Narrative: b. 1. A.

In 2022, the UA Little Rock Survey Research Center conducted the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA).  A mixed method approach was utilized to collect relevant and applicable data for the comprehensive needs assessment. The UA Little Rock Survey Research Center distributed five surveys to different constituent groups which represented 164 total responses across the various internal and external stakeholders (DSB Staff survey, n=45; Business survey, n=1; & Partners survey, n=18; Open Consumers (During Service), n= 63; Closed Consumers, n=37). In addition to the surveys, a series of face-to-face interviews and focus groups were conducted via zoom online technologies; phone interviews/ contacts; and typed responses from those unavailable to schedule for an interview or focus group. Focus groups were held for Field Counselors, Field Managers, Partners, and Board Directors, while interviews were held with all Senior Management members. Additionally, questionnaires were distributed to those populations for data collection purposes if they wanted to participate but were unable to join the scheduled focus groups. To conduct the internal and external environmental scan, researchers collected demographic and population characteristic estimates through publicly available datasets and analyzed Division of Services for the Blind administrative data.

Needs Assessment results suggest that community rehabilitation programs within the State need to establish, develop, and improve in efforts to provide job services and independent living skills.  Consumers stated the need for trainers for skill development for job placement, mental health services, soft skills and job skills training, mobility and self-independence training. It is noted that consumers who are served by the VR program need effective job services such as workplace readiness skills, job placement, and on-the-job training. Additionally, it is stated that independent living skills may present a barrier in consumers obtaining effective job services. However, the surveys of partners and staff suggest that the limited availability of service providers may hinder effective rehabilitation for VR consumers.

These barriers would be even more challenging for an individual with most significant disabilities to overcome. DSB is working with the Technical Assistance Centers to develop guidelines and recruitment tools to grow the availability of service providers and better evaluate the quality of services provided by vendors. Supported Employment services have been difficult in the past for DSB to provide due to lack of understanding and vendor availability. Goal 1 under Supported Employment is focused on increasing vendors and availability of services in conjunction with increased training and guidance for staff on Supported Employment.