Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
n. 1. Specify the State's goals and priorities for funds received under section 603 of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of supported employment services
Current Narrative:
The methodology of the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) for distribution of Title VI–B funds is based exclusively on a fee–for–service authorization process with approved vendors of supported employment (SE) services. DRS uses no Title VI–B funds for administrative costs. Utilizing the DRS fee schedule for SE services, rehabilitation counselors utilize Title VI–B and Title I funds to provide needed SE services for eligible individuals with the most significant disabilities.
DRS established a statewide fee–for–service funding approach for job development services for SE– eligible individuals. This structure provides vendors an effective and efficient way of meeting the costs of this critical element of the job placement process. The process provides reimbursement for employment outcomes and brings increased energy and vendor resources to support job development activities.
In Program Year 2019, DRS authorized the full $300,000.00 of its Title VI–B funds to serve individuals with the most significant disabilities in its SE program through community rehabilitation program (CRP) services. When Title VI–B funds ($300,000 total per year with $150,000 available only for youth with disabilities) are exhausted, DRS defrays supported employment program service costs with Title I funds for individuals who require the services or who qualify and have not yet been served under the supported employment program. In Program Year 2018, DRS authorized $173,749 in SE services for 74 adults with disabilities and $174,258 in SE services for 58 youth with disabilities.
DRS plans to continue using three prevalent models of supported employment services: individual placement, mobile work crews, and enclaves. Additionally, DRS will encourage and support development of affirmative industries that integrate workers with disabilities and workers without disabilities throughout the CRP network. DRS considers each placement on an individualized, case-by-case basis to ensure the placement setting meets the definition of an integrated employment setting. For consumers with the most significant disabilities in supported employment, DRS strives for each consumer to achieve a competitive, integrated employment outcome.
DRS policies defining competitive employment settings promote linking CRPs with federal and state work contracts that may exist within the community. Such links expand job opportunities for individuals receiving SE, particularly those who reside in rural locations. This approach also directs Title VI–B and Title I funds into placement–related services and activities.
As appropriate, DRS will use the State funds allocated ($78,000) for ESES to expand employment opportunities for youth with the most significant disabilities (MSD). DRS will continue to educate legislature regarding ESES for youth with MSD to ensure continued funding for ESES.