Narrative: b. 1. A.

Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB), works cooperatively with the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRC), and regularly assesses the rehabilitation needs of Missourians with visual disabilities as part of its state and strategic planning process. This results in a comprehensive summary of the data in order to ascertain the needs of individuals with vision disabilities throughout the state. The most recent triennial assessment covers the period of PY 2019-PY 2021. Conclusions and recommendations of this assessment are incorporated into RSB goals and priorities. 

Vocational Rehabilitation clients served in PY 2020 was 1,249, during PY 2021 it was1,248, and for PY 2022 1,215 clients were served. The average length of time on service from opening 02 to closure was 1,266 days for PY 2020, 1,298 days for PY 2021, and dropped to 1,113 days in PY 2022. Rehabilitation Services for the Blind is not in an order of selection. RSB projects that funding for the 2024 and 2025 PY will meet the needs of all individuals who apply for services. 

Meanwhile, analysis of the SRC’s client satisfaction survey indicates RBS’s ability to meet client needs. In PY 2020, RSB had an 86% satisfaction rate based on a 15% return rate of survey questionnaires sent to all closed cases.  In PY 2021 the satisfaction rate was 87% with an 11% return rate.

RSB provides services to individuals who have a severe physical or mental impairment that seriously limits three or more functional capacities and fall into the category of Most Significantly Disabled. If through comprehensive assessment individual’s needs for additional supports are identified in order to gain or maintain competitive-integrated employment, then Supported Employment services are provided to obtain employment.    

Employment services and Supported Employment are provided through RSB’s vocational counselors and may also be provided through contracted CRPs. RSB maintains contracts with 10 Community Rehabilitation Providers offering community employment services including Supported Employment Services to the most significantly disabled.

The number of individuals who will receive services with funds provided under the Supported Employment Program of the Act is estimated to be 29 for PY 2022 and 29 for PY 2023.  These services include services provided via RSB staff as well as contracted service providers.  Individuals will need vocational rehabilitation services prior to job placement, and supported employment services, including customized employment, with ongoing supports following job placement. Services include:

• Vocational planning and a Vocational Planning Conference using a Vocational Planning Guide to communicate client needs, interests, and employment goals;
• Development of an action-oriented Discovery and Exploration Service Plan for discovery and exploration activities;
• IPE development based upon the results of the Discovery and Exploration Process and specific client service needs to include identification of on- and/or off-site job supports needed;
• Job Development and Placement assistance in obtaining competitive integrated employment including assisting the client job readiness activities, job supports(including natural supports), and/or accommodations.  This includes educating employers;
• Job Supports including job supports on-site, or a combination of on- and off-site supports and natural supports as determined by the needs of the client;
• Extended Services to identify the identified long-term provider to provide ongoing support services;
• Rehabilitation Technology services and devices necessary to accommodate the worksite.