Attachment 2.3
Public Comments for the Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan Summary of the Public Comments on the State Plan and its Supplement and the State Unit's Response to the Comments
The Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped (DVH) conducted public meetings in Arlington, Virginia on March 12, 1997; in Norfolk, Virginia on March 15, 1997; in Staunton, Virginia on March 18, 1997; in Roanoke, Virginia on March 19, 1997; in Richmond, Virginia on March 25, 1997; and in Bristol, Virginia on April 1, 1997, regarding the development of the State and Strategic plans. The agency received substantial input from those meetings as well as written comments.
Public Comment 1:
I know there has been meetings with the Department of Education (DOE) regarding student/teacher ratio. Everyone hoped that there would be an agreement reached to allow the blind to have the same ratio as students with other disabilities. Blind children now do not have any kind of pupil/teacher ratio. I would like to see DVH get back with the DOE and work out that kind of agreement; then perhaps, itinerant teachers could get to all the children they needed to get to. Maybe we won't have to go back to the legislature next year and ask for a law.
Agency Response 1:
While this is not a vocational rehabilitation (VR) issue for the State plan, DVH shares your interest in this matter. We support adoption of pupil/teacher ratios for teachers of the visually handicapped, and we have actively communicated this to DOE. However, responsibility for establishing pupil/teacher ratios resides with the State Board of Education. Your concerns have been shared with the agency's director of education services, who works closely with DOE.
Public Comment 2:
I am pleased to hear that some people who are job seekers and those functioning in a homemaker role have received computer equipment. I would like to see the agency continue those positive steps in that area. I would like to see more of an equipment and training package. Some individuals have called me and said they had equipment but could not use it. I know some good steps have been made but we need to smooth out the process.
Agency Response 2:
The agency is committed to placing adaptive equipment in the hands of those individuals who need it to participate in vocational training and/or employment. We recognize that technology is creating a more level playing field for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Even though DVH is providing technology to more blind and visually impaired people, we are aware that not all customers have ready access to the necessary training in the use of the technology, especially in their home community. To address the need for local training in the use of adaptive technology, we have initiated a statewide network of qualified tutors. We are also encouraging community rehabilitation programs (facilities) to provide training in adaptive technology for our customers. Adaptive technology training at VRCB has also increased. We know there is much more to be done, and for that reason, the
provision of adaptive equipment and training will be considered a priority in the State and Strategic plans.
Public Comment 3:
I think it is important for people who may not be in school or in a formal job to also have access to adaptive equipment. I have been out of the system for a few years, but I would like to know the policy for purchasing adaptive equipment, especially regarding the consideration of financial resources.
Agency Response 3:
The agency's number one priority is to assist blind individuals to obtain or maintain competitive employment, and our VR resources are committed to those customers. We do serve some homemakers, and based on individual need, the VR program will purchase adaptive equipment for those individuals if it supports the individual's VR goal. The VR
program does not consider financial need when purchasing adaptive equipment that is needed for an individual to participate in a vocational training program and/or employment, and there are no plans to change this policy.
Public Comment 4:
I want to commend the department for scheduling the public meetings where blind people meet and they can get participation. I also want to commend the department for its current consideration to use "Newsline for the Blind" technology, which will help in rehabilitation as well as making information that is available to sighted people available to the blind. I hope you will continue to find the blind in meetings like this and
reaching out to them with Newsline.
Agency Response 4:
We are very pleased with the attendance at our recent State plan meetings and plan to continue conducting them in conjunction with consumer organizational meetings when feasible. We want to pilot the "Newsline for the Blind" in the Richmond area for one year, and we are in collaboration with the Virginia Voice for the Print Handicapped, Inc. to initiate this program. The VR program has committed financial support for the first
year and are hopeful that other sources of funding can be developed for subsequent years if the program is successful.
Public Comment 5:
It has been the NFB's position, and my position, that rehab should work away from the financial means test. Rehab is a basic important government service not much unlike fire or police protection. The state should look at providing the service as a part of the investment in people. Some families will not spend the resources to send a blind student to college or to participate in some other training program. With the attitude like they are
regarding a blind person's inability to participate in work, etc., there are families that would think it is a waste of money to send the blind child to college. We need a commitment from the department to work toward minimizing the means test.
Agency Response 5:
We have taken several steps over the past two years to minimize the means test, such as:
- Eliminating financial need for the purchase of adaptive equipment.
- Raising the allowable level of income before requiring financial participation.
This, and other recommendations, will be reviewed by agency management, DVH's Board, and the VR Advisory Council.
Public Comment 6:
We need to look at how we value alternative techniques such as braille. Those who know braille have a better shot to be successful in employment. We need to take braille seriously as part of the rehab process, and we need it properly taught. Instructors at VRCB and field teachers should be required to take and pass the braille competency test offered by the Library of Congress. We expect people who teach mobility to be competent, and we should expect the same from those who teach braille.
Agency Response 6:
We will review this recommendation as a part of our comprehensive review of personnel standards for all VR service providers.
Public Comment 7:
One issue we have raised over the years and a point of difference we have with AER is the issue of hiring, employing, and using blind people to teach mobility. We are not saying blind people are better mobility instructors, but they have proven they can teach mobility and do a good job. I know the agency is always confronted with the lack of mobility instructors, and one way to solve this problem is to announce to the world that Virginia is now open and receptive to applications from blind people as mobility instructors.
Agency Response 7:
This recommendation will be discussed by agency management, the DVH Board, and the VR Advisory Council. We will also include this in our comprehensive review of personnel standards for VR service providers.
Public Comment 8:
The client's right of choice regarding where they can receive adjustment training. The client should be allowed to choose rehab facilities out of state. We know there has been a relaxation of the agency's unwillingness to allow this, and we applaud that and hope it is expanded. We believe VRCB will be a better facility if it understands it is in competition. I also applaud the rule changes that have taken place at VRCB.
Agency Response 8:
The agency considers customer choice regarding adjustment training and other services. We do establish a preference for in-state services, including VRCB, and hope that VRCB and the field program can meet the needs of most customers who need adjustment training. If customers' needs cannot be met by in-state service providers, the option is available for training at out-of-state training facilities.
Public Comment 9:
I realize education is not a rehabilitation function. It would certainly be easier to apply rehabilitation if the student is literate and well educated. DVH needs to be more forceful and say that students need to be literate. They need to know braille.
Agency Response 9:
DVH concurs with this comment regarding the fact that individuals who are more literate and educated are more employable. Strategies regarding how the agency can become more involved will be discussed (see Agency Response 6).
Public Comment 10:
There needs to be more training available for those already in a job to address technology. There is a need to have a place or someone to go to in order to have equipment checked and get training. I applaud the agency for allowing other users to get involved in training.
Agency Response 10:
See Agency Response 2.
Public Comment 11:
I have been asking for a Zoomtext for 2-½ months. I am a job seeker, and I would like to see more activity.
Agency Response 11:
If the equipment has been approved there should be no reason to wait 2-½ months. This software does not have to go out on bid. If it is a situation where the equipment is being requested, but not approved by the counselor, the decision not to purchase the equipment can be appealed. Regarding more assistance in job seeking, one of the responsibilities of a VR counselor is job placement. The amount of job placement assistance provided will vary
from customer to customer. Competitive employment outcome is a priority for VR counselors. If a customer feels he needs more activity in this area, he is encouraged to discuss the issue with the counselor. If a lack of assistance in job placement continues, the customer may appeal his dissatisfaction through an informal and/or formal fair hearing process.
Public Comment 12:
There are a lot of new counselors that have not been introduced to the Randolph-Sheppard program. We are a good source for permanent jobs as well as work experience.
Agency Response 12:
There is a VR staff meeting scheduled in June '97. A representative from the Randolph-Sheppard program will be invited to participate. This is something we have done on a fairly regular basis in the past, but we do have several new counselors. If any of them have not visited a vending facility, they will be encouraged to do so.
Public Comment 13:
It is taking too long to receive adaptive equipment for new vending stand operators.
Agency Response 13:
There should not be significant delays when purchasing adaptive equipment as far as purchasing procedures. If the delay occurs because the purchasing process has not been initiated, that needs to be addressed on an individual basis. We will discuss the purchasing of adaptive equipment for vending stand operators during the June staff
meeting.
Public Comment 14:
I received my computer in January 1995, and it still does not work. I also did not get the software package I wanted. I would have chosen windows if given an opportunity. Also, if my counselor had been trained to test my equipment a lot of money and time would not have been wasted.
Agency Response 14:
Fortunately, most equipment ordered is more reliable, but we understand that does not change your situation. Waiting almost two years to have equipment operational is unacceptable. As far as your software, we do try to give customers choice. If you received the software prior to January 1995, we probably didn't have staff available to train with speech to access windows. Windows is certainly available now for customers. We plan to stress "customer choice" during our staff meeting in June, and with the help of the VR Advisory Council, we will be developing a policy on customer choice.
Public Comment 15:
I understand rehabilitation teachers and some other staff are at a short supply. You need to get more bodies so people won't burn out.
Agency Response 15:
We have been very fortunate in being able to keep our field staff pretty much at the same level over recent years. Most of our downsizing has been in administrative staff. It is highly unlikely we will get additional positions, but we are committed to utilize what staff we have to provide the maximum level of service possible. In some instances, we might have to do things a little differently, but we feel we can maintain quality services for
blind Virginians.
Public Comment 16:
I attended the program at VRCB and would like to make some comments. They were not sure what they were doing because they asked me what would be the best for me. I didn't attend a rec meeting one time and was not allowed to go on a field trip. Another time I went as a sighted guide when I didn't attend the meeting. My counselor was switched because they were overloaded. I had to sign out when I went to the library. I also think the cafeteria
makes people too dependent. They carry trays for people, etc. I also, while at VRCB, blindfolded myself to practice mobility and one of the employees said "you are doing a very dangerous thing," and I was just walking around the grounds.
Agency Response 16:
It is necessary to switch counselors sometimes in an effort to distribute equally caseloads or to make other staff assignments etc. There have recently been some changes in the rules for customers attending VRCB, which we believe treat students as the adults they are. Some of your experiences that you have reported will be shared with the staff at VRCB.
Public Comment 17:
DVH, in the past, has not had a proper attitude about blind people.
Agency Response 17:
We want all staff to have a positive attitude about blindness, whether it be direct service staff, support staff, or administrators. We believe most staff do have positive attitudes, but we recognize there can always be improvement. To promote positive attitudes about blindness, the agency is implementing a new staff orientation program to instill positive attitudes in new agency employees. Staff will be required to spend one week at VRCB with blind students. They will participate in training in alternate skills while under sleepshades. The goal is to help new employees develop confidence in the alternate skills that enable blind persons to be independent and successful resulting in a positive attitude about blindness and blind people.
Public Comment 18:
I also believe staff at VRCB who teach braille should be required to pass the braille competency test given by the Library of Congress. Also, when you order books from the library by an author, you receive every book by that author. I also receive braille books sometimes in a box too small, which is not good for them.
Agency Response 18:
Your comment regarding the library will be shared with the library director. Regarding the requirement for braille competency see Agency Response 6.
Public Comment 19:
I would like to see DVH maintain its individuality, instead of continuing with the back room consolidation that still continues. Everything has to go through DRS. If we don't stand up for what we want, we are going to lose it.
Agency Response 19:
It is true that some functions have been consolidated with DRS. The activities that have been combined include personnel, fiscal, budgeting, purchasing, and management information systems. DVH remains a separate and independent agency as far as service delivery to customers. The agency has its own commissioner, board, statewide rehabilitation advisory council, administrative program staff, and direct service delivery staff. It submits a
separate State plan to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
Public Comment 20:
People who become disabled later in life have a much harder time in obtaining employment. I think the agency should pursue job placement aggressively. I understand you have to have skills.
Agency Response 20:
We do expect counselors to be aggressive in job placement activity; however, job placement activity needed will vary from customer to customer (also, see Agency Response 11). Age (in itself) is not a reason for an individual not to be able to successfully participate in a rehabilitation program and find a job.
Public Comment 21:
I hope DVH will continue placing emphasis on technology.
Agency Response 21:
There is no question technology will remain a priority in VR. Technology has opened the door of opportunity for employment for many blind people. The agency's financial and staff resources, including training, will reflect its commitment to making technology available when it is needed to enable a blind person to participate in training and/or employment.
Public Comment 22:
DVH should continue emphasizing transition services in the State and Strategic plans, as well as emphasizing technology.
Agency Response 22:
The new State and Strategic plans will address transition services and technology. DVH agrees that these two areas are very important if VR is to be successful in assisting blind people to achieve competitive employment outcomes.
Public Comment 23:
There needs to be more training available in the Tidewater area for those interested in technology. Having tutors available is helpful, but it would also be good to have a site where people who are working, etc. can go to at night and learn technology.
Agency Response 23:
The agency is interested in expanding technology training for its customers, especially those outside the Richmond area who might not be able to easily access training at VRCB. We are committed to doing more for those individuals. We are open to suggestions, and they will be considered for the Strategic plan if they expand services.
Public Comment 24:
Why can't anyone get a reading machine like the Kurzweil?
Agency Response 24:
The VR program can buy reading devises for anyone eligible for VR, and if the equipment is needed for an individual to participate in a training program and/or to achieve an employment outcome. Other programs in the agency, such as rehabilitation teaching and education services, also have eligibility criteria. They also have limited funding, which might prohibit the purchase of some equipment even if the individual meets program eligibility.
Public Comment 25:
What is available for an individual who wants to learn to use a computer and is not participating in VR because he is retired or does not choose to work? There has been a lot of smoke but little fire in this area.
Agency Response 25:
Technology services can be expensive so funding does become a factor in making technology available to non-VR customers. The VR program has federal funds appropriated to serve individuals eligible for VR. These funds have made equipment and/or training at an increasing level each year for the past several years. Unfortunately, funding is not available to such an extent for individuals not served by VR. We are working in that area trying to utilize all resources available for children and non-vocational adults, and we hope to make more progress. This concern will be shared with agency management.
Public Comment 26:
As a student at VRCB, I would like to have someone from the clergy provide counseling sessions that could be attended by students. Is this something VRCB could arrange?
Agency Response 26:
If you and/or other students want to invite someone in to talk with you during your free time, space could be made available to you for that volunteer activity.
Public Comment 27:
I just want to let the agency know how important technology has contributed to my success. I was first purchased a computer in 1987 when my goal was writer. With it I was able to sell my first book. I am now a music teacher and still writing. I have had my second computer purchased by the school, and technology has been the key to my success.
Agency Response 27:
We will continue to place emphasis on technology in the VR program.
Public Comment 28:
I just received my first computer and I have had problems with it. I think the agency should have one place they have computers shipped to and have someone there load the software on them.
Agency Response 28:
Our goal is to have someone in each region who can load adaptive software on computers purchased for customers. This should mean getting the computer quicker to the individual. If this is not working, we need to look at other alternatives such as what you are recommending.
Public Comment 29:
I am a high school student. I just want to thank DVH for helping me with work experience. I hope these opportunities will continue.
Agency Response 29:
The agency intends to continue working with students in summer work and work experience as a part of our plan to provide transition services.
Public Comment 30:
I am on staff at the residential school in Staunton. I think it has been important for students to have jobs while they are in school, and I hope the agency continues to help the students gain work experience. Programs at VRCB have also been very helpful to some of our students. I hope none of these are cut.
Agency Response 30:
The agency has no intention of cutting the transition services it now provides to students in the residential school or public school.
Public Comment 31:
It has been helpful to have the Staunton office located at the residential school. A counselor has attended every transition meeting.
Agency Response 31:
The agency is very interested in transition services and hope to be involved in even more activities in FY '98. We are looking forward to working with the school and would like to be involved in additional joint activities to improve transition services.
Public Comment 32:
I work at the Virginia Industries for the Blind in Charlottesville, and they have hired someone to teach computer skills. I think that was a good idea, and I believe each regional office should also hire a person. It takes too long if you have to wait for someone to come out of Richmond.
Agency Response 32:
The agency agrees that technology training should be available to individuals in the regions without a lot of delay. We are trying to address the need with a combination of local trainers (on the tutor network), facilities, and our staff. We will continue to assess the situation and will try to make technology services more available in those areas where the need is not being met. New positions are highly unlikely. We would like to meet technology needs by increasing the purchasing of these services, if possible. The State and Strategic plans will reflect efforts in this area.
Public Comment 33:
I am the superintendent of the residential school in Staunton. We are happy to have our association with DVH. We cooperated last summer in activities for students, and we would like to do more summer programs. We would like to see more activities like parent programs, etc. It is important that we do all we can together to get students off to a good start.
Agency Response 33:
It is very important that schools and VR work together. Students who have good skills will be more successful in achieving vocational goals. The VR program, and other DVH programs, will work with the school to expand services to students. The school's expressed interest to expand joint activities will be shared with DVH staff.
Public Comment 34:
When my son, who is deaf, was declared legally blind, we were hooked up with DVH. Then, he got opportunities he never had before. He will be attending Helen-Keller, thanks to DVH.
Agency Response 34:
Services to deafblind persons will be a very important part of our State plan for FY '98. We plan to increase services available to the deafblind in Virginia. More deafblind students have already begun to attend VRCB. We have purchased equipment to be used for training and/or evaluation for deafblind customers.
Public Comment 35:
Performance evaluation at VIB for employees need to be revised. Evaluations will allow you to score high enough to keep your job but not get a raise. Evaluations need to be changed because many at VIB never get raises.
Agency Response 35:
All VIB industry workers receive an annual performance review with salary action tied to performance. As a result, approximately 70% in both facilities received merit raises in 1995; nearly 80% in the Richmond facility and about 70% in the Charlottesville facility in 1996.
Public Comment 36:
I would like to see students be able to get equipment at an earlier age.
Agency Response 36:
The VR program can provide adaptive equipment by the end of the junior year, when it can be identified how the equipment can be used in vocational training and/or employment and the Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program (IWRP) can be written. It is the responsibility of school divisions to make equipment accessible to blind or visually impaired students when students need them for their educational programs. All students begin in the early years of school to use computers in the classroom and blind students should be able to access that information, too. Parents should address the educational needs of their blind children, including equipment, as part of the Individualized Education Plan that is developed between the parents and the school.
Public Comment 37:
We need to have, available in the state, training in technology for individuals not being served by VR.
Agency Response 37:
See Agency Response 25.
Public Comment 38:
The agency needs to streamline its procedures for purchasing adaptive computer equipment. When I was in Richmond, a request for purchasing equipment had to go across the street to be approved and again to be purchased.
Agency Response 38:
The agency has already streamlined its purchasing procedures for equipment to be used by customers. It can be purchased directly by the field counselor and is not required to go out on bid.
Public Comment 39:
The agency should take back magnifiers and other equipment that is no longer being used by clients. It would save the agency money. I have a magnifier I tried to give back, and they would not take it.
Agency Response 39:
We do accept useable equipment that is being returned by customers. In this situation, I don't know why the staff person did not accept it. However, it would be very expensive and time consuming to routinely track all equipment and follow up to see if it is being used. When equipment is assigned to customers, a Receipt of Equipment form is completed. The Receipt of Equipment form does say the equipment is to be returned if it is no longer being
used for the reason it was purchased.
Public Comment 40:
I have a secondary disability, and I attended VRCB. I was injured while there. I think the staff there should be more aware of needs and how to treat people with other disabilities.
Agency Response 40:
This comment will be shared with the director of VRCB.
Public Comment 41:
I would like to see more done in the area of job placement in Roanoke. I do not want to relocate to find a job.
Agency Response 41:
See Agency Response 11. Also, the regional manager will be consulted regarding specific strategies that might be initiated in this region.
Public Comment 42:
I agree DVH is doing much more in the area of providing adaptive equipment. I believe some equipment should be more customer friendly. For example, my printer has lights to tell when it is on or off.
Agency Response 42:
It is agreed that equipment should be customer friendly. This is something that staff will be reminded of.
Public Comment 43:
DVH should be more careful about who they sponsor college training. Often they are funded with a prayer and flunk out banked by DVH.
Agency Response 43:
We certainly appreciate concerns regarding wise expenditure of funds. We do have guidelines regarding the length of time we will sponsor college students, etc. We have policies to ensure that funds are not wasted, but we also have to respect a client's right to choose. If it appears a customer does not have the ability to succeed in college, he is provided information so he can make other choices.
Public Comment 44:
I would also like to see more job opportunities outside Richmond and Northern Virginia. I did go to Northern Virginia and interviewed for a GSA job, but I never heard from them.
Agency Response 44:
It is VIB standard practice to respond to all candidates interviewed. The individual in this case received a job offer at the conclusion of all interviews but declined to accept.
Public Comment 45:
Agency staff should develop jobs in other areas of the state like Circuit City in Richmond and the GSA jobs in Northern Virginia.
Agency Response 45:
VIB has expanded service jobs to the Norfolk area and is currently persuing opportunities in Richmond. Other areas of the State will be considered in the future.
Public Comment 46:
Employers look at blind people as an added expense. It doesn't matter what DVH does, that will not change.
Agency Response 46:
No employer should be expected to hire anyone who will be a liability rather than an asset to his business. You need to work with VR to help you acquire the necessary skills in order that you can contribute to an employment situation. You may want to participate in job-seeking skills training to learn to meet objections raised by employers and to sell yourself to employers in a positive manner. Funds will be made available in FY '98 to
establish job clubs, job-seeking skills training, etc.
Public Comment 47:
There is adaptive equipment at the local community college but no permanent staff person there who knows how to use it. The older equipment was purchased by DVH and the newer equipment by ACB. They waste time, and we waste time. Someone needs to teach them to use it so they can teach students.
Agency Response 47:
The agency is moving toward providing adaptive equipment for students it sponsors in college. Each student needs to learn the software needed to operate his computer. If staff at the community college would like to learn adaptive equipment to help students, the agency will work with those individuals to help them get the training. Those training needs must be identified to the local regional manager. The VR program in the Strategic plan will expand adaptive training to include some service providers.
Public Comment 48:
I would like to know what percentage of those who get jobs are individuals with good partial vision. I remember being told when I was in the vending stand program that the failure rate for the blind was higher in that program. I know there is a difference in the employability for those with good vision verses the totally blind.
Agency Response 48:
We do not have statistics available to show what the percentage is regarding the placement of partially sighted verses totally blind. I know we serve more individuals who have partial sight because that number in the population is higher.
Public Comment 49:
My son is in the sixth grade. He has been taught braille. I am now concerned about him learning ADL skills, dressing, eye contact, etc. He needs something besides reading.
Agency Response 49:
The sixth grade would be a little too young (unless the individual is 14 years old) to receive VR services. Other programs such as rehabilitation teaching could provide ADL skills for a student. You should contact the regional manager in your area to request additional services for your son.
Public Comment 50:
It is too late to wait until high school for a computer. We managed to get a computer at home and school set up for my son through private grants. But, something needs to be done because you cannot always have access to such funds.
Agency Response 50:
See Agency Response 36.
Public Comment 51:
I would like to see a summer camp for blind children who are mainstreamed that focused on ADL and technology, with some fun activities. The children could learn a lot from each other. Not to take the place of the regular summer camp.
Agency Response 51:
This suggestion will be shared and discussed by agency management. We already provide an opportunity for students to attend an adjustment program at VRCB in the summer.
Public Comment 52:
The agency needs to improve upon its ability or sensitivity regarding getting information out in braille, such as letters, etc.
Agency Comment 52:
The agency agrees this is something that should be routinely done. This issue will be discussed to develop strategies to ensure it is addressed.
Public Comment 53:
I think every VEC office should have a CCTV to help people with low vision. I went to a VEC office and was unable to take the test. I also think there should be seminars scheduled to help visually impaired people who are looking for jobs.
Agency Response 53:
The agency would be unable to place a CCTV and other adaptive equipment in each VEC office around the state. It is VEC's responsibility to make the accommodations. It would be a good practice to call ahead and alert them that you needed an accommodation. If there is a problem with a particular office, after they have been alerted that accommodations are needed, speak with the VR counselor serving that area. On an individual basis, we will work with a customer to help find a solution. DVH will work on increasing activities regarding seminars (job-seeking skills training) during FY '98.
