process specifically increasing the speed of eligibility determinations and increasing the speed to plan. An analysis of data on the speed to plan and its effect on outcomes in PY 2019 illustrates the importance of moving participants through the process from application to IPE. The data indicates that the sooner an applicant moves to IPE, the more likely they are to exit with employment. The difference between 2-30 days to plan and 91-150 days is 13%.
2. VR is encouraged to develop regular and in-person staff development and training opportunities as resources allow. When possible, partner agency staff should be invited to attend these trainings.
The needs of businesses.
1. Consistent with the previous CSNA and as resources allow, VR is encouraged to provide training for businesses on disability awareness and reasonable accommodation at work.
2. VR is encouraged to continue to emphasize long-term quality career placements as priority for VR and Community Partner placement agencies.
The needs of individuals with the most significant disabilities, including their need for SE. This may include but is not limited to the following findings:
1. Develop creative strategies to address the transportation barrier in rural areas.
2. Build capacity for rural Supported Employment providers and Customized Employment providers.
3. Conduct connectivity assessments for VR participants and provide services/equipment to increase internet access.
4. Ensure counseling staff have access to affordable housing resources that can be shared with participants.
5. Increase access to services such as benefits planning that promote financial literacy and empowerment. Develop strategies to provide these services to youth and students.