Narrative: b. 1. A.

MVR and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) jointly conduct the comprehensive statewide needs assessment of the rehabilitation needs of Missourians with disabilities, over a three-year period. The last assessment was completed in 2021 and covered PY 2018 through PY 2020. MVR has contracted with the Institute of Public Policy through the University of Missouri to conduct the next assessment scheduled for completion in 2024, which will cover PY 2021 through PY 2023.

MVR submits the results of the needs assessment to the Rehabilitation Services Administration during the four-year combined state plan cycle, two-year modification cycle or anytime circumstances require a modification in accordance with 20 CFR § 676.145. This section pertains to the statewide assessment period completed in 2021 and illustrates all areas of need. The conclusions and recommendations of these assessments are incorporated into MVR’s goals and priorities for the purpose of improving services to individuals with disabilities.

MVR uses a mixed methods approach to collect, in aggregate, qualitative and quantitative information on the rehabilitation needs of Missouri individuals with disabilities. Information resources include:

a. Consumer Satisfaction Surveys

MVR routinely surveys a random sample of clients throughout various stages of open cases and case closures to obtain feedback on MVR services and to determine how to better serve the needs of individuals with disabilities.

b. Public Hearings

Annually, MVR conducts public hearings throughout the state to obtain input on the state plan, its key goals and priorities, plan changes and any other topic related to MVR services.

c. Input from the State Rehabilitation Council

During quarterly and ad hoc committee meetings, the SRC provides input to MVR on the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities.

d. Strategic Teams

MVR utilizes both ad hoc and on-going teams, such as the CRP-MVR Steering Committee Team, Transition Team, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team, to gather data from its partners, school districts and underserved individuals with disabilities.

e. Analysis of Performance Measures and Program Data

On a quarterly basis, MVR management reviews data to ensure the program is meeting its goals. The SRC annually reviews and analyzes this information with MVR and receives quarterly program updates.

f. MVR uses an online questionnaire to survey its staff on the rehabilitation needs of Missourians with disabilities, including students and youth with disabilities. The MVR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team reviews the results of the survey in order to make recommendations to administration on how to best utilize the feedback. MVR also reviews information from its annual training needs assessment to determine unmet needs of individuals with disabilities.

g. Annually, MVR leadership visits VR district offices to gather input on the needs of clients and individuals with disabilities.

Additional resources include:

• quality assurance case and fiscal reviews
• quarterly reviews of case management data
• census data annually or as data is available
• data from the American Community Survey and U.S. Census Bureau
• data from the Annual Disability Statistics Compendium
• data from Cornell University’s Disability Statistics
• data from other state and federal agencies
• data from state and community boards and commissions
• information obtained during WIOA partner team meetings
• due process hearings and mediations
• literature reviews

Feedback from recent public hearings cited that a lack of transportation was a barrier to services. MVR continually reviews this issue for possible resolutions. Offices work with local transportation providers such as OATS and Centers for Independent Living. One of the MVR district offices has a special arrangement with its local public transit agency where the office can order bus passes and provide them directly to clients. Housing, homelessness and affordable childcare were also mentioned.

Considered in this assessment period was the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities. MVR expanded its services by adding remote and virtual service options. Staff realized the importance of maintaining client engagement when in-person meetings were not advisable. They quickly adapted to virtual service delivery ensuring the continuation of quality services. MVR worked with its CRP providers to address COVID challenges. MVR raised its fees for service to offset the providers’ additional costs incurred. CRPs were given flexible service delivery options so clients’ needs could be met. At the onset of the pandemic, MVR met virtually each week with core and combined state plan partners to share updates on service delivery and keep abreast of partners’ COVID-related service initiatives.

The following is a summary of the comprehensive statewide needs assessment results in response to the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in Missouri, particularly the VR service needs of:

A. Individuals with the most significant disabilities and their need for Supported Employment;

According to the 2021 American Community Survey, Missouri’s population exceeds 6.1 million. Of that number, 897,969 Missourians report some type of disability. The rate of disability in the state is 14.8 percent.

MVR projects that the number of eligible individuals with most significant disabilities that will receive services will be 13,271. Of that estimate, 6,745 individuals will need SE services.

From the comprehensive statewide needs assessment, MVR identified the following services as necessary to meet the key needs of the MSD:

• SE Services – The nature of the service itself requires an individualized approach based on the needs of an eligible individual. SE services are ongoing support services, including customized employment, and other appropriate services needed to support an individual with a most significant disability to achieve and maintain competitive integrated employment. SE services include customized employment and IPS. Services are provided by CRPs. MVR can provide up to 24 months of community-based job training.
• Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Services – Services include assessment and recommendations for accommodations, assistive devices and rehabilitation technology necessary to improve the quality of work and/or increase work productivity. MVR counselors assess the need and consult with Missouri Assistive Technology.