Attachment 6.7(b)
Explanation to Support the Decision Not to Establish an Order of Selection
During FY '98 the Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped (DVH) anticipates being able to serve all eligible individuals in the Commonwealth with visual disabilities. Consequently, the agency does not plan to implement an order of selection during FY '98.
During FY '98 the agency's projected fiscal and personnel resources will allow DVH to provide assessment services and serve all eligible individuals. The agency has also taken in consideration the assessment of the rehabilitation needs of individuals who have visual disabilities.
DVH has not been on an order of selection since July 10, 1995. Since that time, all eligible individuals with visual disabilities throughout the Commonwealth have been served by the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. During FY '98 it is anticipated that all eligible individuals with visual disabilities will continue to be served in a timely manner and will receive all VR services necessary to enable them to complete their Individualized Written Rehabilitation Programs (IWRPs).
During FY '97 assessment services were provided to all applicants and a full range of services, as appropriate, were provided to eligible individuals. In FY '98 the VR program will continue to provide services to all individuals currently receiving services, assessment services to all individuals expected to apply for services, and services to all individuals expected to be determined eligible, and meet all program requirements.
In FY '98 outreach activities targeting individuals with disabilities who may have been underserved or unserved will be provided. Application forms and referral information will be made available throughout the state. During FY '97 there were no delays in determining eligibility, development of IWRPs, or the provision of services, and will continue in FY '98.
During FY '96 or FY '97, the VR program did not have to implement an order of selection because sufficient funds were available to serve all eligible individuals. During FY '95 DVH eliminated many middle management positions, which allowed additional funds to be used for direct case services. Also, one regional office moved to the central office building, which resulted in additional funds for case services. Consequently, the agency was able to lift the order of selection the last quarter of FY '95. The above actions, along with additional social security reimbursements, will contribute to DVH continuing to remain off an order of selection.
Seventeen qualified VR counselors, located throughout the state in six regional offices, will continue to arrange for necessary services to be provided to determine eligibility, develop the IWRP, and provide necessary services to help achieve the chosen vocational objective during FY '98.
The conclusion that DVH can serve all eligible individuals is based on the agency's projection that 1,234 individuals with visual disabilities will be served by the VR program during FY '98. The agency will receive a minimum increase of approximately 3% in Section 110 funds. The law requires there be a minimum increase based on the rate of inflation. This increase, along with the additional case service funds made available as of the result of downsizing state government, makes it very unlikely that the agency would need to implement an order of selection. In making the decision not go on an order of selection, the agency projected the cost of serving the number of individuals anticipated to be eligible for services in FY '98, giving consideration to the types of services that may be needed by those individuals based on historical data.
The department has reviewed caseload and case movement/processing data and has concluded that staff resources permit cases to be processed/served in a timely manner.
