Narrative: b. 1. B.

Underserved/ Unserved Populations:

Findings: The surveys, focus groups, and interviews noted participating respondents indicated the following populations were underserved for the state of Arkansas (Note: presented in no specific order and that listings are not mutually exclusive):

1. Racial and/or ethnic minorities
   1. Black/African American
   2. Native American & People Indigenous to the United States
   3. Hispanic/LatinX
   4. Marshallese population
2. Other Blind/Severely Visually Impaired Specific Disability Statuses
   1. Hearing-Impaired
   2. Deaf-Blind/Multiple disabilities
   3. Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric/mental health disabilities
   4. Individuals requiring long-term support/extended services
   5. Individuals with most-significant disabilities
3. Underserved geographic areas (e.g., Rural areas; & Delta region/ Southern Arkansas)
4. Age-related
   1. Youth & Pre-ETS
   2. Older Individuals Who are Blind
5. Veterans

Potential Recommendations & Considerations

1. Constant and continuous engagement and communication with underserved/unserved populations.
2. Representative hiring may be an avenue to engage underserved populations. Specific attention should be paid to hiring blind or severely visually impaired individuals.
3. The Transition-aged youth and Pre-ETS disparity was often related to turnover among staff for the schools – primarily related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue of not having a person in place to coordinate between the students and DSB was seen as a barrier to accessing services. Additional administrative measures related to this issue may be needed.
4. Education of existence/services/marketing (particularly in rural areas) as an avenue to engage populations not currently engaged. Expanding the reach and awareness of DSB could include but is not limited to (1) expanding the social media presence and online informational materials; (2) updating information in the handouts and providing materials that are translated or focused for specific ethnic and racial minorities; and engaging at other less traditional venues for employment services (e.g., Marshallese festival, faith-based community events; etc.).
5. Assessment of the services which were deemed readily available across the geographic areas of the state to evaluate adequacy of services available to individuals across the wide range of disabilities/needs noted above.
6. Consumer barriers were noted as the biggest external perception as to why consumers were not having their needs met. Additional review and evaluation of external barriers may help address serving currently underserved populations.