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Plan: Colorado PYs 2020-2023
Combined Plan C

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: o. 1.

Published
Located in:
  • Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)

    The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:

    __________

    [13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA

    • o. State's Strategies

      Describe the required strategies and how the agency will use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the VR and the Supported Employment programs (See sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)):

o. 1. The methods to be used to expand and improve services to individuals with disabilities

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2018-2019

Current Narrative:

DVR has identified the following strategies to support its goal to reduce the prosperity gap for people with disabilities by increasing quality employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities:

  1. DVR will promote the rapid engagement of job seekers.
  2. DVR will explore innovative opportunities to ensure continuous operation at full counselor capacity, despite inevitable situations of staff turnover, in order to improve the customer experience and support achievement of quality employment outcomes.
  3. DVR will improve vocational counseling and guidance efforts to assist job seekers to develop goals that will lead to quality employment outcomes within key industries.
  4. DVR will work with the State Rehabilitation Council to identify key data points, segmented at the appropriate levels, to monitor and track progress of all eligible individuals, including those with the most significant disabilities.
  5. DVR will explore opportunities to develop a baseline measure of the overall customer experience and use this information to consider actions that will improve the customer experience.
  6. DVR will develop and engage in outreach and awareness campaigns to improve access to the vocational rehabilitation program by individuals who are currently unserved or underserved.

DVR has identified the following strategies to support its goal to create a culture of growth and development to support staff retention and high quality service delivery to individuals with disabilities.

  1. DVR supervisors will assist staff to develop actionable and individualized growth and development goals, demonstrating commitment to highly skilled and engaged staff.
  2. DVR will pilot State as Model Employer strategies, building a more diverse and effective workforce, improving overall program quality and developing internal expertise, enabling DVR to provide technical assistance and support to other businesses regarding inclusive hiring practices.
  3. DVR will coordinate an internal staff committee to advise leadership on opportunities to improve the organizational culture, leading to the growth, development, and engagement of staff at all levels.

DVR has identified the following strategies to support the implementation of Employment First in Colorado, through the Office of Employment First and DVR’s Employment First Initiatives.

  1. DVR will monitor and support the ongoing development of the Office of Employment First, in partnership with the University of Colorado Medical School, JFK Partners; the Colorado Office of Employment First; the Office of Employment First Advisory Committee; and the Employment First Advisory Partnership (EFAP).
  2. DVR will effectively utilize Employment First staff positions, including the State Advisor on Disability Employment, I/DD Supported Employment Trainer/Coordinator, Behavioral Health Supported Employment Trainer/Coordinator, and Benefits Planning Coordinator.
  3. DVR will support the State Rehabilitation Council to effectively coordinate the EFAP and support Colorado’s progress on EFAP priorities and recommendations.

As DVR implements Franklin Covey's The 4 Disciplines of Execution, individual units and teams are developing Wildly Important Goals and Lead Measures that will support and evaluate progress in these areas. DVR is planning for a formal implementation beginning July 1, 2020.