Narrative: k. 2. A.

In FY 2021, the Division expects to serve 4,816 consumers with disabilities (excluding potentially eligible students with disabilities), obligating $9.1 million of Title I funds for purchasing services for consumers. This estimate is based on historical data and current trends in caseload levels, Order of Selection, the current and projected impact of COVID-19, and the availability of fiscal and personnel resources. 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. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a negative impact on VR service delivery by creating barriers that reduce VR counselors’ ability to provide and the consumers’ ability to immediately receive face to face services. The COVID-19 pandemic also presents a challenge for potential VR consumers to obtain information about DRS services, especially for students with disabilities who may also find web-based, virtual learning, and information gathering a more challenging experience. These students with disabilities may be in need of additional supports from schools and DRS.

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.