Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
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.
- l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(11)(C) and (K), describe interagency cooperation with and utilization of the services and facilities of agencies and programs that are not carrying out activities through the statewide workforce development system to develop opportunities for community-based employment in integrated settings, to the greatest extent practicable for the following:
- l. Interagency Cooperation with Other Agencies
l. 8. Other Federal, State, and local agencies and programs outside the workforce development system.
Current Narrative:
Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS): DSB staff partner with the WSDS in providing referrals and services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low vision, or Deaf-Blind, and provides training and other supports to families and service providers. The WSDS is a strong partner within the Blind Youth Consortium.
Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ODHH): ODHH is a state agency that provides resources for DSB’s Deaf-Blind participants, including telecommunication—related services, reasonable accommodations to access services, and human services via regional service centers of the deaf and hard of hearing. ODHH manages the funds for the Deaf Blind Service Center, which provides information, referral and Support Service Providers for environmental interpretation.
Helen Keller National Center (HKNC): The Helen Keller National Center is a resource for DSB on Deaf-Blind issues and can provide contracted services to DSB participants as well as trainings for DSB staff for working effectively with Deaf-Blind participants.
University of Washington Center for Continuing Education in Rehabilitation (CCER): DSB benefits from services provided from CCER on rehabilitation training, state planning, and program development. CCER facilitates information-sharing and forums for problem-solving among peer VR agencies among Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Washington.
Northwest Access Fund: DSB informs agency participants of funding mechanisms for adaptive technology and financial planning through the and coordinates services to support small business ownership and self-employment.
Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE): The DSB Director participates as an associate member of the GCDE and partners with committee members on initiatives.
Tribal Governments and Programs: DSHS/DVR and DSB have a joint statewide cooperative agreement with thirteen Section 121 Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) programs operated by tribal governments, consortium of tribal governments, or a tribal organization that performs American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services benefiting more than one Indian tribe, including twelve in Washington and one in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This joint agreement outlines how all partners will ensure effective communication, collaboration, coordination, and cooperation in serving individuals with disabilities who are tribal members in Washington. The agreement, updated on an annual basis, outlines procedures for referrals, joint cases, financial responsibility, shared training opportunities, information sharing, transition planning, and communication. TVR directors meet annually with DSHS/DVR and DSB directors in a government-to-government collaboration to promote partnership, maximize resources, and ensure high service quality for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals with disabilities who want to work.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA): DSHS/DVR and DSB have a cooperative agreement with the regional USDVA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) and its regional offices to facilitate improved service delivery for customers receiving USDVA benefits by formalizing referral procedures, designating local referral liaisons, and coordinating services that contribute to the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges: The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) oversees the operation of thirty-nine Community and Technical Colleges across the state. DSHS/DVR and DSB develops cooperative agreements with SBCTC programs authorized, and not authorized, by WIOA to jointly serve students with disabilities who require VR services to achieve competitive employment outcomes. DSHS/DVR and DSB work closely with SBCTC to implement an Interlocal Agreement between the Public Institutions of Higher Education (PIHE), DSHS/DVR and DSB to support the costs of specific academic accommodations for students who are attending school as part of their approved IPE.