Attachment 4.12(c)(1)

Identifies the Goals and Priorities of the State in Carrying out the Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Programs

The following goals and priorities have been developed for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. The Rehabilitation Council provided input into the development of these goals and priorities.

1. The achievement of competitive employment outcomes will continue to be the number one priority for the VR program.
   1. Goal of 1,275 eligible individuals is projected to be served during FY 2000; the goal for FY 2001 is 1,300; 1,256 individuals were served in FY 99.
   2. A goal of 245 successful rehabilitations is projected for FY 2000; in FY 2001 248 successful rehabilitations are projected; 247 individuals were successfully rehabilitated in FY 99.
   3. The average earnings for all closures are projected to be $305 per week for FY 2000; average earnings for all closures for FY 2001 are projected to be $325 per week; average earnings for all closures at the end of FY 99 was $289 per week.
   4. Wage earners will represent 88% of all closures for FY 2000; wage earners are also projected to represent 88% of all closures for FY 2001; for FY 99 wage earners represented 87% of all closures.
   5. As a required partner, DVH staff will actively participate in Workforce Investment Activities (WIA), including serving on local workforce boards. WIA is intended to create a seamless training and employment system while maintaining specialized services for individuals with disabilities that will enable them to acquire the necessary adaptive skills and services to participate in those training and employment programs (see Atachment 4.2(c)).
2. Customer satisfaction regarding choice, needs and good service delivery is a very high priority for the VR program.
   1. It is VR's goal to have at least 45% of all closed cases respond to its satisfaction survey. The percentage for individuals completing satisfaction surveys for FY 99 was 51.8%.
   2. Each year case reviews will be conducted on 20% of all active VR cases by the central office staff.
   3. The agency and the Rehabilitation Council developed a comprehensive needs assessment during FY 2000, which will focus on technology needs of individuals who are blind. The results of the technology needs assessment will be utilized in planning and delivering VR services.
   4. An emphasis will continue to be placed on "client choice," in developing the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), staff training, and the development of policies and other materials.
3. Increasing the availability of adaptive technology services will continue to be a priority for the VR Program.
   1. A fourth full-time rehabilitation technology position was approved during FY 2000; this position will be located in the Fairfax office.
   2. Emphasis will continue to be placed on increasing the number of qualified vendors on the tutor network in all six regions as one of the strategies to meet the growing need for adaptive technology training.
   3. The Rehabilitation Council will take an active role in helping to develop strategies to meet technology needs that have been identified in public meetings, satisfaction surveys and needs assessments.
4. Transition services to help students transition to employment and/or post secondary training will continue to receive additional emphasis.
   1. All 14-year-old students will be evaluated to help determine VR eligibility.
   2. VR counselors and education coordinators will receive training in "transitioning."
5. Public awareness activities will be increased focusing on employers, referral sources, and providers of services.
   1. Rehabilitation counselors will distribute the new employer packet, which includes the new employer brochure and the Fact Sheet on "Accommodating Blind Workers" to potential employers.
   2. Each regional office will be requested to participate in outreach activities (i.e., employer seminar, job fair, open house, etc.).