Narrative: o. 1.

These Goals, Objectives and Strategies to attain PY 2020-2023 goals developed based on the recommendations from the 2018 Statewide Needs Assessment as well as input from the State Rehabilitation Council.

Goal 1

Maine DVR clients will reach their employment goals and be valued members of Maine’s workforce as measured by a. measurable skill gains, b. credential attainment and c. successful employment closures in competitive integrated employment
Objective 1.1: To continue to reduce early exit from DVR services from 2,636 in  PY 2018 to 2, 500 in PY 2020 and further reducing to 2, 000 in PY 2023.

Strategies:
a. Provide staff training on techniques that promote engagement – such as Motivational Interviewing and Progressive Employment
b. Explore technological options to promote regular communication between clients and VR counselors
Objective 1.2: To promote increased access to and delivery of Pre–Employment Transition Services to all students with disabilities from 2, 287 reported activities in PY 2018 to 3,000 in PY 2020 and 4000 annually by PY2023 leading to improved post-secondary education and employment readiness.
Strategies:
a. Through use of Progressive Employment, Summer Work Experience, and other work- based learning opportunities, DVR will support at least 300 students with disabilities to have paid work experiences annually during PY 2020 through PY 2023.
b. Maine DVR - in collaboration with DBVI and with support from WINTAC – will launch a statewide peer mentoring effort during PY 2020. Peer mentoring will be provided by “near peers” to support preparation for post-secondary education and employment.
c. In partnership with the Maine Department of Education and Local Education Agencies, Maine DVR will deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services to Potentially Eligible and Eligible students with disabilities across Maine. This will include through joint activities such as job tours, job clubs, Transition Career Exploration Workshop, and delivery of information on labor markets and career pathways.
d. Maine DVR will partner with the Maine Department of Education’s Special Services and Career and Technical Education offices to develop opportunities to increase the delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services to students in Career and Technical Education programs.
e. Maine DVR will partner with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child and Family Services to ensure access to and participation in Pre-Employment Transition Services of youth served through child welfare and children’s behavioral health services.
f. Maine DVR will expand delivery of strategies to address the needs of rural youth including through online resources and Virtual Job Shadow.
g. Maine DVR will work with Maine’s Parent Training and Information Center to increase family awareness of Pre-Employment Transition Services and the value of early career exploration and planning for students with disabilities
h. Through its Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened, DVR will develop and deliver targeted Pre-Employment Transition Services in conjunction with the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School.
i. Maine DVR will explore opportunities to support delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services in conjunction with Job Corps and YouthBuild programming.
j. Maine DVR will participate in the Cross-Agency Council on Transition and support inclusion of DVR clients in the “Youth Advisory Group” to receive feedback and input on needed transition services and related policies.
k. In keeping with current research, Employment First, and the State of Maine’s Economic Development plan - collect and record data to track progress towards ensuring that all Maine youth have a paid work experience before high school graduation.
l. Maine DVR will implement and sustain promising practices and lessons learned for work-based learning from the RSA-funded Transition Work Based Learning Model Demonstration Grant.

Objective 1.3: To promote careers in high wage-high growth, STEM, and other promising industry sectors through the exploration and inclusion of career pathways in DVR clients’ Individualized Plans for Employment.

Strategies:
a. Deliver joint training opportunities for DVR staff and Community Rehabilitation Providers on best practices in the use of Career Pathways.
b. Provide training for DVR staff on using the Comprehensive Assessment of Rehabilitation Needs to promote use of Apprenticeship and self-employment as approaches to Career Pathways
c. DVR will build on pilot efforts in partnership with the Maine Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program to develop statewide policies and practices to promote increased use of Apprenticeship as a Career Pathways strategy.
d. DVR will work with DBVI and the Maine Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Program to ensure that clients who Deaf/Hard of Hearing or who have significant disabilities are included in the growth and expansion of apprenticeships in Maine.
e. Open and closed case reviews will monitor for inclusion of career pathway strategies.
f. DVR will participate in WINTAC-provided technical assistance on utilization of Career Pathways strategies

Objective 1.4: Through lessons learned from the use of Progressive Employment, expand the number of Maine employers who implement diversity hiring activities through engagement with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and workforce system partners.

Strategies:
a. In partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, participate in the newly-launched Maine Workplace & Disability Connection housed at the Maine Retail Association. This business to business platform will connect and support Maine employers hiring and retaining employees with disabilities.
b. Partner with local Chambers of Commerce, the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), and others to expand business outreach/network.
c. Actively participate in the Statewide Workforce Action Team (SWAT) that is made of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) core partners and others in the workforce development system to grow and diversify Maine’s workforce through targeted outreach to employers.
d. Develop, support and maintain DVR staff in each region with a specialized knowledge in business relations.

Goal 2
All individuals, including those with the most significant disabilities, will be served in a timely manner -which means determining eligibility within 60 days and developing Individualized Plans for Employment for all eligible clients within the 90-day time frame. DVR will continue to maintain no wait list for those individuals in categories 1 and 2 and will monitor the ability to again serve those in category 3 in the future.

Objective 2.1: To continue progress to reach substantial compliance (94%) in determining eligibility within 60 days of receiving an application for DVR services. DVR will progress from 79.4% in PY2018 to substantial compliance in PY 2020 and maintain substantial compliance or better in PY 2021-2023.

Strategies:
a. Collect data on eligibility determination and disseminate quarterly to DVR supervisors and managers to support best practices in the field.
b. Deliver staff training and supervision on best practices in eligibility determination – including use of strategies provided through technical assistance provided by RSA
c. Provide education and outreach on the use and ease of new electronic options - such as W.O.R.K. Services – to access and submit an application and supporting materials for DVR services.

Objective 2.2: To continue progress to reach substantial compliance (94%) in timely plan development by increasing the percentage of clients who are have an Individualized Plan for Employment developed within 90 days from 78.9% in PY 2018 to substantial compliance in PY 2020 and maintain substantial compliance or better in PY 2021-2023.

Strategies:
a. Collect data on timely plan development and disseminate quarterly to DVR supervisors and managers to support best staff practices in the field.
b. Deliver staff training and supervision on best practices in IPE plan development and Order of Selection (OOS) determination.
c. Increase use of the Career Exploration Workshop, which has been shown to decrease case length time.
d. Work closely with the Maine Department of Education to ensure implementation of the joint Cooperative Agreement and best practice guidelines on referral and timely application for transition age students.

Objective 2.3: Maine DVR will address the underemployment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by assisting them to prepare for, reach, maintain and advance in careers of their choice in keeping with Maine’s Employment First law and as documented by measurable skills gains, credential attainment and successful closures in employment.

Strategies:
a. DVR will partner with Maine DHHS’ Office of Aging and Disability Services and the Maine Department of Education to develop a plan to improve employment outcomes of people with disabilities in competitive integrated settings.
b. DVR will work with DHHS’s Office of Aging and Disability Services to provide joint education and outreach to individuals, families, case managers and other providers, on the benefits of employment and the process to access DVR services.
c. Increase post-secondary education and employment participation for high school students on the Autism Spectrum through participation in the DVR-sponsored “Step Up” program – a 5-week summer residential program held on a college campus. Step Up includes a 3-credit undergraduate course, paid work experience, and social skill instruction among other components.
d. Continue to provide access to and training on the BRIDGE – Career Exploration Workshop

Objective 2.4: Maine DVR clients will have timely access to appropriate Community Employment Services – including the use of qualified Community Rehabilitation Providers.

Strategies:
a. DVR will maintain and review data quarterly on the use of Community Rehabilitation Providers and related outcomes.
b. DVR will partner with other state agencies to maintain professional development for employment support providers through Maine’s Employment for ME Workforce Development system.

Objective 2.5 Maine DVR will ensure client services reflect access to and best practices in the use of Assistive Technology.

Strategies:
a. DVR staff will participate in training opportunities provided by Maine CITE, Maine’s federally-funded Assistive Technology program.
b. Individualized Plans for Employment will address the need for Assistive Technology as appropriate.
c. DVR will develop in-house capacity around the use of Assistive Technology to support vocational rehabilitation services through the support of two to three DVR staff in the new University of Maine at Farmington post-bachelor’s certificate in Assistive Technology Studies.

Goal 3
All Individuals served by DVR receive high quality vocational rehabilitation services in an accessible and culturally-competent manner that reflects the principles of universal design and informed choice as measured by consumer feedback and case review.

Objective 3.1: Maine DVR will work closely with Maine’s Section 121 VR Grant – Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation, to increase co–enrollment from 3 individuals in PY2019 to 10 individuals annually by PY 2023.

Strategies:
a. Maine DVR will include Wabanaki Vocational Rehabilitation in training and technical assistance opportunities – including New Counselor Training.
b. Wabanaki VR will provide training and technical assistance to Maine DVR on issues related to cultural competency and best practices in Native employment supports.
c. DVR will work with Wabanaki VR to increase opportunities for collaboration on delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services to Native American students with disabilities attending Maine high schools.
d. According to the joint Memorandum of Understanding, Maine DVR and Wabanaki VR will meet at least annually to review the agreement.

Objective 3.2: To address the growing numbers of Maine residents who are “New Mainers” and who may be eligible for DVR services, Maine DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

a. Provide staff training and development to DVR staff to increase cultural competence as measured through pre- and post- training evaluation.
b. Conduct educational and outreach activities to increase awareness of availability of DVR services.
c. Join with other workforce system partners to address common barriers to employment – such as transcript analysis, English language skills, and need for support services.
d. Ensure language access in all DVR-produced and delivered materials.
e. Include best practices in hiring and retaining New Mainers in employer engagement activities.

Objective 3.3: To support the successful reentry of individuals with disabilities exiting the correctional systems and reentering employment, Maine DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

a. Building on a successful pilot effort, Maine DVR will partner with the Department of Corrections and the Bureau of Employment Services to expand delivery of a targeted pre-release “Career Exploration Workshop” to state and county correctional facilities throughout the state.
b. Strengthen DVR participation in the Reentry Network, leading to increased knowledge of resources and supports to promote employment and reduce recidivism.
c. Maintain “Corrections Liaisons” in each office. Liaisons will be paired with regional correctional facilities leading to increased collaboration and timely pre-release referrals. Liaisons will participate in joint DVR/Department of Corrections quarterly meetings leading to increased coordination of services for mutual clients.
d. Provide annual staff training on best practices leading to successful employment for individuals with a criminal history.

Objective 3.4: To support successful employment of individuals who are Veterans, DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:

a. Continue to collaborate with Bureau of Employment Services’ Veterans Services leading to increased co-enrollment opportunities for veterans with disabilities
b. DVR will maintain “Veterans Liaisons” in each office. Liaisons will participate in quarterly Bureau of Employment Services’ Veterans Services team meetings to exchange information and plan joint events (such as targeted job fairs).
c. During PY2020, DVR will update its Memorandum of Understanding with federal Veterans’ Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment leading to increased referrals of Veterans eligible for both services.
d. DVR will provide training to staff on the employment needs of Veterans.

Objective 3.5: To support successful employment and community inclusion of individuals with dual sensory impairments (Deaf/Blind), DVR will strengthen its services to this population through the following strategies:
a. Through its Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened, DVR will work in partnership with DBVI and other community organizations to explore opportunities to build capacity of Support Service Providers across the state.  
Objective 3.6: Maine DVR will develop new strategies to increase the employment of people with mental health disabilities:

 Strategies:
a. DVR will partner with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and MaineCare Services to explore opportunities for collaboration to strengthen and expand employment services to individuals with mental health disabilities
b. DVR will work with the Department of Corrections through its quarterly joint meetings to identify effective practices in referring and supporting individuals for whom mental health is a barrier to employment.
c. DVR will partner with Clubhouses (that are certified or pursuing certification) to provide employment services that meet Clubhouse International standards.
d. DVR will maintain a liaison to the local Clubhouse in each office and work with them on joint training and outreach needs.
e. DVR will provide staff training at least annually on best practices in vocational rehabilitation for individuals with mental health disabilities.

Objective 3.7: Maine DVR will continue implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the public Workers’ Compensation system in order to better serve injured Maine workers who eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services.

Strategies:
a. DVR will maintain a roster of Board-approved Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
b. In conjunction with the Board, DVR will ensure at least annual training for all Board-approved VRCs.
c. DVR will meet at least annually with the Workers’ Compensation Board to assess the success of the MOU initiative.
Objective 3.8: Maine DVR will work with state agencies, treatment providers, and other partners to promote and support employment for individuals impacted by substance use.
Strategies:
a. DVR will provide training to staff, at least annually, on best practices in supporting the employment of individuals impacted by substance use.
b. DVR will participate in grant advisory and other work groups as requested.
c. DVR will participate with WIOA and other partners in targeted efforts to promote employment of individuals impacted by substance use.
d. DVR will explore effective strategies – like Progressive Employment – for use with this population.

Objective 3.9: Maine DVR will provide equitable vocational rehabilitation services to potentially eligible students and eligible youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ+.

Strategies:
a. DVR will convene a work group to review best practices in serving this population and make recommendations for policy and practice changes.
b. DVR will provide training to staff and review policies at least annually.

Objective 3.10 Maine DVR will work with Maine’s TANF/ASPIRE programs and contracted providers to increase collaboration – leading to improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Strategies:
a. Partnering with the Bureau of Employment Services, the Department of Health and Human Services and FEDCAP, pilot activities in two locations that build interagency collaboration and braid services on behalf of program recipients.
b. Enhance New Counselor Training with a poverty-informed module targeted to meeting the needs of individuals who receive these benefits.

Goal 4
Maine DVR services will be provided in partnership with Maine’s workforce development system as measured annually by documented collaborative activities, co-enrollment, technical assistance, and training – thereby increasing employment and credential attainment opportunities for jobseekers with disabilities.

Objective 4.1: Maine DVR will refer clients to workforce system programs and services to meet their needs and increase access to comparable benefits.

Strategies:
a. DVR staff will participate in cross-training on WIOA programs and partners to increase knowledge of available resources for clients and employers.
b. DVR will work with WIOA core partners to increase use of a common referral form.
c. DVR will work with partners at the local, regional and state level to deliver job fairs, targeted training, and other activities to meet the needs of jobseekers with disabilities.
d. DVR will work with WIOA partners to promote accessibility of CareerCenter programs and services.

Objective 4.2: Maine DVR will work with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act partners to share data and information leading to increased alignment of program and services and expanded opportunities for DVR clients.

Strategies:
a. DVR will complete Memoranda of Understanding with all required partners.
b. DVR, in conjunction with DBVI, will provide representation on Local Workforce Boards.
c. DVR will engage MDOL’s Center for Workforce Research and Information to produce updated disability data on the employment status of Maine people with disabilities.
d. DVR will develop strategies with WIOA core partners to provide referrals to workforce services for individuals found eligible for DVR under Category 3 but unable to be served by DVR due to waitlist.