Narrative: b. 1. A.

The most recent Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment was completed in 2022 with Consumer Satisfaction surveys administered in 2021.  Survey respondents universally stated that training should be provided to LRS staff, vendors and legislators regarding the vocational rehabilitation program, service provision and budgetary needs; that more staff should be hired to increase capacity to serve; and that more vendors are needed. Respondents indicated that more consumers need LRS services and could be served if additional state dollars could be secured to match the federal funding available to the state.

Upon reviewing survey information of individuals receiving SSI/SSDI, the top needs identified by respondents included job placement (46%); job coaching (30%); benefits planning (30%); transportation (29%); job readiness skills (28%); and vocational guidance and career counseling (27%). They identified barriers to employment as being the fear of losing their government benefits (52%), lack of employer acceptance of their disability (44%), adjustment to disability (32%); lack of transportation (38%); lack of public services (36%); the slow job market (36%); and lack of medical insurance (27%).

Respondents receiving supported employment services identified the following as needs not being met: job placement (23%); training/tuition assistance (21%); transportation (21%); room & board (15%); mental health counseling (14%); post-employment services (14%); benefits planning (13%); and equipment for work (13%).

The barriers to employment identified by respondents receiving supported employment services included the fear of losing government benefits (40%); lack of transportation (39%); employer acceptance of their disability (36%); their personal adjustment to the disability (29%); lack of public resources (29%); the slow job market (21%); and the lack of medical insurance/care (20%).