Attachment 4.12(d)

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

Beginning July 1, 2000 Title I funds for innovation and expansion activities will be utilized.

A total of $101,400 will be budgeted to implement innovation and expansion activities 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 $40,000 will be budgeted in the first year 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, employers and/or service providers regarding rehabilitation technology services.

Strategies

1. A subcommittee of the Rehabilitation Council will work with DVH to help coordinate and further identify strategies to address technology needs of vocational rehabilitation customers, which will include enhancing the competencies of staff relating to adaptive technology.
2. A total of $30,000 will be budgeted for regional offices to purchase adaptive equipment and/or software to help make training centers in the community more accessible.
3. A total of $10,000 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.
4. A total of $2,500 will be budgeted each year to provide training materials such as tutorials to be available in each regional office and at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VRCBVI) to loan to vocational rehabilitation customers. It is recognized that this method of technology training might not be the method of choice for all individuals but is one of a number of strategies to enhance the availability of adaptive technology training.
5. DVH staff will be available to provide technical assistance to one-stops and required partners of one-stops to help make their services and information accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

GOAL II
Increase Employment Opportunities for Deafblind Persons.

Objective
Make more services available, specifically for deafblind persons.

Strategy
A transitional week at the VRCBVI will provide special programming for deafblind persons.

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.

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

Strategy
A total of $4,000 will be budgeted to reimburse Council members for travel 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 group lunches for Council members.
A total of $200 will be budgeted to provide interpreter services during the Council meetings.
A total of $2,000 will be budgeted for individual and/or group training activities to assist the Council in carrying out its responsibilities.