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Plan: Arkansas PYs 2024-2027
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Blind)

Narrative: c. 2.

Published
Located in:
  • Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)

    The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by sections 101(a) and 606 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA.

    • c. Goals, Priorities, and Strategies

      Section 101(a)(15) and (23) of the Rehabilitation Act require VR agencies to describe the goals and priorities of the State in carrying out the VR and Supported Employment programs. The goals and priorities are based on (1) the most recent CSNA, including any updates; (2) the State’s performance under the performance accountability measures of Section 116 of WIOA; and (3) other available information on the operation and effectiveness of the VR program, including any reports received from the SRC and findings and recommendations from monitoring activities conducted under Section 107 of the Rehabilitation Act. VR agencies must—

c. 2. Goals, Priorities, and Strategies - 2

List and number each goal/priority, noting the basis, and under each goal/priority, list and number the strategies to achieve the goal/priority

  • A. Support innovation and expansion activities;

  • B. Overcome barriers to accessing VR and supported employment services;

  • C. Improve and expand VR services for students with disabilities, including the coordination of services designed to facilitate the transition of such students from school to postsecondary life (including the receipt of VR services, post-secondary education, employment, and pre-employment transition services); and

  • D. Improve the performance of the VR and Supported Employment programs in assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve quality employment outcomes.

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)

Current Narrative:

DSB developed the following goals, strategies, and performance measures for PY2024 and PY2025 based on the comprehensive statewide needs assessment, the agency's performance on WIOA performance measures, guidance from RSA, and recommendations from the DSB Board. The goals were approved by the DSB Board.

Goal 1: DSB will continue to improve outreach across the State of Arkansas including in underrepresented areas.

1.VR Counselors will conduct at least two employer meetings per month to connect with businesses in their area and be aware of opportunities for their consumers.

2. DSB’s Outreach Coordinator will attend events across the state to inform consumers and their communities about the services DSB will offer by 1) attending at least 3 events each month 2) attending events in every region of the state each quarter.

3. DSB's Business Engagement Coordinator will participate in Job Fairs, Business Expos, and Chamber of Commerce Events to make connections with employers that lead to employment opportunities for consumers. This will include 1) maintaining membership with the State Chamber of Commerce 2) maintaining memberships with local Chambers of Commerce 3) connecting with at least 5 employers each month to discuss possible job openings and opportunities. 

Goal 2: Reducing the number of eligible consumers who exit without employment, and increasing the number of successful closures will aid DSB in achieving the performance metrics. Therefore, DSB will increase the number of Rehabilitated Closures for the agency working toward a target of 200 Rehabilitated Closures per program year.

 1. VR counselors will work to place consumers in careers that meet their goals by 1) moving consumers who are ready to look for work into Job Ready Status in AWARE to allow for support in Job Placement Activities 2) providing the Business Engagement Coordinator with a list of consumers and their skills who are Job Ready to allow for assistance in Job Placement. 

2. DSB will work with the Office of Skills Development to improve referrals to Apprenticeships, including working to build upon the Apprenticeship Pilot that began in PY2022.

3. DSB’s Business Engagement Coordinator will cultivate list of jobs and related skills available in each region, updated quarterly.

Goal 3: DSB will increase the availability of Pre-ETS services and opportunities for Students with a Disability. 

1. DSB will continue to partner with Children and Youth with Sensory Impairments (CAYSI) to identify students who will benefit from Pre-ETS.

2. DSB will offer the annual Jump Start Camp both virtually and in person for students to gain valuable Work-Based Learning Experiences.

3. DSB will work with partners and resources to continue to identify additional service opportunities and programs for Students, such as the College Experience Camp to increase opportunities.

4. DSB’s Transition Manager will meet quarterly with the state Educational Services for the Visually Impaired (ESVI) and Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASBVI) to identify students, opportunities, and needs for Pre-ETS services.

Supported Employment Goal

Goal 1: Increase the number of successful rehabilitated closures of consumers receiving Supported Employment Services, including those for Youth with a Disability.

1. VR Counselors will receive training on DSB’s Supported Employment Policy and procedures and identifying consumers who need SE services.

2. DSB will develop vendor training and outreach to increase the number of available SE vendors working with the VRTAC-QE.

 3. DSB will send staff to the annual APSE conferences to learn more about Supported Employment.