Narrative: b. 1. C.

Needs identified through other components of the statewide workforce development system include:

• Increase knowledge of services offered across core partner agencies and how to connect with those services.
• Utilize a combined approach in the provision of services for apprenticeships.
• Accessibility of Job Center resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

RSB’s Job Development staff have continued to work with Job Center staff.  In turn, RSB can learn about various WDB services and programs. RSB provides job center staff with training on topics including blindness awareness, the RSB referral process, and the RSB programs and services. Further support to the local job centers is provided through individual vocational counselors and supervisor visits. When possible RSB staff provide on-demand training for job center staff. The purpose is to strengthen the partnership and encourage the joint delivery of services across agencies.

RSB staff remain in communication with WDB and Job Center staff in various stakeholder meetings. RSB participates in the monthly Missouri Job Center Connect Statewide partnership meeting with all WIOA partners to discuss services, performance, and provide agency updates. RSB Job Development staff also participate in seven Regional Employment Nexus groups to collaborate with our Workforce Development partners. In addition the Missouri Workforce Development Board (MOWDB) provides representation on the SRC for the blind. This provides RSB an opportunity to educate the MOWDB team regarding RSB services and capabilities of the population served. 

An area to be strengthened is the accessibility of Job Center resources for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. RSB executive staff have provided insight into this concern and are involved with multiple WIOA committees, the MAWD (Missouri Association for Workforce Development), and the Statewide Workforce Development Board. RSB staff have continued to provide assistive technology training to Job Center staff. RSB Job Development staff currently meet regularly with Workforce staff regarding making available apprenticeship programs more inclusive. In addition, RSB Job Development staff worked with the workforce partners to help make their fliers and social media more accessible for blind and visually impaired job seekers. RSB offers each local board technology assessments to help with accessibility solutions for blind and visually impaired individuals. This includes software assessments, software updating, and uninstalling old software. Additionally training was provided to staff on how to access the assistive software. Job Center staff have also been provided training in basic sighted guide techniques to assist blind or visually impaired patrons.

Other sources of potential clients include those that receive benefits of Missouri’s Blind Pension and Supplemental Aid for the Blind programs.  Blind Pension (BP)/Supplemental Aid for the Blind (SAB): BP average monthly caseload for PY 2020 was 2,695 and for PY 2021 was 2,696. SAB average monthly caseload for PY 2020 was 1,011 and for PY 2021 was 1,073. RSB receives monthly referrals for all individuals who have applied and been found eligible for Supplemental Aid to the Blind (SAB) and the Blind Pension (BP) Program. This organizational structure affords RSB access to Medicaid eligibility and services in the determination and utilization of comparable services and benefits. 

RSB clients are informed of potential resources within other components of the workforce system.  Clients may then be referred to other components such as the Missouri Job Centers and other Workforce partners.  The goal being to work collaboratively through a single point of entry to provide access to all helpful resources within the workforce development system.

A needs assessment of individuals working within other parts of the workforce system includes the following:

• Career Services –This includes a comprehensive assessment to help determine career goals, development of an IPE.
• Training  – Services include college, occupational, vocational, customized, literacy, disability-related skills training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and work-based learning experiences.
• Assistive Technology Services – RSB provides assistive technology services to accommodate the individual needs of clients in employment.  This includes assessment and training to ensure the most appropriate accommodations for the job.
• SE Services – If RSB clients require additional supports, RSB staff work with vendors to provide supported employment services and extended supports where necessary.
• Benefits Counseling - Provides an analysis of an individual’s current benefits, such as SSDI and SSI, the individual’s financial situation, and the effect different income levels from work will have on the individual’s future financial situation. This service is intended to provide the individual an opportunity to make an informed choice regarding the pursuit of employment.
• Job Search Assistance - Job leads, assistance filling out applications, resumes/cover letters, setting up accounts on job boards, contacting the employer on behalf of our clients, and so forth.
• Job Placement Assistance - Interview preparation, including performing mock interviews, completing onboarding paperwork/tasks, etc.
• Job Readiness Training -  Soft skills training including  how to accept and respond to feedback from peers and supervisors, professional work conduct, and how to be thoughtful and mindful of others.  Develop skills such as creating and following routines, time management, following instructions, and teamwork.
• Labor Market Information
• Employer Networking Platforms - Creating and operating platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed to allow clients to increase their overall visibility to employers and their communities.
• Educational/Credential Attainment
• On the Job Training
• Support Services such as uniforms, steel toed boots, equipment, transportation assistance, etc.
• Hiring/Recruiting Events

RSB will continue working with all partners to develop innovative programs that serve common clients, to develop new ways to provide job creation, and to work cooperatively towards removing the stigma associated with having individuals with disabilities in the workplace.  Improved common work needs assessments and referral processes to appropriate agencies will assist in the provision of services and success of clients served.