Attachment 6.4

Utilization of Community Rehabilitation Programs

DVH utilizes public and private non-profit Community Rehabilitation programs to provide services for vocational rehabilitation (VR) customers. Customers are provided an opportunity to make an informed choice between Community Rehabilitation programs as service providers. Informed choice also includes services in an integrated setting when they are available and are a viable alternative for the individual.

• The Department for the Visually Handicapped (DVH) Community Rehabilitation Programs
  DVH operates the Virginia Industries for the Blind (VIB) with one facility location in Richmond; a facility location in Charlottesville; and satellite operations in other locations, which are contracts with State, Federal or private industries. The satellite operations provide competitive jobs in integrated settings at the agencies or company sites. DVH also operates the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (VRCB) in Richmond. These programs operated by the agency provide assessments, training, and employment services for persons with severe visual disabilities.
• Other Community Rehabilitation Programs
  In addition to utilizing agency Community Rehabilitation programs, services may also be purchased from more than 80 public and private Community Rehabilitation programs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Cooperative Agreement between DVH and the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) permits DVH to utilize all Community Rehabilitation programs that have been approved by DRS. Per the DRS cooperative agreement, DVH does not enter into separate agreements with non-DVH Community Rehabilitation programs.
• Maximizing the Utilization of Community Rehabilitation Programs
  • Community Rehabilitation Program Advisory Committees:
    Each Community Rehabilitation program operated by DVH has an advisory committee that provides input regarding services and program operation. The agency's Advisory Committee on Services (ACOS), comprised of individuals representing each of the agency's service components, also provides input regarding Community Rehabilitation program needs. Additionally, the Vocational Rehabilitation Advisory Council (VRAC) provides input regarding utilization of Community Rehabilitation programs.
  • Annual Inventory of Community Rehabilitation Program Needs:
    The VR program conducts an annual inventory of Community Rehabilitation program needs which is an integral part of the agency's plan. Community Rehabilitation programs operated by DVH, as well as non-agency Community Rehabilitation programs, identify needs that, if met, would enable them to better serve individuals with visual disabilities. The following process is utilized to conduct the annual inventory:
    1. All VR counselors are sent inventories requesting that they identify all Community Rehabilitation programs utilized during the preceding fiscal year. They are requested to project their facility or Community Rehabilitation program needs for the next federal fiscal year.
    2. Annually, DVH surveys the Community Rehabilitation programs in order to ascertain their needs. Information identified from this inventory is utilized in Community Rehabilitation program planning.
    3. Results of the Annual Inventory for Agency Community Rehabilitation Programs:
       • Program: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind
       • Projected Need By Counselors: 170
       • Number on Waiting List: 38
       • Estimated Number to be Served in FY '98: 160
       • VRCB Needs - Upgrading, repair of existing technology, and purchase of new technology. Possible funding for basic adult education instructor depending on continued funding from Department of Education.
       • Program: Virginia Industries for the Blind
       • Projected Need By Counselors: 15 in manufacturing and one in the satellite operation
       • Currently Served: 70 in manufacturing and 18 in the satellite operation
       • New Hires FY '97: Two manufacturing and nine in satellite operation
       • Number on Waiting List: One in manufacturing and three in the satellite operation
       • Capacity for Additional Visually Impaired and Blind: Six in manufacturing and 10 in the satellite operation
       • VIB Needs (both locations) - 1) VRCB training program for secretarial, court collection, and general service positions; 2) continued equipment and job coach support for new blind service positions; 3) additional VR counselor to start May/June 1997.
  • Results of the Annual Inventory for Non-Agency Community Rehabilitation Programs
    1. Fifteen non-agency Community Rehabilitation programs were providing services to 91 individuals in FY '97 with counselors projecting 53 individuals needing services in FY '98. There were 12 customers on waiting lists for the 15 programs. Those 15 Community Rehabilitation programs reported they would be able to provide services to 131 additional individuals during FY '98.
    2. During FY '98, DVH will continue to work with those facilities that plan to develop stronger linkages with the private sector.
    3. During FY '98, regional offices will be requested to make available awareness training on blindness to all community rehabilitation facilities who identified a need for such training.
    4. During FY '98, DVH regional offices will be directed to contact each non-agency facility which responded to the annual facilities inventory.