Narrative: d. 1.

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 Manager 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. 

Evaluation of Progress PY22-23: DSB hired an Outreach Manager to improve outreach efforts and ensure all regions of the state were covered. DSB counselors continue to conduct employer meetings monthly to assist with placing consumers. DSB's Business Engagement Coordinator has joined the State Chamber of Commerce and 51 local Chambers of Commerce and continues to work to connect with employers. DSB requires all chambers to sign the agreement to not use DSB provided funds for lobbying prior to DSB paying for membership. The agreement is maintained as part of the purchase order documentation and fiscal file.

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.

Evaluation of Progress PY22-23: DSB has developed a relationship with the Office of Skills Development (OSD) and partnered with them in a pilot apprenticeship related to Information Technology skills and placement. Currently DSB has one consumer moving forward in the program and is working with OSD and their partners to continue to expand opportunities. In PY22, DSB had 148 rehabilitated closures compared to 145 in PY21. 

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

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 ESVI and ASBVI to identify students, opportunities, and needs for Pre-ETS services.

Evaluation of Progress PY22-23: DSB has Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) in place with CAYSI and Helen Keller National Center to improve outreach and service availability to Students with a Disability (SWD). DSB offered the first College Experience Camp for SWD in July 2023 and is working with colleges to be able to expand this program to more locations and more students. All in person DSB summer camps were provided to VR eligible Students with a Disability, and DSB works with partners to ensure that a full experience is provided within the guidelines of allowable funding. DSB's Transition manager continues to meet regularly with ESVI and ASBVI staff. 

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.

Evaluation of Progress PY22-23: DSB worked with the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE) to improve the Supported Employment program. DSB staff participated in full day training in December 2023 on updated Supported Employment Policy and practices. DSB and VRTAC-QE are developing a vendor training and outreach event to help identify additional vendors. DSB continues to participate in APSE and will send staff to the conferences.