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.
e. 2. If the VR agency has elected to receive title VI funds, Section 606(b)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act requires VR agencies to include specific goals and priorities with respect to the distribution of Title VI funds received under Section 603 of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of supported employment services. Describe the use of Title VI funds and how they will be used in meeting the goals and priorities of the Supported Employment program.
Current Narrative:
DSHS/DVR estimates the Title VI Supported Employment Grant will fund an estimated 800 customers annually who receive supported employment services through Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs), resulting in 400-500 supported employment outcomes per year. At these levels, DSHS/DVR estimates serving approximately 3,200 supported employment IPEs and producing 1,800 supported employment outcomes during Federal Program Years 2024 to 2027.
DSHS/DVR provides supported employment services primarily to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSHS/DVR and its partners continue to pursue innovative strategies to expand these services to other populations, as resources are comparatively scarce. Many individuals with disabilities would benefit from supported employment, yet do not have access to a long-term funding source for extended services. Through continued collaboration, innovative approaches, and the use of natural supports, DSHS/DVR and its partners will be able to expand the availability, quality, and scope of extended services for all individuals who require supported employment.
DSHS/DVR strategies for expanding the availability of supported employment services support the Division’s overall goals of building a Highly Engaged, Diverse, and Skilled Team and Strong Business, Partner, and Community Relationships.
Specific strategies include the following:
- Participate in an interagency service committee, which supports initiatives to improve employment outcomes for persons living with developmental disabilities, mental health disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Train staff and partners on Social Security Ticket to Work incentives, which includes Plan to Achieve Self Sufficiency (PASS Plan), to expand revenue sources.
- Provide staff training on the use of natural supports and other behavioral health treatment modalities that can be utilized for DSHS/DVR Supported Employment customers for extended services.
- Coordinate cross-program training opportunities on innovative supported employment strategies.
- Coordinate cross-agency program training opportunities on the FCS Individual Placement and Support evidence-based model and the DSHS/DVR HCA/DBHR Interlocal Agreement.
- Participate in the FCS Advisory Committee.