Narrative: o. 3.

DVR is committed to providing quality services to everyone who is eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services and recognizes the importance of effective outreach to ensure unserved or underserved populations have increased access to DVR. DVR intends to increase the number of applications for services from unserved and underserved populations, including minority populations. DVR has begun, and intends to increase, outreach to these populations to educate individuals with disabilities about DVR and support their access to vocational rehabilitation services, when these are needed. Strategies include:

• DVR will continue to strengthen communications, improve its website, and further develop its social media presence through a staff position dedicated to Partnership Engagement and Communication, which leads DVR’s efforts to ensure effective outreach strategies using a variety of modalities and approaches.
• As DVR continues to implement Employment First and expand the availability of Customized Employment and supported employment, as described in Section l, branding of these approaches may be considered in partnership with the Colorado Office of Employment First (COEF) to help create recognition within the community about the availability of these supports.
• DVR seeks to improve access in rural areas by evaluating office locations and adding offices in underserved communities when warranted. Two recent examples include adding offices in Cortez and Buena Vista. Similarly, collocations with Workforce Centers are considered when this would improve access in particular communities.
• DVR will evaluate opportunities to increase access to VR services within existing resources, such as by offering office hours at another WIOA program’s location, use of available technology, or other innovative approaches.
• The Blind and Low Vision Services unit also has an increased focus on building competency within rural areas to meet the needs of individuals who are blind or have low vision, with the expectation that this will increase access to services.
• Partnership with Wraparound Coordinators, Drug Courts, Parole and Probation, and various other community partners are intended to help reach individuals who are underserved.
• DVR will better leverage its participation on a variety of advisory councils and task forces to inform community partners and programs about the services and supports available through DVR.
• Cross training with the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services programs in southwestern Colorado is ongoing and is a critical component of increasing the cultural competence of DVR staff and improve access to DVR services for Native Americans.
• As described in Section (l), DVR will also focus on growth and development plans for all staff. These plans may include development of skills supporting the ability of DVR staff to provide culturally competent services when relevant. 
• DVR also seeks to continue to develop partnerships with Centers for Independent Living, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP), Adult Education, and other programs with which individuals with disabilities may benefit from co-enrollment and coordination of services.