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:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
k. 2. B. The Supported Employment Program; and
Current Narrative:
In FY 2021, the Division expects to serve 142 consumers with most significant disabilities (i.e., OS category 1) in supported employment, using Title VI-B (for youth and adults with most significant disabilities) funds and Title I funds, as needed. This estimate is based on historical data and current trends in caseload levels, Order of Selection, the current and projected impact of COVID-19 (e.g., face to face service provision and job coaching opportunities), and the availability of fiscal and personnel resources. Additionally, DRS is working with the WV Developmental Disabilities Council and the WV Department of Education, Office of Special Education, to identify and serve more students with the most significant disabilities. While the agency has experienced a decrease in its number of consumers in recent years, the trend is expected to reverse, and the agency anticipates that the number of individuals in the VR system will increase in future years.
DRS plans to continue using three prevalent models of supported employment services: individual placement, mobile work crews, and enclaves. Additionally, DRS will encourage and support development of affirmative industries that integrate workers with disabilities and workers without disabilities throughout the community rehabilitation program (CRP) network. DRS considers each placement on an individualized, case-by-case basis to ensure the placement setting meets the definition of an integrated employment setting. For consumers with the most significant disabilities in supported employment, DRS strives for each consumer to achieve a competitive, integrated employment outcome.
DRS policies defining competitive employment settings promote linking CRPs with federal and state work contracts that may exist within the community. Such links expand job opportunities for individuals receiving SE, particularly those who reside in rural locations. This approach also directs Title VI–B and Title I funds into placement–related services and activities.
As of December 2019, DRS has acknowledged vendor agreements with 72 CRPs with 80 service locations to provide services to DRS consumers, including individuals with the most significant disabilities in supported employment. In FY 2019, DRS authorized $160,311.95 in SE services for 73 adults with disabilities and $168,773.56 in SE services for 56 youth with disabilities.
As the agency continues to implement the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, there will continue to be dynamic forces and multiple factors that contribute to the estimated number of consumers served by the agency. One factor is the agency continuing to experience a high level of turnover among its vocational rehabilitation counselors. This contributes to lower service levels due to the learning curve for new counselors. Another contributing factor to the estimates is the provision of pre-employment transition services. The agency has shifted fiscal and human resources to better serve students with disabilities.