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.
k. Coordination with Employers
In accordance with the requirements in Section 101(a)(11)(E) of the Rehabilitation Act, describe how the VR agency will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities in order to facilitate the provision of VR services; and transition services for youth and students with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
DSB counselors serve as business consultants, because they are most familiar with the skills, training, and capabilities of their clients. DSB counselors must complete a minimum of 2 employer meetings per month. This activity is done with the interest of the participant in mind. Counselors seek out employers who have career matches that meet the interest and abilities of the participant, or it is done with the aspirations and future goals of the participant in mind.
DSB has a Business Engagement Coordinator who networks with employers to identify needs and opportunities for DSB to serve both employers and participants. DSB's Business Engagement Coordinator also works with the Pre-ETS team to identify employers to speak with students about opportunities as well as to offer Work-Based Learning opportunities for students with a disability. The Business Engagement Coordinator is responsible for developing and maintaining the relationships with the State and local Chambers of Commerce and building relationships across the state with employers and other state agencies to promote employment opportunities for individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired.
DSB and other WIOA partners work together on the WIOA Business Engagement Committee to share information and provide information to employers on hiring individuals with disabilities. DSB staff participate in local Business Engagement Partner meetings at the one stop centers.