Attachment 4.12(d)(3)

To Overcome Identified Barriers Relating to Equitable Access to and Participation of Individuals with Disabilities in the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Supported Employment

The lack of knowledge regarding the Department for the Visually Handicapped (DVH) is the primary barrier to equitable access to services. This is evident by comments made during public meetings, by the fact that some individuals have visual problems for years before finding out about DVH services, and a public survey conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University in the early 1990's indicated that less than 50% of the general public had ever heard of DVH.

During the next five years outreach and referral will continue to be a high priority to help ensure equitable access to services. DVH will continue to educate staff regarding potential referral sources in the community. Staff will also be required to inform potential referral sources of the availability and scope of services that are provided by DVH that might benefit individuals who are blind. Cooperative agreements will continue to be reviewed with the objective of providing more education regarding the availability of DVH services therefore enhancing awareness regarding DVH.

Enhancing public awareness regarding the availability of DVH services will be one of the goals and priorities identified in Attachment 4.12(c)(1).