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
- g. Coordination with Employers
Describe how the designated State unit will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities in order to facilitate the provision of:
- g. Coordination with Employers
g. 2. Transition services, including pre-employment transition services, for students and youth with disabilities.
Current Narrative:
Nebraska VR and Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) have jointly agreed on the minimum age of 14 for students with disabilities to begin the provision of Pre-Employment Transition Services per the NCBVI and Nebraska VR Cooperative Agreement.
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Many of the activities highlighted under (1) VR Services also enhance Nebraska VR’s transition services including Pre-Employment Transition Services. For example, as the Business Account Managers are working with employers, opportunities for students and youth are also explored. These work-based learning opportunities may include informational interviews, work-based learning experiences, job shadows, company tours, On-the-Job Evaluation and Training, internships, and placement assistance.
Certificate Programs
For the past several years, Nebraska VR has developed and maintained Certificate Programs. These Certificate Programs provide hands-on training for students and youth with disabilities (adult VR clients may also enroll). The specialized training results from a partnership with local Nebraska VR service offices, three (3) to five (5) core business partners in the area, a community college, and local schools. Students take classes, tour businesses and either work part-time or participate in an internship with employer partners. The programs are business-driven, short term, real life trainings that teach both technical hard skills and soft skills. Each training opportunity gives the students an opportunity to acquire the skills that they need to pursue in-demand jobs and careers. Current Certificate Programs offered include: Electrician Helper, CNA, and Welding. Nebraska VR will explore increasing the number of Certificate Programs available in the state.
Project SEARCH and Business Advisory Councils
There are currently fifteen (15) Project SEARCH sites in Nebraska. Consistent with the national model, Project SEARCH is a partnership between Nebraska VR, a business, area school systems, the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Assistive Technology Partnership, and Division of Developmental Disabilities. The one (1) year school-to-work program is business-led and takes place entirely in the workplace. The experience includes a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. While completing the rotations, the students have the opportunity to gain transferable skills, practice self-advocacy, and demonstrate work readiness. Nebraska’s Project SEARCH programs are hosted in a variety of businesses including hotels, hospitals, and distribution.
There are currently four (4) Project SEARCH Business Advisory Councils (BAC) in Nebraska, with the potential expansion of four (4) more. The goal of the BAC is to broaden the program across a variety of industries, provide individuals with disabilities access to the resources they need to be successfully employed in a wide-range of fields and serve as a platform to further educate business professionals about the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities. The measurable goal is 100% employment of Project SEARCH intern participants. Between the four (4) Nebraska BACs there are more than thirty (30) businesses involved. Nebraska VR will consider the expansion of BACs.
Project SEARCH also hosts an annual job fair for approximately 400 students with disabilities that provides the students with multiple opportunities to gain experience and knowledge of workplace activities and skills. These activities include mock interviews, skills assessments, classroom instruction, and interaction with employers. This event also brings in over fifty (50) employers from the area that have the opportunity to engage with potential applicants.
Sector Partnerships
Recently, Nebraska worked to develop several sector partnerships throughout the state. These partnerships are business-led with a focus on a specific prominent industry in that area (healthcare, manufacturing, etc.). A champion in that industry is assigned to lead the meetings and the goal of the sector is determined by each area (recruitment, retention, partnering with schools, etc.).