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. D. Youth with disabilities, including students with disabilities and their need for pre-employment transition services. Include an assessment of the needs of individuals with disabilities for transition career services and pre-employment transition services, and the extent to which such services are coordinated with transition services provided under IDEA.
Current Narrative:
The assessment findings underscore a trend: a rise in the prevalence of disability among transition-age youth in New Hampshire. Concurrently, there has been a notable increase in the proportion of youth served by the agency. These statistics emphasize the ongoing necessity for transition services tailored to the needs of youth and students with disabilities. Specifically, pre-employment services are crucial in bridging the gap between individuals' interests and employers' expectations. Such services are pivotal in equipping youth with the necessary skills and understanding to navigate the workforce successfully.
In the same vein, the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation maintains a collaborative agreement with the New Hampshire Education Department's Bureau of Special Education Support to address these needs effectively. This agreement enables Vocational Rehabilitation to engage with schools directly, collaborate with Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams to review plans and coordinate the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services. By fostering this partnership, both entities can provide comprehensive support to transition-age youth, ensuring they receive the tailored services and assistance required to transition smoothly into the workforce.