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.
- d. Evaluation and Reports of Progress: VR and Supported Employment Goals
For the most recently completed program year, provide an evaluation and report of progress for the goals or priorities, including progress on the strategies under each goal or priority, applicable to that program year. Sections 101(a)(15) and 101(a)(23) of the Rehabilitation Act require VR agencies to describe—
- d. Evaluation and Reports of Progress: VR and Supported Employment Goals
d. 2. Performance on the performance accountability indicators under Section 116 of WIOA for the most recently completed program year, reflecting actual and negotiated levels of performance. Explain any discrepancies in the actual and negotiated levels; and
Current Narrative:
DSB has worked with RSA, the Technical Assistance Centers, and DSB's case management system to improve the accuracy and quality of the data submitted to RSA. As part of this process, DSB has made changes to the case management system and is working with staff to ensure they understand how to correctly input all necessary elements for accurate reporting of performance measures. Since Arkansas is a state with 2 VR agencies, the actual performance levels for DSB and the state are different. DSB improved Credential Attainment rates from 0% in PY21 to 40% in PY22. As a state, Arkansas exceeded on all RSA performance assessments provided. DSB continues to work to enhance progress on all measures.
Goal 1: DSB will continue to improve outreach across the State of Arkansas including in underrepresented areas. This goal will help DSB grow in both applicants and employers who receive services from the agency. As employers become more familiar with DSB and educated on the opportunities to hire DSB consumers, DSB consumers will have more opportunity for successful employment in higher paying careers. Counselor meetings with employers will allow them to have meaningful and informative discussions with their consumers about employment opportunities in their region.
Goal 2: DSB will increase the number of Rehabilitated Closures for the agency working toward a target of 200 Rehabilitated Closures per program year. As DSB counselors work to identify consumers who are ready for employment and aid them in obtaining successful employment that leads to rehabilitated closures, these consumers are more likely to still be employed 2nd and 4th Quarter After Exit. Identifying consumer skills and interests early on and taking a team approach to job placement will assist consumers with finding the career that is right for them. Placing consumers in Job Ready Status in the system will allow for supervisors and business engagement staff to identify which employers should be targeted first as there are consumers ready to be hired.
Goal 3: DSB will increase the availability of Pre-ETS services and opportunities for Students with a Disability (SWD). By identifying students with a disability who will benefit from services earlier, they are more likely to have successful long-term outcomes, which will enhance performance measures. In addition, VR eligible students with a disability provide the agency opportunity to improve measurable skill gains and credentials, as they are participating in credential opportunities.
Supported Employment Goal 1: Increase the number of successful rehabilitated closures of consumers receiving Supported Employment Services, including those for Youth with a Disability. By improving the identification of consumers who will benefit from Supported Employment and working to support those consumers in the VR process to successful closures, DSB will have increased long-term outcomes. Developing vendors who can provide supports during and after VR closure is essential to the success of SE consumers in maintaining their employment.
| Performance Measure | DSB Actual Rate | State Negotiated Rate | State Actual Rate | Performance Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measurable Skill Gains | 19.0% | 57.6% | 57.5% | N/A |
| Employment Rate 2nd Quarter After Exit | 44.8% | 60.5% | 63.5% | 101.1% |
| Median Earnings | $7,949 | $5,697 | $6,767 | 109.2% |
| Employment Rate 4th Quarter After Exit | 35.1% | 57.3% | 61.7% | 105.2% |
| Credential Attainment | 40.0% | 28.9% | 35.5% | 102.5% |