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Plan: Maine PYs 2020-2023
Unified Plan U

Section: Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Narrative: h. 2.

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

    • h. Interagency Cooperation

      Describe how the designated State unit will collaborate with the State agency responsible for administering each of the following programs to develop opportunities for competitive integrated employment, to the greatest extent practicable:

h. 2. The State agency responsible for providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities; and

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2018-2019

Current Narrative:

To ensure that individuals with the most significant disabilities receive quality vocational rehabilitation services and equal access to employment opportunities throughout the state of Maine, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation takes a multi–faceted approach that includes workforce development, engagement of business and the availability of support services for clients who need them, as described in the MOU with the DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services mentioned elsewhere in this state plan.

DVR/DBVI, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), continues to contract with Syntiro, a technical assistance and training provider, to administer a comprehensive workforce development system for Employment Specialists in the Community Rehabilitation Provider sector. This project, Employment for ME Workforce Development System, includes basic certification (ACRE) training, advanced topical skills training, maintenance of a comprehensive training calendar and for newly certified employment specialists. The system was launched in July 2011.

Coordinated planning with DHHS’ Office of Aging and Disability Services promotes implementation of best practices, smoother transition between systems and improved access.