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:
Goal 1
Maine DVR clients will reach their employment goals and be valued members of Maine’s workforce as measured by a. measurable skill gains, b. credential attainment and c. successful employment closures in competitive integrated employment.
Goal 2
All individuals, including those with the most significant disabilities, will be served in a timely manner -which means determining eligibility within 60 days and developing Individualized Plans for Employment for all eligible clients within the 90-day time frame. DVR will continue to maintain no wait list for those individuals in categories 1 and 2 and will monitor the ability to again serve those in category 3 in the future.
Objective 2.3: Maine DVR will address the underemployment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by assisting them to prepare for, reach, maintain and advance in careers of their choice in keeping with Maine’s Employment First law and as documented by measurable skills gains, credential attainment and successful closures in employment.
Strategies:
a. DVR will partner with Maine DHHS’ Office of Aging and Disability Services and the Maine Department of Education to develop a plan to improve employment outcomes of people with disabilities in competitive integrated settings.
b. DVR will work with DHHS’s Office of Aging and Disability Services to provide joint education and outreach to individuals, families, case managers and other providers, on the benefits of employment and the process to access DVR services.
d. Continue to provide access to and training on the BRIDGE – Career Exploration Workshop
Maine DVR places a priority on serving individuals with the most significant needs including those in need of supported employment. While DVR is able to expend all SE-A funds, the requirements tying SE-A spending to SE-B has been challenging due to the limited need currently to expend SE-B funds in accordance with federal guidelines. Coordination with other state agency partners, focus on employment fit and natural supports, and employer-provided supports have minimized the need to continue to need to expend SE-B funds for extended periods. DVR will continue to work with partners and will continue to provide training for staff on supported employment. DVR's Pre-ETS work will also help to build a pipeline of more youth who are entering employment - including those with the most significant disabilities who may need supported employment supports.