Attachment 4.12(d)

State's Strategies and Use of Title I Funds for Innovation and Expansion Activities

During FY 2000 Title I Funds for Innovation and Expansion Activities will be utilized to complete those activities planned for year three of the FY 98 Strategic Plan.

During FY 2000, $106,597 will be budgeted to implement year three of the Strategic plan, and the expenditure of those funds will be monitored by the VR program director.

GOAL I
Expand Rehabilitation Technology Services to Persons with Visual Disabilities, Employers, Other Agencies, and Organizations

Objective 1
Make personal computers more available for eligible VR customers receiving transitional services.

Strategies

1. A total of $58,237 will be budgeted for FY 2000 to allow adaptive personal computers to be purchased for high schools students at the end of their junior year when it has been determined that a computer is needed for training and/or employment upon completion of school.
2. Develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) with high school students who can utilize a computer to pursue a vocational goal and arrange necessary training for those students to enable them to become proficient in using the computer during their senior year.

Objective 2
Enhance the agency's capability to quickly respond to the training needs of persons with visual disabilities and employers regarding rehabilitation technology services.

Strategies

1. A total of $10,000 will be budgeted for regional offices to establish accessible training centers in the community for computer training.
2. A total of $4,500 will be budgeted for regional offices to arrange for adaptive technology training in the community for service providers to make training more accessible for individuals who are blind. Additional service providers will increase opportunities for customers to make choices.
3. A total of $16,700 will be butgeted to pay wages for a new statewide technology resource position to provide support and/or resources to individuals who are blind, employers, and service providers needing information regarding adaptive technology.

GOAL II
Increase Employment Opportunities for Deafblind Persons.

Objective
Make more services available, specifically for deafblind persons.

Strategy
A transitional week at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VRCBVI) will provide special programming for deafblind persons during FY 2000.

1. A total of $7,500 will be budgeted to pay interpreters for the program.
2. A total of $1,600 will be budgeted for special presenters.
3. A total of $3,000 will be budgeted for transportation for customers and their families and meals and lodging for family members.

Goal III
Support for the Rehabilitation Council

Objective 1
Provide clerical support for the Council.

Strategy
A total of $1,000 will be budgeted to provide clerical support for the Council during FY 2000.

Objective 2
Compensate Council members for expenses required to attend meetings.

Strategy
A total of $2,500 will be budgeted for FY 2000 to reimburse Council members for expenses incurred in order to attend council meetings.

Objective 3
Identify all other expenses related to the operation of the Council.

Strategies
A total of $600 will be budgeted to provide lunches for Council members.
A total of $960 will be budgeted to provide interpreter services during the Council meetings.