Attachment 4.12(d)(2)

To Carryout Outreach Activities to Identify and Serve Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities who are Minorities

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, minorities represent 27.2% of the total population as identified by the most recent census data. During FY 99 the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program's demographic data show that 29.3% of the total number of cases served were minorities.

Several strategies will be used to help make information regarding VR services more available to minorities. These outreach activities should help the VR program identify and serve more individuals with severe visual disabilities who are minorities.

1. Agency brochures will be made available to each regional office in Spanish for distribution.
2. Regional office staff, as a part of their required outreach activity, will be requested to present programs regarding agency services to organizations that are comprised primarily of minorities.
3. Regional office staff will be requested to provide brochures and other information regarding agency services to organizations in the community that provide support services to non-English speaking individuals.
4. Information regarding agency services will be sent to ministers of churches in the community that are primarily attended by African-Americans.
5. Small newspapers that are published for minorities in the community will be used to announce annual public meetings.
6. In FY 99 DVH and DRS entered into a cooperative agreement with Norfolk State University (predominately African-American) to allow internships in order to attract more minorities to the field of rehabilitation. This joint effect should impact in a positive manner in helping reach out to minorities with disabilities.