Attachment 4.12(c)(2)(B)
Explanation to Support the Decision Not to Establish an Order of Selection
During FY 2000 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 2000.
During FY 2000 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, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program has served all eligible individuals with visual disabilities throughout the Commonwealth. During FY 2000 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 Plans for Employment (IPEs).
During FY 99 assessment services were provided to all applicants and a full range of services, as appropriate, were provided to eligible individuals. In FY 2000 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 2000 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 Commonwealth. During FY 99 there were no significant delays in determining eligibility, development of IPEs, or the provision of services, and this will continue in FY 2000.
Since July 1995 the VR program has not needed to implement an order of selection because sufficient funds have been 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 direct 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 in six regional offices throughout the Commonwealth, will continue in FY 2000 to arrange for necessary services to be provided to determine eligibility, assist customers in developing their IPEs, and provide necessary services to help customers achieve their chosen employment outcomes.
The conclusion that DVH can serve all eligible individuals is based on the agency's projection that 1,350 individuals with visual disabilities will be served by the VR program during FY 2000. The agency will receive a minimum increase of approximately three percent in Section 110 funds. The law requires that there be a minimum increase based on the rate of inflation. This increase, along with the additional direct 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 to 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 2000, 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 will continue in FY 2000 to permit cases to be processed/served in a timely manner.
