[nfbmi-talk] {Spam?} Re: {Spam?} Re: {Disarmed} draft state plan as enclosure
joe harcz Comcast
joeharcz at comcast.net
Sat Jun 30 00:53:30 UTC 2012
Well Zimmer is self annointed Director of the Designated State Unit and the
final arbitor of all final agency decisions while also heading the Michigan
Adminisstrative Hearing System. Talk about a conflict of interests eh? Oh he
is judge, jury and holds the purse and everything else while the duelly
appointed MCB board has illegally been written off with all policy making
powers and quasi-judicial functions.
And who is the head of the Designated State Agency here? Well none other
than new Bureau head Patrick D. Cannon.
The only thing to go in this tragedy is any consumer control, input and even
any sort of pretense of due process and equal protection under the law.
I have to stop now for I'm going to be sick. What a travesty of injustice.
What a farse. What a crime.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marcus Simmons" <marcussimmons at comcast.net>
To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 8:11 PM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] {Spam?} Re: {Disarmed} draft state plan as enclosure
Bureau Director, Designated State? I wonder how this will work?
----- Original Message -----
wonder how that this will work out.From: "joe harcz Comcast"
<joeharcz at comcast.net>
To: <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 4:08 PM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] {Disarmed} draft state plan as enclosure
State Plan for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and
State Plan Supplement for the State Supported Employment Services Program
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Services
for Blind Persons (BSBP) (formerly the Michigan Commission for the Blind)
State Plan for Fiscal Year 2013 (submitted FY 2012)
Preprint - Section 1: State Certifications
1.1 The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) is authorized to submit
this State Plan under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
[1] and its supplement under Title VI, Part B, of the Rehabilitation Act
[2].
1.2 As a condition for the receipt of federal funds under Title I, Part B,
of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of vocational rehabilitation
services, the BSBP [3] agrees to operate and administer the State Vocational
Rehabilitation Services Program in accordance with the provisions of this
State Plan [4], the Rehabilitation Act, and all applicable regulations [5],
policies and procedures established by the secretary. Funds made available
under Section 111 of the Rehabilitation Act are used solely for the
provision of vocational rehabilitation services under Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act and the administration of the State Plan for the
vocational rehabilitation services program.
1.3 As a condition for the receipt of federal funds under Title VI, Part B,
of the Rehabilitation Act for supported employment services, the designated
state agency agrees to operate and administer the State Supported Employment
Services Program in accordance with the provisions of the supplement to this
State Plan [6], the Rehabilitation Act and all applicable regulations [7],
policies and procedures established by the secretary. Funds made available
under Title VI, Part B, are used solely for the provision of supported
employment services and the administration of the supplement to the Title I
State Plan.
Yes
1.4 The designated state agency and/or the designated state unit has the
authority under state law to perform the functions of the state regarding
this State Plan and its supplement.
Yes
1.5 The state legally may carry out each provision of the State Plan and
its supplement.
Yes
1.6 All provisions of the State Plan and its supplement are consistent with
state law.
Yes
1.7 The (enter title of state officer below)
Yes
State Director
... has the authority under state law to receive, hold and disburse federal
funds made available under this State Plan and its supplement.
1.8 The (enter title of state officer below)...
Yes
Bureau Director
... has the authority to submit this State Plan for vocational
rehabilitation services and the State Plan supplement for supported
employment services.
1.9 The agency that submits this State Plan and its supplement has adopted
or otherwise formally approved the plan and its supplement.
Yes
State Plan Certified By
As the authorized signatory identified above, I hereby certify that I will
sign, date and retain in the files of the designated state agency/designated
state unit Section 1 of the Preprint, and separate Certification of Lobbying
forms (Form ED-80-0013; available at
http://www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/ed80-013.pdf) for both the
vocational rehabilitation and supported employment programs.
Signed? Yes
Name of Signatory Michael Zimmer
Title of Signatory Chief Deputy Director, Department of Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs, Designated State Agency
Name of Signatory Patrick D. Cannon
Title of Signatory Bureau Director, Designated State Unit
Date Signed
Assurances Certified By
At the request of RSA, the designated state agency and/or the designated
state unit provide the following assurance(s), in addition to those
contained within Section 2 through 8 below, in connection with the approval
of the State Plan for FY 2012
Yes
Comments:
Title 1 and Title VI Part B
Signed? Yes
Name of Signatory Michael Zimmer
Title of Signatory Chief Deputy Director, Department of Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs, Designated State Agency
Name of Signatory Patrick D. Cannon
Title of Signatory Bureau Director, Designated State Unit
Date Signed
* The signatory of the assurance with the authority to execute and submit
the State Plan will maintain a signed copy of the assurance(s) with the
signed State Plan.
Section 1 Footnotes
[1] Public Law 93 112, as amended by Public Laws 93 516, 95 602, 98 221, 99
506, 100-630, 102-569, 103-073, and 105-220.
[2] Unless otherwise stated, "Rehabilitation Act" means the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended.
[3] All references in this plan to "designated state agency" or to "the
state agency" relate to the agency identified in this paragraph.
[4] No funds under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act may be awarded without
an approved State Plan in accordance with Section 101(a) of the
Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR part 361.
[5] Applicable regulations include the Education Department General
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR Parts 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81,
82, 85 and 86 and the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program
regulations in 34 CFR Part 361.
[6] No funds under Title VI, Part B, of the Rehabilitation Act may be
awarded without an approved supplement to the Title I State Plan in
accordance with Section 625(a) of the Rehabilitation Act.
[7] Applicable regulations include the EDGAR citations in footnote 5, 34 CFR
Part 361, and 34 CFR Part 363.
Preprint - Section 2: Public Comment on State Plan Policies and Procedures
2.1 Public participation requirements. (Section 101(a)(16)(A) of the
Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.10(d), .20(a), (b), (d); and 363.11(g)(9))
(a) Conduct of public meetings.
The designated state agency, prior to the adoption of any substantive
policies or procedures governing the provision of vocational rehabilitation
services under the State Plan and supported employment services under the
supplement to the State Plan, including making any substantive amendments to
the policies and procedures, conducts public meetings throughout the state
to provide the public, including individuals with disabilities, an
opportunity to comment on the policies or procedures.
(b) Notice requirements.
The designated state agency, prior to conducting the public meetings,
provides appropriate and sufficient notice throughout the state of the
meetings in accordance with state law governing public meetings or, in the
absence of state law governing public meetings, procedures developed by the
state agency in consultation with the State Rehabilitation Council, if the
agency has a council.
(c) Special consultation requirements.
The state agency actively consults with the director of the Client
Assistance Program, the State Rehabilitation Council, if the agency has a
council and, as appropriate, Indian tribes, tribal organizations and native
Hawaiian organizations on its policies and procedures governing the
provision of vocational rehabilitation services under the State Plan and
supported employment services under the supplement to the State Plan.
Preprint - Section 3: Submission of the State Plan and its Supplement
3.1 Submission and revisions of the State Plan and its supplement. (Sections
101(a)(1), (23) and 625(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act; Section 501 of the
Workforce Investment Act; 34 CFR 76.140; 361.10(e), (f), and (g); and
363.10)
(a) The state submits to the commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services
Administration the State Plan and its supplement on the same date that the
state submits either a State Plan under Section 112 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 or a state unified plan under Section 501 of that
Rehabilitation Act.
(b) The state submits only those policies, procedures or descriptions
required under this State Plan and its supplement that have not been
previously submitted to and approved by the commissioner.
(c) The state submits to the commissioner, at such time and in such manner
as the commissioner determines to be appropriate, reports containing annual
updates of the information relating to the:
1. comprehensive system of personnel development;
2. assessments, estimates, goals and priorities, and reports of
progress;
3. innovation and expansion activities; and
4. other updates of information required under Title I, Part B, or
Title VI, Part B, of the Rehabilitation Act that are requested by the
commissioner.
(d) The State Plan and its supplement are in effect subject to the
submission of modifications the state determines to be necessary or the
commissioner requires based on a change in state policy, a change in federal
law, including regulations, an interpretation of the Rehabilitation Act by a
federal court or the highest court of the state, or a finding by the
commissioner of state noncompliance with the requirements of the
Rehabilitation Act, 34 CFR 361 or 34 CFR 363.
3.2 Supported Employment State Plan supplement. (Sections 101(a)(22) and
625(a) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.34 and 363.10)
(a) The state has an acceptable plan for carrying out Part B, of Title VI of
the Rehabilitation Act that provides for the use of funds under that part to
supplement funds made available under Part B, of Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act for the cost of services leading to supported employment.
(b) The Supported Employment State Plan, including any needed annual
revisions, is submitted as a supplement to the State Plan.
Preprint - Section 4: Administration of the State Plan
4.1 Designated state agency and designated state unit. (Section 101(a)(2) of
the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.13(a) and (b))
(a) Designated state agency.
1. There is a state agency designated as the sole state agency to
administer the State Plan or to supervise its administration in a political
subdivision of the state by a sole local agency.
2. The designated state agency is:
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 USC 701 et seq, a state agency
that is primarily concerned with vocational rehabilitation or vocational and
other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities; or
(b) Designated state unit.
1. If the designated state agency is not primarily concerned with
vocational rehabilitation or vocational and other rehabilitation of
individuals with disabilities, in accordance with subparagraph 4.1(a)(2)(B)
of this section, the state agency includes a vocational rehabilitation
bureau, division or unit that:
A. is primarily concerned with vocational rehabilitation or vocational
and other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and is responsible
for the administration of the designated state agency's vocational
rehabilitation program under the State Plan;
B. has a full-time director;
C. has a staff, at least 90 percent of whom are employed full-time on
the rehabilitation work of the organizational unit; and
D. is located at an organizational level and has an organizational status
within the designated state agency comparable to that of other major
organizational units of the designated state agency.
2. The name of the designated state vocational rehabilitation unit is:
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (“BSBP”), under the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended, 29 USC 701 et seq. The Bureau of Services for Blind
Persons serves as the State Licensing Agency under the Randolph Sheppard
vending facilities for blind in federal buildings act, 20 USC 107 to 107f.
Any authority, powers, duties and functions relative to final agency
decisions for cases arising under the Randolph Sheppard Act, 20 USC 107 to
107f, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, as amended, 29 USC
732, and the Blind and Visually Disabled Persons Act, 1978 PA 260, MCL
393.351 to MCL 393.369, lies with the Director of the Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
4.2 State independent commission or State Rehabilitation Council. (Sections
101(a)(21) and 105 of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.16 and .17)
The State Plan must contain one of the following assurances.
(a) The designated state agency is an independent state commission that:
1. is responsible under state law for operating or overseeing the
operation of the vocational rehabilitation program in the state and is
primarily concerned with the vocational rehabilitation or vocational and
other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities in accordance with
subparagraph 4.1(a)(2)(A) of this section.
2. is consumer controlled by persons who:
A. are individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially
limit major life activities; and
B. represent individuals with a broad range of disabilities, unless the
designated state unit under the direction of the commission is the state
agency for individuals who are blind;
3. includes family members, advocates or other representatives of
individuals with mental impairments; and
4. undertakes the functions set forth in Section 105(c)(4) of the
Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.17(h)(4).
(b) The state has established a State Rehabilitation Council that meets the
criteria set forth in Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act, 34 CFR 361.17.
The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (“Council”) is established
within the Department of Human Services. The Council serves as a single
state rehabilitation council pursuant to 29 USC 721(a)(21)(B) for the
Department of Human Services, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Services of Blind
Persons. The Bureau Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the
Bureau Director of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons serves as
non-voting ex officio members of the Council. Also, the Governor has
established the Commission for Blind Persons (“Commission”) which is created
as an advisory commission within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs, consisting of seven members appointed by, and serving at the
pleasure of, the Governor with four of the members being blind; the Governor
will designate a member of the advisory Commission as its Chairperson,
serving at the pleasure of the Governor; and the Director of the Department
of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs shall perform all budgeting,
procurement, and related management functions of the advisory Commission.
(Option B was selected/Option A was not selected)
4.3 Consultations regarding the administration of the State Plan. (Section
101(a)(16)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.21)
The designated state agency takes into account, in connection with matters
of general policy arising in the administration of the plan and its
supplement, the views of:
(a) individuals and groups of individuals who are recipients of
vocational rehabilitation services or, as appropriate, the individuals'
representatives;
(b) personnel working in programs that provide vocational rehabilitation
services to individuals with disabilities;
(c) providers of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with
disabilities;
(d) the director of the Client Assistance Program; and
(e) the State Rehabilitation Council, if the state has a council. The
Council advises the Department of Human Services, Michigan Rehabilitation
Services, and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of
Services for Blind Persons regarding activities authorized to be carried out
under Sections 100 to 141 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law
93-112, as amended, 29 USC 720 to 753a, and assist in the preparation of the
State Plan and amendments to the State Plan, applications, reports, needs
assessments, and evaluations required by Sections 100 to 141 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, as amended, 29 USC 720 to
753a.
4.4 Nonfederal share. (Sections 7(14) and 101(a)(3) of the Rehabilitation
Act; 34 CFR 80.24 and 361.60)
The nonfederal share of the cost of carrying out this State Plan is 21.3
percent and is provided through the financial participation by the state or,
if the state elects, by the state and local agencies.
4.5 Local administration. (Sections 7(24) and 101(a)(2)(A) of the
Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.5(b)(47) and .15)
The State Plan provides for the administration of the plan by a local
agency. Yes
If "Yes", the designated state agency:
(a) ensures that each local agency is under the supervision of the
designated state unit with the sole local agency, as that term is defined in
Section 7(24) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.5(b)(47), responsible
for the administration of the vocational rehabilitation program within the
political subdivision that it serves; and
(b) develops methods that each local agency will use to administer the
vocational rehabilitation program in accordance with the State Plan.
4.6 Shared funding and administration of joint programs. (Section
101(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.27)
The State Plan provides for the state agency to share funding and
administrative responsibility with another state agency or local public
agency to carry out a joint program to provide services to individuals with
disabilities. No
If "Yes", the designated state agency submits to the commissioner for
approval a plan that describes its shared funding and administrative
arrangement. The plan must include:
(a) a description of the nature and scope of the joint program;
(b) the services to be provided under the joint program;
(c) the respective roles of each participating agency in the
administration and provision of services; and
(d) the share of the costs to be assumed by each agency.
4.7 Statewideness and waivers of statewideness. (Section 101(a)(4) of the
Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.25, .26, and .60(b)(3)(i) and (ii))
This agency is requesting a waiver of statewideness.
(a) Services provided under the State Plan are available in all political
subdivisions of the state.
(b) The state unit may provide services in one or more political
subdivisions of the state that increase services or expand the scope of
services that are available statewide under this State Plan if the:
1. nonfederal share of the cost of these services is met from funds
provided by a local public agency, including funds contributed to a local
public agency by a private agency, organization or individual;
2. services are likely to promote the vocational rehabilitation of
substantially larger numbers of individuals with disabilities or of
individuals with disabilities with particular types of impairments; and
3. state, for purposes other than the establishment of a community
rehabilitation program or the construction of a particular facility for
community rehabilitation program purposes, requests in Attachment 4.7(b)(3)
a waiver of the statewideness requirement in accordance with the following
requirements:
A. identification of the types of services to be provided;
B. written assurance from the local public agency that it will make
available to the state unit the nonfederal share of funds;
C. written assurance that state unit approval will be obtained for each
proposed service before it is put into effect; and
D. written assurance that all other State Plan requirements, including a
state's order of selection, will apply to all services approved under the
waiver.
(c) Contributions, consistent with the requirements of 34 CFR
361.60(b)(3)(ii), by private entities of earmarked funds for particular
geographic areas within the state may be used as part of the nonfederal
share without the state requesting a waiver of the statewideness requirement
provided that the state notifies the commissioner that it cannot provide the
full nonfederal share without using the earmarked funds.
4.8 Cooperation, collaboration and coordination. (Sections 101(a)(11),
(24)(B), and 625(b)(4) and (5) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.22,
.23, .24, and .31, and 363.11(e))
(a) Cooperative agreements with other components of statewide work force
investment system.
The designated state agency or the designated state unit has cooperative
agreements with other entities that are components of the statewide work
force investment system and replicates those agreements at the local level
between individual offices of the designated state unit and local entities
carrying out the One-Stop service delivery system or other activities
through the statewide work force investment system.
(b) Cooperation and coordination with other agencies and entities.
Attachment 4.8(b) (1)-(4) describes the designated state agency's:
1. cooperation with and use of the services and facilities of the
federal, state, and local agencies and programs, including programs carried
out by the undersecretary for Rural Development of the United States
Department of Agriculture and state use contracting programs, to the extent
that those agencies and programs are not carrying out activities through the
statewide work force investment system;
2. coordination, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph
4.8(c) of this section, with education officials to facilitate the
transition of students with disabilities from school to the receipt of
vocational rehabilitation services;
3. establishment of cooperative agreements with private nonprofit
vocational rehabilitation service providers, in accordance with the
requirements of paragraph 5.10(b) of the State Plan; and,
4. efforts to identify and make arrangements, including entering into
cooperative agreements, with other state agencies and entities with respect
to the provision of supported employment and extended services for
individuals with the most significant disabilities, in accordance with the
requirements of subsection 6.5 of the supplement to this State Plan.
(c) Coordination with education officials.
1. Attachment 4.8(b)(2) describes the plans, policies and procedures
for coordination between the designated state agency and education officials
responsible for the public education of students with disabilities that are
designed to facilitate the transition of the students who are individuals
with disabilities from the receipt of educational services in school to the
receipt of vocational rehabilitation services under the responsibility of
the designated state agency.
2. The State Plan description must:
A. provide for the development and approval of an individualized plan for
employment in accordance with 34 CFR 361.45 as early as possible during the
transition planning process but, at the latest, before each student
determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services leaves the
school setting or if the designated state unit is operating on an order of
selection before each eligible student able to be served under the order
leaves the school setting; and
B. include information on a formal interagency agreement with the state
educational agency that, at a minimum, provides for:
i. consultation and technical
assistance to assist educational agencies in planning for the transition of
students with disabilities from school to postschool activities, including
vocational rehabilitation services;
ii. transition planning by
personnel of the designated state agency and the educational agency for
students with disabilities that facilitates the development and completion
of their individualized education programs under Section 614(d) of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
iii. roles and
responsibilities, including financial responsibilities, of each agency,
including provisions for determining state lead agencies and qualified
personnel responsible for transition services; and
iv. procedures for outreach to
students with disabilities as early as possible during the transition
planning process and identification of students with disabilities who need
transition services.
(d) Coordination with statewide independent living council and independent
living centers.
The designated state unit, the Statewide Independent Living Council
established under Section 705 of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 364, and
the independent living centers described in Part C of Title VII of the
Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 366 have developed working relationships and
coordinate their activities.
(e) Cooperative agreement with recipients of grants for services to American
Indians.
1. There is in the state a recipient(s) of a grant under Part C of
Title I of the Rehabilitation Act for the provision of vocational
rehabilitation services for American Indians who are individuals with
disabilities residing on or near federal and state reservations. Yes
2. If "Yes", the designated state agency has entered into a formal
cooperative agreement that meets the following requirements with each grant
recipient in the state that receives funds under Part C of Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act:
A. strategies for interagency referral and information sharing that will
assist in eligibility determinations and the development of individualized
plans for employment;
B. procedures for ensuring that American Indians who are individuals
with disabilities and are living near a reservation or tribal service area
are provided vocational rehabilitation services; and
C. provisions for sharing resources in cooperative studies and
assessments, joint training activities, and other collaborative activities
designed to improve the provision of services to American Indians who are
individuals with disabilities.
4.9 Methods of administration. (Section 101(a)(6) of the Rehabilitation Act;
34 CFR 361.12, .19 and .51(a) and (b))
(a) In general.
The state agency employs methods of administration, including procedures to
ensure accurate data collection and financial accountability, found by the
commissioner to be necessary for the proper and efficient administration of
the plan and for carrying out all the functions for which the state is
responsible under the plan and 34 CFR 361.
(b) Employment of individuals with disabilities.
The designated state agency and entities carrying out community
rehabilitation programs in the state, who are in receipt of assistance under
Part B, of Title I of the Rehabilitation Act and this State Plan, take
affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals
with disabilities covered under and on the same terms and conditions as set
forth in Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
(c) Facilities.
Any facility used in connection with the delivery of services assisted under
this State Plan meets program accessibility requirements consistent with the
provisions, as applicable, of the Architectural Barriers Rehabilitation Act
of 1968, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations implementing these laws.
4.10 Comprehensive system of personnel development. (Section 101(a)(7) of
the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.18)
Attachment 4.10 describes the designated state agency's procedures and
activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive system of personnel
development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified state
rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the
designated state unit. The description includes the following:
(a) Data system on personnel and personnel development.
Development and maintenance of a system for collecting and analyzing on an
annual basis data on qualified personnel needs and personnel development
with respect to:
1. Qualified personnel needs.
A. The number of personnel who are employed by the state agency in the
provision of vocational rehabilitation services in relation to the number of
individuals served, broken down by personnel category;
B. The number of personnel currently needed by the state agency to
provide vocational rehabilitation services, broken down by personnel
category; and
C. Projections of the number of personnel, broken down by personnel
category, who will be needed by the state agency to provide vocational
rehabilitation services in the state in five years based on projections of
the number of individuals to be served, including individuals with
significant disabilities, the number of personnel expected to retire or
leave the field, and other relevant factors.
2. Personnel development.
A. A list of the institutions of higher education in the state that are
preparing vocational rehabilitation professionals, by type of program;
B. The number of students enrolled at each of those institutions, broken
down by type of program; and
C. The number of students who graduated during the prior year from each
of those institutions with certification or licensure, or with the
credentials for certification or licensure, broken down by the personnel
category for which they have received, or have the credentials to receive,
certification or licensure.
(b) Plan for recruitment, preparation and retention of qualified personnel.
Development, updating on an annual basis, and implementation of a plan to
address the current and projected needs for qualified personnel based on the
data collection and analysis system described in paragraph (a) of this
subsection and that provides for the coordination and facilitation of
efforts between the designated state unit and institutions of higher
education and professional associations to recruit, prepare and retain
personnel who are qualified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this
subsection, including personnel from minority backgrounds and personnel who
are individuals with disabilities.
(c) Personnel standards.
Policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel
standards to ensure that designated state unit professional and
paraprofessional personnel are appropriately and adequately prepared and
trained, including:
1. standards that are consistent with any national- or state-approved
or recognized certification, licensing, registration, or, in the absence of
these requirements, other comparable requirements (including state personnel
requirements) that apply to the profession or discipline in which such
personnel are providing vocational rehabilitation services.
2. To the extent that existing standards are not based on the highest
requirements in the state applicable to a particular profession or
discipline, the steps the state is currently taking and the steps the state
plans to take in accordance with the written plan to retrain or hire
personnel within the designated state unit to meet standards that are based
on the highest requirements in the state, including measures to notify
designated state unit personnel, the institutions of higher education
identified in subparagraph (a)(2), and other public agencies of these steps
and the time lines for taking each step.
3. The written plan required by subparagraph (c)(2) describes the
following:
A. specific strategies for retraining, recruiting and hiring personnel;
B. the specific time period by which all state unit personnel will meet
the standards required by subparagraph (c)(1);
C. procedures for evaluating the designated state unit's progress in
hiring or retraining personnel to meet applicable personnel standards within
the established time period; and
D. the identification of initial minimum qualifications that the
designated state unit will require of newly hired personnel when the state
unit is unable to hire new personnel who meet the established personnel
standards and the identification of a plan for training such individuals to
meet the applicable standards within the time period established for all
state unit personnel to meet the established personnel standards.
(d) Staff development.
Policies, procedures and activities to ensure that all personnel employed by
the designated state unit receive appropriate and adequate training. The
narrative describes the following:
1. A system of staff development for professionals and
paraprofessionals within the designated state unit, particularly with
respect to assessment, vocational counseling, job placement and
rehabilitation technology.
2. Procedures for the acquisition and dissemination to designated state
unit professionals and paraprofessionals significant knowledge from research
and other sources.
(e) Personnel to address individual communication needs.
Availability of personnel within the designated state unit or obtaining the
services of other individuals who are able to communicate in the native
language of applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English
speaking ability or in appropriate modes of communication with applicants or
eligible individuals.
(f) Coordination of personnel development under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act.
Procedures and activities to coordinate the designated state unit's
comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel development
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
4.11. Statewide assessment; annual estimates; annual state goals and
priorities; strategies; and progress reports.
(Sections 101(a)(15), 105(c)(2) and 625(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34
CFR 361.17(h)(2), .29, and 363.11(b))
(a) Comprehensive statewide assessment.
1. Attachment 4.11(a) documents the results of a comprehensive,
statewide assessment, jointly conducted every three years by the designated
state unit and the State Rehabilitation Council (if the state has such a
council). The assessment describes:
A. the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing
within the state, particularly the vocational rehabilitation services needs
of:
i. individuals
with the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported
employment services;
ii. individuals
with disabilities who are minorities and individuals with disabilities who
have been unserved or underserved by the vocational rehabilitation program
carried out under this State Plan; and
iii. individuals
with disabilities served through other components of the statewide work
force investment system.
B. The need to establish, develop or improve community rehabilitation
programs within the state.
2. For any year in which the state updates the assessments, the
designated state unit submits to the commissioner a report containing
information regarding updates to the assessments.
(b) Annual estimates.
Attachment 4.11(b) identifies on an annual basis state estimates of the:
1. number of individuals in the state who are eligible for services
under the plan;
2. number of eligible individuals who will receive services provided
with funds provided under Part B of Title I of the Rehabilitation Act and
under Part B of Title VI of the Rehabilitation Act, including, if the
designated state agency uses an order of selection in accordance with
subparagraph 5.3(b)(2) of this State Plan, estimates of the number of
individuals to be served under each priority category within the order; and
3. costs of the services described in subparagraph (b)(1), including,
if the designated state agency uses an order of selection, the service costs
for each priority category within the order.
(c) Goals and priorities.
1. Attachment 4.11(c)(1) identifies the goals and priorities of the
state that are jointly developed or revised, as applicable, with and agreed
to by the State Rehabilitation Council, if the agency has a council, in
carrying out the vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
programs.
2. The designated state agency submits to the commissioner a report
containing information regarding any revisions in the goals and priorities
for any year the state revises the goals and priorities.
3. Order of selection.
If the state agency implements an order of selection, consistent with
subparagraph 5.3(b)(2) of the State Plan, Attachment 4.11(c)(3):
A. shows the order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to be
provided vocational rehabilitation services;
B. provides a justification for the order; and
C. identifies the service and outcome goals, and the time within which
these goals may be achieved for individuals in each priority category within
the order.
4. Goals and plans for distribution of Title VI, Part B, funds.
Attachment 4.11(c)(4) specifies, consistent with subsection 6.4 of the State
Plan supplement, the state's goals and priorities with respect to the
distribution of funds received under Section 622 of the Rehabilitation Act
for the provision of supported employment services.
(d) Strategies.
1. Attachment 4.11(d) describes the strategies, including:
A. the methods to be used to expand and improve services to individuals
with disabilities, including how a broad range of assistive technology
services and assistive technology devices will be provided to those
individuals at each stage of the rehabilitation process and how those
services and devices will be provided to individuals with disabilities on a
statewide basis;
B. outreach procedures to identify and serve individuals with
disabilities who are minorities, including those with the most significant
disabilities in accordance with subsection 6.6 of the State Plan supplement,
and individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by
the vocational rehabilitation program;
C. as applicable, the plan of the state for establishing, developing or
improving community rehabilitation programs;
D. strategies to improve the performance of the state with respect to the
evaluation standards and performance indicators established pursuant to
Section 106 of the Rehabilitation Act; and
E. strategies for assisting other components of the statewide work force
investment system in assisting individuals with disabilities.
2. Attachment 4.11 (d) describes how the designated state agency uses
these strategies to:
A. address the needs identified in the assessment conducted under
paragraph 4.11(a) and achieve the goals and priorities identified in the
State Plan attachments under paragraph 4.11(c);
B. support the innovation and expansion activities identified in
subparagraph 4.12(a)(1) and (2) of the plan; and
C. 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 Services
Program.
(e) Evaluation and reports of progress.
1. The designated state unit and the State Rehabilitation Council, if
the state unit has a council, jointly submits to the commissioner an annual
report on the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the
vocational rehabilitation program and the progress made in improving the
effectiveness of the program from the previous year.
2. Attachment 4.11(e)(2):
A. provides an evaluation of the extent to which the goals identified in
Attachment 4.11(c)(1) and, if applicable, Attachment 4.11(c)(3) were
achieved;
B. identifies the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the
goals and priorities;
C. describes the factors that impeded their achievement, to the extent
they were not achieved;
D. assesses the performance of the state on the standards and indicators
established pursuant to Section 106 of the Rehabilitation Act; and
E. provides a report consistent with paragraph 4.12(c) of the plan on
how the funds reserved for innovation and expansion activities were utilized
in the preceding year.
4.12 Innovation and expansion. (Section 101(a)(18) of the Rehabilitation
Act; 34 CFR 361.35)
(a) The designated state agency reserves and uses a portion of the funds
allotted to the state under Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act for the:
1. development and implementation of innovative approaches to expand
and improve the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to
individuals with disabilities under this State Plan, particularly
individuals with the most significant disabilities, consistent with the
findings of the statewide assessment identified in Attachment 4.11(a) and
goals and priorities of the state identified in Attachments 4.11(c)(1) and,
if applicable, Attachment 4.11(c)(3); and
2. support of the funding for the State Rehabilitation Council, if the
state has such a council, consistent with the resource plan prepared under
Section 105(d)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.17(i), and the
funding of the Statewide Independent Living Council, consistent with the
resource plan prepared under Section 705(e)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act and
34 CFR 364.21(i).
(b) Attachment 4.11 (d) describes how the reserved funds identified in
subparagraph 4.12(a)(1) and (2) will be utilized.
(c) Attachment 4.11(e)(2) describes how the reserved funds were utilized
in the preceding year.
4.13 Reports. (Section 101(a)(10) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.40)
(a) The designated state unit submits reports in the form and level of
detail and at the time required by the commissioner regarding applicants for
and eligible individuals receiving services under the State Plan.
(b) Information submitted in the reports provides a complete count, unless
sampling techniques are used, of the applicants and eligible individuals in
a manner that permits the greatest possible cross-classification of data and
protects the confidentiality of the identity of each individual.
Preprint - Section 5: Administration of the Provision of Vocational
Rehabilitation Services
5.1 Information and referral services. (Sections 101(a)(5)(D) and (20) of
the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.37)
The designated state agency has implemented an information and referral
system that is adequate to ensure that individuals with disabilities,
including individuals who do not meet the agency’s order of selection
criteria for receiving vocational rehabilitation services if the agency is
operating on an order of selection, are provided accurate vocational
rehabilitation information and guidance, including counseling and referral
for job placement, using appropriate modes of communication, to assist such
individuals in preparing for, securing, retaining or regaining employment,
and are referred to other appropriate federal and state programs, including
other components of the statewide work force investment system in the state.
5.2 Residency. (Section 101(a)(12) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR
361.42(c)(1))
The designated state unit imposes no duration of residence requirement as
part of determining an individual’s eligibility for vocational
rehabilitation services or that excludes from services under the plan any
individual who is present in the state.
5.3 Ability to serve all eligible individuals; order of selection for
services. (Sections 12(d) and 101(a)(5) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR
361.36)
(a) The designated state unit is able to provide the full range of services
listed in Section 103(a) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.48, as
appropriate, to all eligible individuals with disabilities in the state who
apply for services. Yes
(b) If No:
1.. Individuals with the most significant disabilities, in accordance with
criteria established by the state, are selected first for vocational
rehabilitation services before other individuals with disabilities.
2.. Attachment 4.11(c)(3):
A. shows the order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to be
provided vocational rehabilitation services;
B. provides a justification for the order of selection; and
C. identifies the state’s service and outcome goals and the time within
which these goals may be achieved for individuals in each priority category
within the order.
3.. Eligible individuals who do not meet the order of selection criteria
have access to the services provided through the designated state unit’s
information and referral system established under Section 101(a)(20) of the
Rehabilitation Act, 34 CFR 361.37, and subsection 5.1 of this State Plan.
5.4 Availability of comparable services and benefits. (Sections 101(a)(8)
and 103(a) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.53)
(a) Prior to providing any vocational rehabilitation services, except those
services identified in paragraph (b), to an eligible individual or to
members of the individual’s family, the state unit determines whether
comparable services and benefits exist under any other program and whether
those services and benefits are available to the individual.
(b) The following services are exempt from a determination of the
availability of comparable services and benefits:
1.. assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation
needs by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by
personnel skilled in rehabilitation technology;
2.. counseling and guidance, including information and support services to
assist an individual in exercising informed choice consistent with the
provisions of Section 102(d) of the Rehabilitation Act;
3.. referral and other services to secure needed services from other
agencies, including other components of the statewide work force investment
system, through agreements developed under Section 101(a)(11) of the
Rehabilitation Act, if such services are not available under this State
Plan;
4.. job-related services, including job search and placement assistance,
job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services;
5.. rehabilitation technology, including telecommunications, sensory and
other technological aids and devices; and
6.. post-employment services consisting of the services listed under
subparagraphs (1) through (5) of this paragraph.
(c) The requirements of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply if the
determination of the availability of comparable services and benefits under
any other program would interrupt or delay:
1.. progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome
identified in the individualized plan for employment;
2.. an immediate job placement; or
3.. provision of vocational rehabilitation services to any individual who
is determined to be at extreme medical risk, based on medical evidence
provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional.
(d) The governor in consultation with the designated state vocational
rehabilitation agency and other appropriate agencies ensures that an
interagency agreement or other mechanism for interagency coordination that
meets the requirements of Section 101(a)(8)(B)(i)-(iv) of the Rehabilitation
Act takes effect between the designated state unit and any appropriate
public entity, including the state Medicaid program, a public institution of
higher education, and a component of the statewide work force investment
system to ensure the provision of the vocational rehabilitation services
identified in Section 103(a) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.48,
other than the services identified in paragraph (b) of this section, that
are included in the individualized plan for employment of an eligible
individual, including the provision of those vocational rehabilitation
services during the pendency of any dispute that may arise in the
implementation of the interagency agreement or other mechanism for
interagency coordination.
5.5 Individualized plan for employment. (Section 101(a)(9) of the
Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.45 and .46)
(a) An individualized plan for employment meeting the requirements of
Section 102(b) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.45 and .46 is
developed and implemented in a timely manner for each individual determined
to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, except if the state
has implemented an order of selection, and is developed and implemented for
each individual to whom the designated state unit is able to provide
vocational rehabilitation services.
(b) Services to an eligible individual are provided in accordance with the
provisions of the individualized plan for employment.
5.6 Opportunity to make informed choices regarding the selection of services
and providers. (Sections 101(a)(19) and 102(d) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34
CFR 361.52)
Applicants and eligible individuals or, as appropriate, their
representatives are provided information and support services to assist in
exercising informed choice throughout the rehabilitation process, consistent
with the provisions of Section 102(d) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR
361.52.
5.7 Services to American Indians. (Section 101(a)(13) of the Rehabilitation
Act; 34 CFR 361.30)
The designated state unit provides vocational rehabilitation services to
American Indians who are individuals with disabilities residing in the state
to the same extent as the designated state agency provides such services to
other significant populations of individuals with disabilities residing in
the state.
5.8 Annual review of individuals in extended employment or other employment
under special certificate provisions of the fair labor standards act of
1938. (Section 101(a)(14) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.55)
(a) The designated state unit conducts an annual review and reevaluation of
the status of each individual with a disability served under this State
Plan:
1.. who has achieved an employment outcome in which the individual is
compensated in accordance with Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act
(29 U.S.C. 214(c)); or
2.. whose record of services is closed while the individual is in extended
employment on the basis that the individual is unable to achieve an
employment outcome in an integrated setting or that the individual made an
informed choice to remain in extended employment.
(b) The designated state unit carries out the annual review and reevaluation
for two years after the individual’s record of services is closed (and
thereafter if requested by the individual or, if appropriate, the
individual's representative) to determine the interests, priorities and
needs of the individual with respect to competitive employment or training
for competitive employment.
(c) The designated state unit makes maximum efforts, including the
identification and provision of vocational rehabilitation services,
reasonable accommodations and other necessary support services, to assist
the individuals described in paragraph (a) in engaging in competitive
employment.
(d) The individual with a disability or, if appropriate, the individual’s
representative has input into the review and reevaluation and, through
signed acknowledgement, attests that the review and reevaluation have been
conducted.
5.9 Use of Title I funds for construction of facilities. (Sections
101(a)(17) and 103(b)(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.49(a)(1),
.61 and .62(b))
If the state elects to construct, under special circumstances, facilities
for community rehabilitation programs, the following requirements are met:
(a) The federal share of the cost of construction for facilities for a
fiscal year does not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of the state’s
allotment under Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act for that fiscal year.
(b) The provisions of Section 306 of the Rehabilitation Act that were in
effect prior to the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998
apply to such construction.
(c) There is compliance with the requirements in 34 CFR 361.62(b) that
ensure the use of the construction authority will not reduce the efforts of
the designated state agency in providing other vocational rehabilitation
services other than the establishment of facilities for community
rehabilitation programs.
5.10 Contracts and cooperative agreements. (Section 101(a)(24) of the
Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.31 and .32)
(a) Contracts with for-profit organizations.
The designated state agency has the authority to enter into contracts with
for-profit organizations for the purpose of providing, as vocational
rehabilitation services, on-the-job training and related programs for
individuals with disabilities under Part A of Title VI of the Rehabilitation
Act, upon the determination by the designated state agency that for-profit
organizations are better qualified to provide vocational rehabilitation
services than nonprofit agencies and organizations.
(b) Cooperative agreements with private nonprofit organizations.
Attachment 4.8(b)(3) describes the manner in which the designated state
agency establishes cooperative agreements with private nonprofit vocational
rehabilitation service providers.
Preprint - Section 6: Program Administration
Section 6: Program Administration
6.1 Designated state agency. (Section 625(b)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act;
34 CFR 363.11(a))
The designated state agency for vocational rehabilitation services
identified in paragraph 1.2 of the Title I State Plan is the state agency
designated to administer the State Supported Employment Services Program
authorized under Title VI, Part B, of the Rehabilitation Act.
6.2 Statewide assessment of supported employment services needs. (Section
625(b)(2) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 363.11(b))
Attachment 4.11(a) describes the results of the comprehensive, statewide
needs assessment conducted under Section 101(a)(15)(a)(1) of the
Rehabilitation Act and subparagraph 4.11(a)(1) of the Title I State Plan
with respect to the rehabilitation needs of individuals with most
significant disabilities and their need for supported employment services,
including needs related to coordination.
6.3 Quality, scope and extent of supported employment services. (Section
625(b)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 363.11(c) and .50(b)(2))
Attachment 6.3 describes the quality, scope and extent of supported
employment services to be provided to individuals with the most significant
disabilities who are eligible to receive supported employment services. The
description also addresses the timing of the transition to extended services
to be provided by relevant state agencies, private nonprofit organizations
or other sources following the cessation of supported employment service
provided by the designated state agency.
6.4 Goals and plans for distribution of Title VI, Part B, funds. (Section
625(b)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 363.11(d) and .20)
Attachment 4.11(c)(4) identifies the state's goals and plans with respect to
the distribution of funds received under Section 622 of the Rehabilitation
Act.
6.5 Evidence of collaboration with respect to supported employment services
and extended services. (Sections 625(b)(4) and (5) of the Rehabilitation
Act; 34 CFR 363.11(e))
Attachment 4.8(b)(4) describes the efforts of the designated state agency to
identify and make arrangements, including entering into cooperative
agreements, with other state agencies and other appropriate entities to
assist in the provision of supported employment services and other public or
nonprofit agencies or organizations within the state, employers, natural
supports, and other entities with respect to the provision of extended
services.
6.6 Minority outreach. (34 CFR 363.11(f))
Attachment 4.11(d) includes a description of the designated state agency's
outreach procedures for identifying and serving individuals with the most
significant disabilities who are minorities.
6.7 Reports. (Sections 625(b)(8) and 626 of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR
363.11(h) and .52)
The designated state agency submits reports in such form and in accordance
with such procedures as the commissioner may require and collects the
information required by Section 101(a)(10) of the Rehabilitation Act
separately for individuals receiving supported employment services under
Part B, of Title VI and individuals receiving supported employment services
under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act.
Preprint - Section 7: Financial Administration
7.1 Five percent limitation on administrative costs. (Section 625(b)(7) of
the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 363.11(g)(8))
The designated state agency expends no more than five percent of the state's
allotment under Section 622 of the Rehabilitation Act for administrative
costs in carrying out the State Supported Employment Services Program.
7.2 Use of funds in providing services. (Sections 623 and 625(b)(6)(A) and
(D) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 363.6(c)(2)(iv), .11(g)(1) and (4))
(a) Funds made available under Title VI, Part B, of the Rehabilitation Act
are used by the designated state agency only to provide supported employment
services to individuals with the most significant disabilities who are
eligible to receive such services.
(b) Funds provided under Title VI, Part B, are used only to supplement and
not supplant the funds provided under Title I, Part B, of the Rehabilitation
Act, in providing supported employment services specified in the
individualized plan for employment.
(c) Funds provided under Part B of Title VI or Title I of the Rehabilitation
Act are not used to provide extended services to individuals who are
eligible under Part B of Title VI or Title I of the Rehabilitation Act.
Preprint - Section 8: Provision of Supported Employment Services
8.1 Scope of supported employment services. (Sections 7(36) and 625(b)(6)(F)
and (G) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.5(b)(54), 363.11(g)(6) and
(7))
(a) Supported employment services are those services as defined in Section
7(36) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.5(b)(54).
(b) To the extent job skills training is provided, the training is provided
on-site.
(c) Supported employment services include placement in an integrated setting
for the maximum number of hours possible based on the unique strengths,
resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and
informed choice of individuals with the most significant disabilities.
8.2 Comprehensive assessments of individuals with significant disabilities.
(Sections 7(2)(B) and 625(b)(6)(B); 34 CFR 361.5(b)(6)(ii) and 363.11(g)(2))
The comprehensive assessment of individuals with significant disabilities
conducted under Section 102(b)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act and funded under
Title I of the Rehabilitation Act includes consideration of supported
employment as an appropriate employment outcome.
8.3 Individualized plan for employment. (Sections 102(b)(3)(F) and
625(b)(6)(C) and (E) of the Rehabilitation Act; 34 CFR 361.46(b) and
363.11(g)(3) and (5))
(a) An individualized plan for employment that meets the requirements of
Section 102(b) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.45 and .46 is
developed and updated using funds under Title I.
(b) The individualized plan for employment:
1.. specifies the supported employment services to be provided;
2.. describes the expected extended services needed; and
3.. identifies the source of extended services, including natural
supports, or, to the extent that it is not possible to identify the source
of extended services at the time the individualized plan for employment plan
is developed, a statement describing the basis for concluding that there is
a reasonable expectation that sources will become available.
(c) Services provided under an individualized plan for employment are
coordinated with services provided under other individualized plans
established under other federal or state programs.
Attachment 4.2(c) Input of State Rehabilitation Council
Required annually by all agencies except those agencies that are independent
consumer-controlled commissions.
Identify the Input provided by the state rehabilitation council, including
recommendations from the council’s annual report, the review and analysis of
consumer satisfaction, and other council reports. Be sure to also include:
a.. the Designated state unit's response to the input and recommendations;
and
b.. explanations for the designated state unit's rejection of any input or
recommendation of the council.
*The BSBP functions in accordance with the State Rehabilitation Council.
This screen was last updated on Jul 27 2009 9:31AM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.7(b)(3) Request for Waiver of Statewideness
Identify the types of services to be provided by the program for which the
waiver of statewideness is requested.
The waiver request should also include:
a.. a written assurance from the local public agency that it will make
available to the designated state unit the non-federal share of funds;
b.. a written assurance that designated state unit approval will be
obtained for each proposed service before it is put into effect;
c.. a written assurance that all state plan requirements will apply to all
services approved under the waiver.
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons submitted a Waiver of Statewideness to
RSA to carry out the agreements that BSBP has obtained. These agreements
provide an array of services to eligible consumers. Through the intermediate
school districts (ISD’s), the BSBP continues to work collaboratively with
the ISD’s to develop prevocational programs that focus on soft skills,
preparation for employment and job shadowing, resume writing and etc. The
participants are expected to acquire skills that will enable them to obtain
employment during the summer months. A number of the other agreements focus
on vocational training, job placement and follow-up services. Specifically,
these agreements provide for specialized training and adaptive equipment,
computer technology and screen reader access that allows blind and visually
impaired individuals to compete competitively in the job market. The
agreements with Community Mental Health provide supports for supported
employment candidates in the form of vocational training, job coaching and
follow-along services to maintain employment within the communities.
Each of the agreements developed with these public entities are funds
provided in part to increase and enhance vocational opportunities in
conjunction with the state agency. BSBP requires assurance that each
agreement signed must ensure that all services provided to the individuals
must meet the goals which outlines the objectives of increased vocational
opportunities and employment outcomes. These agreements assure that they
will make available to BSBP the non-federal share of funds, contain written
assurance that agency approval will be obtained for each proposed service
before it is initiated, and that each agreement will comply with the State
plan requirements for services that are approved under the waiver. BSBP
continues to work collaboratively with its community partners in maintaining
all of its agreements.
This screen was last updated on Jun 29 2011 4:09PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.8(b)(1) Cooperative Agreements with Agencies Not Carrying Out
Activities Under the Statewide Workforce Investment System
Describe interagency cooperation with and utilization of the services and
facilities of agencies and programs that are not carrying out activities
through the statewide workforce investment system with respect to
a.. Federal, state, and local agencies and programs;
b.. if applicable, Programs carried out by the Under Secretary for Rural
Development of the United States Department of Agriculture; and
c.. if applicable, state use contracting programs.
BSBP, through its collaborative agreements with a variety of state and local
agencies provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals who
are blind and visually impaired. BSBP has agreements with the Developmental
Disability Council and the Department of Community Health (DCH) agencies to
provide comprehensive services to persons with developmental disabilities to
assist in job placement and follow-along services. The Department of
Community Health agencies and the BSBP work collaboratively through its
cooperative agreements to expand services to individuals that are eligible
for DCH services to obtain job placement and follow-along services. DCH
agencies also work with the bureau in providing auxiliary services to many
of BSBP’s supported employment consumers.
The BSBP collaborative agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS)
provides services to family members in the area of child care, adult
services and food assistance to BSBP consumers that assist individuals to
participate in vocational training and job placement. The agreement also
provides for adults, when necessary, chore services and transportation. BSBP
and DHS has collaborated and developed an amendment to the agreement to
provide services to individuals that are in need of state disability
services prior to becoming eligible for SSI or SSDI. These individuals will
work with BSBP and DHS in the development of a plan for employment in order
to be a recipient of State Disability Assistance (SDA).
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the BSBP continue to
share information regarding grants that the department distributes to local
transportation authorities for capital outlay as well as for expanded
transportation services throughout the state for BSBP consumers. The BSBP
staff works with local advisory councils (LAC) within their areas to provide
input to the local transportation authorities regarding transportation
assistance to persons who are disabled and especially for individuals who
are blind and visually impaired. By working collaboratively with the LAC’s
the staff becomes aware of grants to increase transportation services in
rural areas as well as in townships and cities. The BSBP’s objective in
working with the transportation authorities is to increase the awareness and
needs of transportation for blind and visually impaired individuals to be
able to access transportation services for employment and leisure
activities.
The BSBP serves as an Employment Network for the Ticket to Work program.
This is a program provided through the Social Security Administration. The
program provides coordinators who discuss work incentives with vocational
individuals who are seeking employment and are recipients of SSI and SSDI.
The bureau has worked with Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to develop
cooperative agreements that outline the responsibility of BSBP and the IHE
as it relates to the requirements found in Section 103 (a) of the
Rehabilitation Act as amended regarding dispute resolutions, financial
responsibilities, accommodations, and service provisions. The agency
supports many of its consumers in their endeavors to obtain training in a
variety of occupational areas through institutions of higher education. BSBP
has agreements with all public institutions of higher education.
BSBP has an agreement with Michigan State University to provide a
comprehensive needs assessment (CSNA) and a customer satisfaction survey for
BSBP consumers. The assessment provides BSBP with information regarding
service needs and customer input regarding gaps in services. BSBP and MRS
work collaboratively with Michigan State University and Wayne State
University along with a number of on-line colleges to provide the
Comprehensive Statewide Personnel Development (CSPD) for interns as well as
counselors who are in need of specific courses to meet the certification of
rehabilitation requirements.
This screen was last updated on Jun 28 2011 3:34PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.8(b)(2) Coordination with Education Officials
a.. Describe the designated state unit's plans, policies, and procedures
for coordination with education officials to facilitate the transition of
students with disabilities from school to the receipt of vocational
rehabilitation services, including provisions for the development and
approval of an individualized plan for employment before each student
determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services leaves the
school setting or, if the designated state unit is operating on an order of
selection, before each eligible student able to be served under the order
leaves the school setting.
b.. Provide information on the formal interagency agreement with the state
educational agency with respect to
a.. consultation and technical assistance to assist educational agencies
in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to
post-school activities, including VR services;
b.. transition planning by personnel of the designated state agency and
educational agency that facilitates the development and completion of their
individualized education programs;
c.. roles and responsibilities, including financial responsibilities, of
each agency, including provisions for determining state lead agencies and
qualified personnel responsible for transition services;
d.. procedures for outreach to and identification of students with
disabilities who need transition services.
The BSBP continues to develop cooperative agreements with intermediate and
individual school districts throughout the state for the provision of
transition services of blind and visually impaired students. These
agreements outline specific objectives to be included in transition plans
for blind and visually impaired school age students in the districts served
under each agreement. They provide for development of individual skills
for pre-employment, as well as secondary educational training. BSBP staff
when invited participates in the Individualized Educational Planning
conference (IEPC) of students that are fourteen years and older to establish
eligibility criteria for vocational rehabilitation services. At these
meetings, ground work is developed to initiate Individualized Plan for
Employment (IPE) for each individual at age fourteen. The IEPC, along with
the IPE, are instruments that identify education, transition, and employment
goals and objectives. These activities are cooperatively agreed upon by the
schools or educational facilities, parent/student, other relevant agencies,
as well as the rehabilitation agency; thereby, establishing the objectives
of the transition plan leading to the transitioning of individuals from high
school to employment or secondary education.
The bureau continues to collaborate with education officials to carry out
transition activities for blind and visually impaired youth. BSBP has an
agreement with the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special
Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE/EIS) that outlines the
responsibilities of both agencies. The agreement is reviewed annually to
assure that all activities are carried out by the designated parties. The
Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) provides
technical assistance and resources to enable local service providers to
serve and improve the quality of education for students with a visual
impairment. BSBP partners with MDE-LIO and local districts to facilitate
the coordination of academic, vocational, independent and community-based
curricula. BSBP will also provide technical assistance for the
establishment of local partnerships designed to aid and empower students
that are blind and visual impaired. BSBP is mandated by the federal
government to work collaboratively with intermediate school districts and
community partners to provide transition services and activities for blind
and visually impaired youth.
BSBP establishes agency priorities and goals, provides leadership and
consultation to intermediate school districts. BSBP maintains a statewide
client information system that includes the collection of agency programs
and data for students who are blind and visually impaired.
BSBP works jointly with MDE Special Education programs and the intermediate
school districts (ISD) to establish agreements to carry out transition
planning and activities. The agreements outline the individualized
transition plans. Specifically, the BSBP initiates programs with the ISD to
encourage academic involvement for all visually impaired and blind students.
BSBP works with the ISD, students and parents to develop IPE’s that provides
for the development of soft skills training and work experiences. Through
the Low Incident and Outreach program within the Michigan Department of
Education, the bureau works jointly with the agency to identify eligible
consumers for the Vocational Rehabilitation program. The BSBP participates
with the Michigan Department of Education’s Bureau of Assessment and
Accountability with the general education department to identify areas of
collaboration to enhance program accessibility for mainstream youth who are
blind and visually impaired. The objective is to maximize resources and
minimize barriers that may impact on the educational progress of blind and
visually impaired youth.
MDE Special Education Division is responsible for providing educational
support to all individuals as it relates to their academic achievements.
BSBP provides financial support relating to specialized vocational
assessment training and other related services leading to employment
outcomes. These services are above and beyond what the Department of Special
Education provides.
This screen was last updated on Jun 3 2011 10:55AM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.8(b)(3) Cooperative Agreements with Private Nonprofit
Organizations
Describe the manner in which the designated state agency establishes
cooperative agreements with private non-profit vocational rehabilitation
service providers.
According to 4.8 (b) (3), BSBP has cooperative agreements with community
vocational rehabilitation agencies throughout the state to provide
vocational assessments, vocational training, and job placement services.
These individualized agreements outline the expectation and outcomes of each
program. The agency has developed a relationship with a vocational training
facility that provides training to blind and visually impaired consumers
that leads to direct job placement with the federal government. This
relationship has been extremely beneficial in assisting the bureau to
provide consumers with meaningful careers. BSBP continues to explore
opportunities to expand options for its consumers to obtain a variety of
vocational training and employment outcomes.
This screen was last updated on Apr 5 2011 1:39PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.8(b)(4) Arrangements and Cooperative Agreements for the
Provision of Supported Employment Services
Describe the efforts of the designated state agency to identify and make
arrangements, including entering into cooperative agreements, with other
state agencies and other appropriate entities in order to provide the
following services to individuals with the most significant disabilities:
a.. supported employment services; and
b.. extended services.
The BSBP Supported Employment program continues to provide rehabilitation
services to individuals with multiple impairments. These individuals receive
specialized services based on the criteria for supported employment. Each
case record has documentation to support the individual’s participation in
the Supported Employment program. Individuals that are not determined
eligible for the Supported Employment program have participated in extended
assessments to determine the feasibility of rehabilitation services.
Generally, the applicants for the Supported Employment program are able to
acquire specific training and supported services that will enable them to be
integrated within the community in a variety of occupations. Through BSBP’s
collaborative efforts with Department of Community Health (DCH), an
agreement was developed and implemented to provide long term services upon
the completion of vocational training. The agreement provides extended
supports to assist supported employment consumers in maintaining their
employment. Natural supports are frequently explored to provide the
follow-along services. BSBP and DCH has agreed upon long term follow-up
services to enhance the employment activities of these consumers, as well as
the need for auxiliary aids to enhance their daily living skills and
employment outcomes.
This screen has never been updated.
Attachment 4.10 Comprehensive System of Personnel Development
Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development
1. Describe the development and maintenance of a system for collecting and
analyzing on an annual basis data on qualified personnel needs with respect
to:
a.. the number of personnel who are employed by the state agency in the
provision of vocational rehabilitation services in relation to the number of
individuals served, broken down by personnel category;
b.. the number of personnel currently needed by the state agency to
provide vocational rehabilitation services, broken down by personnel
category; and
c.. projections of the number of personnel, broken down by personnel
category, who will be needed by the state agency to provide vocational
rehabilitation services in the state in 5 years based on projections of the
number of individuals to be served, including individuals with significant
disabilities, the number of personnel expected to retire or leave the field,
and other relevant factors.
The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) has made a commitment to
continue to hire only the most qualified individuals available to provide
services to blind persons across the State of Michigan.
In FY 11, the agency hired three new rehabilitation counselors. As a result
of personal reasons, one counselor resigned. The agency hired four new
rehabilitation teachers with one having a dual degree in rehabilitation
teaching and counseling.
During the same fiscal year, BSBP lost several staff due to a retirement
incentive program initiated by the Governor. Fortunately, none of the staff
that took advantage of that program were rehabilitation counselors; however,
one person was a regional manager in the VR program. The retirements
affected the Training Center and one field teacher, administrative support,
Business Enterprise Program and the Braille and Talking Book Library
resulted in fifteen vacancies. In addition to the large number of
retirements, the agency’s ARRA funds expired at the end of the fiscal year
so the job placement specialists hired using those funds were no longer
available.
BSBP continues to request additional FTE’s but due to budget concerns across
all state departments, those requests continually are denied. The bureau
will make new attempts to increase the number of employees. Historically,
BSBP FTE count was about 20 higher than it is currently. The trend today is
that fewer staff are doing more work across all state departments.
In addition to the current headcount of 107, the bureau has 6 direct service
employees hired through a contract with a CRP. This contract has been in
place for many years and will continue. Current plans call for possibly
moving a vacant contractual position from one office to another and hiring a
job placement specialist. For purposes of the discussions in this report on
retirement, the agency’s succession plans are to assess the needs for
additional employees to meet the demands for services. The numbers on the
chart showing the head count by job title, contractual employees are not
included.
A report generated by the department in January 2012 shows that 18 BSBP
employees will be eligible to retire in January 2013. Of that number, 6 are
managers from various programs, 8 are direct service professionals, and the
remaining 4 are support staff. That same report showed a total of 26 staff
that will be eligible to retire by January 2015. That is nearly 25% of all
BSBP employees. An estimated 8-10 more employees may be eligible to retire
in 5 years which means that overall, approximately a third of BSBP staff
will be able to retire by January 2017; however, not all of them will
retire, yet it is a concern and BSBP’s strategic plan is involved in
developing a succession plan to address this need.
It is generally understood that the number of persons in the state of
Michigan with visual impairments and legal blindness will increase as the
population ages. Therefore, BSBP projects the need for additional staff as
noted in the chart below:
Row
Job Title
Total positions
Current vacancies
Projected vacancies over the next 5 years
1
Rehabilitation Counselors
15
2
2
2
Rehabilitation Teachers
8
0
2
3
Teacher-Counselors
6
0
1
4
Support Staff
9 F/T
2 P/T
1
2
5
Employment Specialists
2
0
0
6
Managers
7
0
1
7
8
9
10
2. Describe the development and maintenance of a system for collecting and
analyzing on an annual basis data on personnel development with respect to:
a.. a list of the institutions of higher education in the state that are
preparing vocational rehabilitation professionals, by type of program;
b.. the number of students enrolled at each of those institutions, broken
down by type of program; and
c.. the number of students who graduated during the prior year from each
of those institutions with certification or licensure, or with the
credentials for certification or licensure, broken down by the personnel
category for which they have received, or have the credentials to receive,
certification or licensure.
The State of Michigan has three universities offering graduate degrees in
the field of rehabilitation counseling – Michigan State (MSU), Wayne State
(WSU), and Western Michigan (WMU). BSBP continues its relationship with the
universities to provide feedback on the quality of the programs and to make
sure students know about the agency. As often as possible, interns and
practicum students are placed in BSBP offices.
Row
Institutions
Students enrolled
Employees sponsored by agency and/or RSA
Graduates sponsored by agency and/or RSA
Graduates from the previous year
1
Michigan State
34
0
7
13
2
Wayne State University
85
0
21
9
3
Western State University
18
0
6
6
BSBP staff continues to be actively involved with the three programs.
Serving on advisory boards, making guest presentations, and working as an
adjunct instructor are just some of the ways staff work with the
rehabilitation counseling programs. By being actively involved, staff are
able to educate students of BSBP programs and can encourage them to consider
a career with the agency upon graduation. WMU’s rehabilitation program has a
focus on blindness and as a result of BSBP’s collaboration with the
university to provide internships and practicum experiences, enables the
agency to recruit qualified candidates with dual degrees.
Plan for Recruitment, Preparation and Retention of Qualified Personnel
Describe the development (updated on an annual basis) and implementation of
a plan to address the current and projected needs for qualified personnel
including, the Coordination and facilitation of efforts between the
designated state unit and institutions of higher education and professional
associations to recruit, prepare, and retain personnel who are qualified,
including personnel from minority backgrounds and personnel who are
individuals with disabilities.
The bureau is aware of the importance to recruit and hire persons with
disabilities and persons from minority groups. In FY 11 the number of
full-time employees (FTEs) was 107. That number does not include those hired
on a contract the agency has with a community rehabilitation program. That
contract provides for seven staff.
At the end of calendar year 2010, a retirement incentive program was passed
by the state legislature to reduce the number of state employees. Most
vacated positions were filled at the ratio of 1 hire for every 2
retirements. As time progressed, the bureau was given approval to fill all
the vacancies. A total of 15 experienced BSBP employees took advantage of
the retirement incentive. Some of those FTE’s were not filled at the same
classification as previously held but instead were moved to address other
priorities. One example was a rehabilitation teacher position was changed to
a job placement specialist. Additional vacancies were converted to assist
the bureau in meeting its needs.
For every vacancy at BSBP, a notice is sent to staff, the state and national
offices of the two largest blind consumer organizations, the three state
universities with rehabilitation programs and the Region 5 TACE.
Of the 107 classified civil servant employees in the agency, 20 (19%) are
persons with a disability and 23 (21%) are from a minority group. During the
recruitment, screening, and interview process, the agency makes a concerted
effort to include those with disabilities and those from minority groups.
BSBP continues to recruit minorities, especially those with disabilities.
BSBP continues to prepare and retain qualified staff by offering numerous
opportunities for professional development pursuant to Section
101(a)(7)(A)(iv)(II) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.18(b).
A report was recently released by the department to identify the number of
persons eligible to retire in one year and in three years. At the one year
level, 18 BSBP employees will be able to retire. At the three year level, 26
employees will be eligible. So, in other words, in about three years
approximately a quarter of all BSBP employees will be eligible to retire.
Not all will actually end up retiring but the report does point out the need
to address the growing number of vacancies expected agency wide.
Unfortunately, the current Civil Service system does not allow what most
would consider to be “succession planning” when filling vacancies. It is not
possible to identify replacements ahead of time and have them spend time or
be trained by the person vacating the position. Over recent years, steps
have been taken to make the hiring process easier and more efficient yet
“pre-selection” is typically not allowed under a civil service structure.
BSBP plans to address the need for developing future managers by offering
leadership opportunities to current staff. The goal is to prepare emerging
managers within the bureau so as positions become available, they are
equipped to compete. Training programs, participation in work groups and
committees, and mentoring staff are just three opportunities that staff is
provided to develop leadership skills. Most activities are focused on
maintaining capacity instead of adding capacity pursuant to 34 CFR
361.18(d)(2)(iii)(A)-(C).
Personnel Standards
Describe the state agency's policies and procedures for the establishment
and maintenance of personnel standards to ensure that designated state unit
professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and
prepared, including:
1.. standards that are consistent with any national or state-approved
or -recognized certification, licensing, registration, or, in the absence of
these requirements, other comparable requirements (including state personnel
requirements) that apply to the profession or discipline in which such
personnel are providing vocational rehabilitation services; and
2.. to the extent that existing standards are not based on the highest
requirements in the state applicable to a particular profession or
discipline, the steps the state is currently taking and the steps the State
Plans to take in accordance with the written plan to retrain or hire
personnel within the designated state unit to meet standards that are based
on the highest requirements in the state, including measures to notify
designated state unit personnel, institutions of higher education, and other
public agencies of these steps and the timelines for taking each step.
Be sure to include the following:
a.. specific strategies for retraining, recruiting, and hiring personnel;
b.. the specific time period by which all state unit personnel will meet
the standards;
c.. procedures for evaluating the designated state unit’s progress in
hiring or retraining personnel to meet applicable personnel standards within
the established time period;
d.. the identification of initial minimum qualifications that the
designated state unit will require of newly hired personnel when the state
unit is unable to hire new personnel who meet the established personnel
standards;
e.. the identification of a plan for training newly hired personnel who do
not meet the established standards to meet the applicable standards within
the time period established for all state unit personnel to meet the
established personnel standards.
BSBP does not require that counselors be Certified Rehabilitation
Counselors. However, in order to perform the basic core functions of a
rehabilitation counselor – determination of eligibility, development of an
individualized rehabilitation program, and case closure – a counselor in
BSBP must be CRC-eligible. This minimum standard requires the appropriate
graduate degree or completion of graduate coursework to meet the criteria
established by the bureau on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
to meet the needs of Section 101(a)(7)(v)(II)(B) of the Act and 34 CFR
361.18(c). If it becomes necessary to hire someone who does not meet that
standard, the bureau will hire someone with a similar degree with the
agreement that the new hire will complete the needed courses to become
CRC-eligible. Completion of the required coursework must be done within
three years of being hired. There are several universities in Michigan that
offer general counseling classes in addition to the three schools providing
specific courses in rehabilitation counseling. There are also numerous
online options available from schools outside the state.
Training of all new staff (CRC-eligible or otherwise) is done primarily by
the regional managers. Each new person is assigned to work with an
experienced rehabilitation counselor to serve as the mentor during the
training period.
When CSPD requirements were first instituted, the agency had several staff
who did not meet the minimum standard. Since then, a few others have been
hired and that was usually due to the lack of qualified candidates for the
office with the vacancy. Currently, the bureau has 15 people providing
direct rehabilitation counseling services to consumers and 10 of them have a
CRC and the rest are CRC-eligible. In addition, 4 of the current managers
have their CRC and the others are CRC-eligible.
BSBP has always put a priority on staff development. Training needs and the
various programs to address those needs are identified by the coordinator of
staff development, managers, administrators, and counselors.
Staff Development
Describe the state agency's policies, procedures, and activities to ensure
that all personnel employed by the designated state unit receive appropriate
and adequate training in terms of:
1.. a system of staff development for professionals and paraprofessionals
within the designated state unit, particularly with respect to assessment,
vocational counseling, job placement, and rehabilitation technology; and
2.. procedures for the acquisition and dissemination to designated state
unit professionals and paraprofessionals significant knowledge from research
and other sources.
One resource used to cover the costs is the In-Service Training Grant from
RSA. Funds made available by this grant cover the costs for training in job
placement, assistive technology, transition, specific disabilities, mental
health, prisoner re-entry, and many other topics. The intent of this
training is to prepare all direct service staff in the provision of
rehabilitation services. The goal is to always increase the number of
successful outcomes and by increasing the knowledge and skills of staff,
BSBP hope it will translate into more positive outcomes.
An issue that can have an impact on service delivery is the potential loss
of experienced staff. As noted earlier, a large number of BSBP employees are
eligible for retirement or will be in the near future. To some degree, the
loss of experienced staff has already happened which has resulted in the
hiring new staff. An internal “training committee” has been established to
create new and better ways to ensure that all staff, especially those
working directly with consumers, have the best learning experience
available.
One of the steps during the early stages of a new employee’s time on the job
is to attend an orientation at the BSBP Training Center (BSBPTC), a
residential facility in southwest Michigan that teaches the skills of
blindness to consumers of BSBP. The orientation is set up for a minimum of
two weeks and for some people it can go for three weeks. Each attendee will
wear a blindfold from the time they go to breakfast until they are finished
with dinner in the evening. It is designed to give the employee a better
understanding of what a blind person goes through as well as an overview of
the services provided by the Center to consumers.
The BSBP training committee has also created and updated a new employee
orientation checklist. The manager will review the orientation check list
with new staff to make sure that they understand the procedures. This
comprehensive process last for at least 6 weeks and is designed to provide
the new employee with a greater understanding of the bureau’s mission,
programs and policies and procedures relating to the provision of service
delivery.
BSBP staff attends two annual training programs that provide information
about the latest trends in rehabilitation. The Michigan Rehabilitation
Conference (MRC) which is held in the fall provides rehabilitation
counselors and other staff with an opportunity to gain continuing education
and knowledge relating to an array of topics that are essential to improving
service delivery and employment outcomes. The MI Association of Educators
in Rehabilitation (MAER) is held in the spring where a number of BSBP
rehabilitation therapist (teachers) attend to gain knowledge and information
regarding best practices in providing services to individuals who are blind
and visually impaired. These professional conferences are vital to the
development and professional growth of BSBP’s staff.
Another training opportunity for all staff, especially new counselors, are
the annual conventions for the two major blind consumer organizations – the
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan and the Michigan Council of the
Blind and Visually Impaired. All new counselors are expected to attend these
two programs during their first year on the job when they are held in their
area.
A very valuable resource for training is the Region 5 TACE at Southern
Illinois University. TACE has been extremely supportive of the training
needs of BSBP for years and has provided countless opportunities for staff
to attend various programs and to provide in-service training programs at
the agency’s request. BSBP identifies numerous training needs; although the
primary emphasis is improving the professional skills in the area of job
development, job placement and employer contacts and relationships.
Finally, the bureau works very closely with the three universities in
Michigan with rehabilitation programs to identify candidates for internships
and possible employment. This is consistent with Section 101(a)(7) of the
Act and 34 CFR 361.18(a). BSBP has staff persons on advisory boards, making
presentations to specific classes, and on occasion, even teaching a class.
The agency also has a history of hiring graduates from all three programs,
especially the blindness specific program at Western Michigan University.
Personnel to Address Individual Communication Needs
Describe how the designated state unit has personnel or obtains the services
of other individuals who are able to communicate in the native language of
applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English speaking ability
or in appropriate modes of communication with applicants or eligible
individuals.
All consumers of BSBP are entitled to receive materials in their preferred
format whenever possible. Typical options are Braille, large print, CD,
email, or audiotape. The bureau continues the practice of putting all
brochures, as well as other documents like the Annual Report, on the BSBP
website. This makes all materials accessible to anyone with a computer.
Currently, there is one person in the bureau’s deaf/blind unit who is able
to communicate in sign language. There is also at least one person at the
BSBP Training Center who is able to communicate by sign. When needed, the
agency is able to make arrangements for an interpreter or translator to
facilitate communication. This occasionally becomes an issue in southeast
Michigan due to the large number of Arabic speaking individuals.
Coordination of Personnel Development Under the individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act
Describe the procedures and activities to coordinate the designated state
unit's comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel
development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement
Act.
The Administrator of the Consumer Services Division and the Bureau Director
of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons continue to be very active
participants on the Statewide Transition Network Team in an effort to
coordinate staff development under the bureau’s Comprehensive Plan for
Personnel Development (CSPD) with the personnel development under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as provided by Section
101(a)(7)(a)(ii) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.18(f). In addition, this is
accomplished through a number of cash-match agreements that provide for the
sharing of personnel and services among the various educational entities and
the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. The Administrator of the Consumer
Services Division works closely with the transition team to develop specific
procedures for improving the coordination of CSPD and IDEA requirements for
personnel development. These agreements allow for maximum sharing of
information related to the needs of consumers and enhance planning for the
future provision of services
This screen was last updated on Jul 6 2011 2:30PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(a) Statewide Assessment
Provide an assessment of the rehabilitation needs of individuals with
disabilities residing within the state, particularly the vocational
rehabilitation services needs of:
a.. individuals with most significant disabilities, including their need
for supported employment services;
b.. individuals with disabilities who are minorities;
· individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or
underserved by the vocational rehabilitation program; and
a.. individuals with disabilities served through other components of the
statewide workforce investment system.
Identify the need to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation
programs within the state.
The BSBP’s Comprehensive Needs Assessment is conducted every three years by
the Michigan State University (MSU) Office of Rehabilitation and Disability
Studies. The last Comprehensive Needs Assessment was conducted in FY 2011
jointly with the BSBP, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and Michigan
Statewide Independent Living Council (MiSILC). The results were made
available to the agency in FY 2011 and the bureau is currently implementing
the recommendations of the assessment.
The specific data collection methods used included a review of extant data
(e.g., RSA 911 data, American Community Survey data, Special Education data,
etc.), Key Informant interviews, and a series of surveys conducted with MRS,
BSBP and MiSILC staff as well as the directors of MARO member community
rehabilitation organizations. In addition, electronic surveys were developed
to collect needs assessment information from Michigan residents with
disabilities and family and friends of people with disabilities.
The Comprehensive Needs Assessment conducted in 2011 recommended that BSBP
work with community partners to provide training for staff to increase
awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and its affects or manifestation on
persons who are blind or have low vision; to
develop a community outreach program to meet the specific needs of Hmong who
are blind or have low vision; enhance its outreach efforts to the Arab
American population and to work with its community partners and Department
of Community Health to develop ways to increase resources to improve
services to consumers with mental illness.
The survey results indicates that no specific minority group was
underserved; although, it indicated some findings that are of concern
regarding African American employment outcomes.
The survey instrument mentions the statewide Workforce Investment System as
it relates to WIA legislation and the Title IV Rehabilitation Act, as
amended in 1998. The BSBP continues to review its Memorandums of
Understanding with the workforce investment system (Michigan Works!) to
ensure access to programs; such as, computer training, vocational
evaluations, interest inventories, resume writing and virtual interviews.
BSBP co-sponsors employer days and employer fairs with the Michigan Works!
and is co-located in several of the Michigan Works! offices on an itinerant
basis. The bureau’s familiarization with the Michigan Works! programs enable
them to more effectively assist blind and visually impaired consumers who
are seeking employment in the competitive labor market.
This screen was last updated on Jun 3 2011 12:17PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(b) Annual Estimates
a.. Identify the number of individuals in the state who are eligible for
services.
b.. Identify the number of eligible individuals who will receive services
provided with funds under:
a.. Part B of Title I;
b.. Part B of Title VI;
c.. each priority category, if under an order of selection.
c.. Identify the cost of services for the number of individuals estimated
to be eligible for services. If under an order of selection, identify the
cost of services for each priority category.
The total population of individuals in Michigan who have vision difficulty
between 14 and 64 years of age based on information from the U.S. Census
Bureau 2010 census is 27,230 (3.2% of the total number of individuals with
disabilities). BSBP uses a factor of 45% of the individuals who have vision
difficulty to identify the number of individuals who are blind (12,254) and
would be eligible for services.
Of the 12,254 eligible individuals, 67% (8,210) are not employed either
because they are unemployed (1,560 or 19%) or not in the labor force (6,650
or 81%).
Based on the 2010 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, BSBP estimates serving
the entire unemployed population (1,560) plus 12% (798) of the individuals
not in the labor force for a total of 2,358 individuals. Of that amount,
BSBP will serve 2,321 individuals under Title I, Part B and 37 individuals
under Title VI, Part B.
The estimated costs to provide services under Title I, Part B (excluding
administrative costs) are $4,642,000, and the estimated costs under Title
VI, Part B are $194,648 for a total of $4,836,648.
Category
Title I or Title VI
Estimated Funds
Estimated Number to be Served
Average Cost of Services
—
—
—
—
—
—
Totals
$0
0
—
This screen was last updated on May 18 2011 2:38PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(c)(1) State Goals and Priorities
The goals and priorities are based on the comprehensive statewide
assessment, on requirements related to the performance standards and
indicators, and on other information about the state agency. (See section
101(a)(15)(C) of the Act.) This attachment should be updated when there are
material changes in the information that require the description to be
amended.
a.. Identify if the goals and priorities were jointly developed and agreed
to by the state VR agency and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the state
has a council.
b.. Identify if the state VR agency and the State Rehabilitation Council,
if the state has such a council, jointly reviewed the goals and priorities
and jointly agreed to any revisions.
c.. Identify the goals and priorities in carrying out the vocational
rehabilitation and supported employment programs.
d.. Ensure that the goals and priorities are based on an analysis of the
following areas:
a.. the most recent comprehensive statewide assessment, including any
updates;
b.. the performance of the state on standards and indicators; and
c.. other available information on the operation and effectiveness of
the VR program, including any reports received from the State Rehabilitation
Council and findings and recommendations from monitoring activities
conducted under section 107.
The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons will continue to monitor the number
of minority males, in particular, African American males that exited the
program without an employment outcome. The agency will continue to
emphasize the need to expand minority outreach to the African Americans,
Hispanic/Latinos, Arab Americans as well the Hmong population. BSBP will
continue to provide effective service delivery to minority populations,
establish community relationships, provide professional development, partner
with other agencies to increase employment outcomes, expand transition
activities to include individuals with autism and improve informational
access through the collaboration with the Braille and Talking Book Library
(BTBL).
Goal 1 - Monitoring the number of minority males exiting VR program
BSBP has established a goal to monitor 50% of minority males that exited the
Vocational Rehabilitation program with IPE’s developed and services
initiated, but without an employment outcome.
Goal 2 - Minority Outreach
BSBP will expand outreach efforts by collaboration by establishing town hall
meetings and informational sessions with each group. BSBP is aware of the
need to channel resources in the area of unserved and underserved
populations. BSBP’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to increase
rehabilitation services to Latino/Hispanic Americans, African Americans,
Native Americans, Arabic/Chaldean and Hmong populations.
Goal 3 - Community Partnership
The bureau will develop relationships with community rehabilitation
organizations, mental health agencies with emphasis on individuals with
mental illness, housing authority, transportation sources to assist in
providing expanded services for consumers.
Goal 4 - Technology Training
BSBP, through its working relationship with technology vendors, is
constantly aware of the need to make sure that staff and consumers are
familiar with the new technology and its applications. The bureau provides
staff with opportunities to gain additional technology skills throughout the
year in a variety of training venues; such as webinars and virtual classroom
training. Staff also receives training on the latest adaptive and/or
technology equipment.
Goal 5 - Professional Development
BSBP provides its professional staff opportunities to further their
knowledge in the field of rehabilitation through collaborations with TACE
which provides specific training that enhance the skills and knowledge of
staff to assist consumers in achieving their goals of independence and
employment. BSBP provides the professional staff opportunities to further
their knowledge in the field of rehabilitation through collaborations with
TACE which provides specific training that enhance the skills and knowledge
of staff to assist consumers in achieving their goals of independence and
employment.
BSBP also participates in two annual professional training conferences
(Michigan Association of Educators in Rehabilitation [MAER] and Michigan
Rehabilitation Conference [MRC]) as well as a variety of professional
training (Michigan Transition Outcomes Project [MI TOP], Hadley School for
the Blind, National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute [NRLI], Ethics,
Mississippi State VI Program, online Technical Assistance and Continuing
Education [TACE] courses, and Cultural and Race in Rehabilitation Services.
These conferences and trainings are instrumental in helping the professional
staff to become aware of current trends in the field of rehabilitation and
ways to improve service delivery to persons who are blind and visually
impaired.
Goal 6 - Employment Outcomes
Indicator 1.1 references the number of individuals with employment outcomes.
The BSBP goal is to increase competitive employment opportunities for
individuals with visual impairment and blindness by utilizing its business
services staff which includes job developers to develop employer relations
to foster greater job opportunities through its work with the Michigan
Works!, National Employment Team (NET), employers, employment fairs, and
Newsline to increase the percentage of employment outcomes so that consumers
will have more opportunities to market their skills. BSBP’s priority is to
seek out new opportunities within the community each year and to establish
meaningful partnerships with its community partners in order to expand
employment outcomes for blind and visually impaired individuals. BSBP,
through its collaboration with community partners and employers, has
established a goal to rehabilitate 171 consumers with competitive outcomes.
The bureau has an objective to establish meaningful relationships with
community rehabilitation agencies to develop and expand vocational training
opportunities for individuals with blindness and visual impairment for the
purpose of increasing employment outcomes. Another objective is to
collaborate with the employment community through the use of BSBP’s business
services brochures, staff and job developers to inform employers of services
that the bureau provides, as well as how the bureau provides qualified job
ready candidates.
Goal 7 - Transition
The transition initiative remains a top priority of BSBP. BSBP continues to
participate in the Michigan Transition Services Association (MTSA)
conference and the Michigan Transition Outcomes Project (MI-TOP) to gain
knowledge as well as to share information regarding proven practices in
regards to transition opportunities. BSBP, through its collaborative efforts
with intermediate school districts in various locations of the state
continues to develop summer transition programs that enable students to
acquire pre-vocational evaluations, soft skills, work experience, mentoring,
job shadowing, educational endeavors and college preparatory; thereby,
preparing these individuals for independent living and employment readiness.
The bureau continues to explore opportunities to meet the needs of all
transition students who are blind and visually impaired and those with
autism spectrum disorder. In addition to the above mentioned activities,
two additional training opportunities are available to transition students
with multiple disabilities is Project Search and Customized Employment.
Goal 8 - Library Services
The VR staff and the library staff collaborate to ensure that consumers are
aware of the services and how to access the materials in their preferred
format. This increased collaboration will provide additional avenues for
consumers who are pursuing vocational and secondary training. The library’s
technology staff provides technical assistance and training in the use of
the computer and assistive technology devices. These services are provided
to individuals who are blind and visually impaired; therefore, Title I funds
are used to provide services to this group. BSBP’s collaboration with the
library provides an excellent venue for sharing the latest advancement in
adaptive technology that assist the staff with its goals regarding improved
services for consumers. BSBP’s staff benefits from this collaborative effort
in that, staff receives updated technology training in a variety of settings
through the library.
This screen was last updated on Jun 29 2011 4:09PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(c)(3) Order of Selection
a.. Identify the order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to
be provided vocational rehabilitation services.
b.. Identify the justification for the order.
c.. Identify the service and outcome goals.
d.. Identify the time within which these goals may be achieved for
individuals in each priority category within the order.
e.. Describe how individuals with the most significant disabilities are
selected for services before all other individuals with disabilities.
The bureau is not implementing an Order of Selection.
This screen was last updated on Jul 28 2009 8:39AM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(c)(4) Goals and Plans for Distribution of Title VI, Part B
Funds
Specify the state's goals and priorities with respect to the distribution of
funds received under section 622 of the Act for the provision of supported
employment services.
BSBP serves the more severely disabled individuals who are blind and
visually impaired, as well as individuals who are deaf/blind through the
Supported Employment program. The agency continues to develop working
relationships with its community partners and intermediate school districts
to obtain appropriate referrals for vocational exploration and
rehabilitation services to promote employment opportunities for supported
employment consumers. BSBP and the Department of Community Health have an
agreement that will expand opportunities to increase involvement with local
CMH’s to increase referrals by 5% resulting in more employment outcomes. It
also provides provisions for natural supports and long term follow along
services. BSBP anticipates providing vocational rehabilitation services to
37 individuals and placing 50% or more of the total number of consumers
served by the Supported Employment program to obtain competitive employment.
BSBP received $94,246 to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to
the most severe and/or multiple impaired individuals. The staff will utilize
supported employment funds to develop vocational opportunities for the most
severely disabled individuals to achieve employment outcomes. BSBP’s goal is
to work with the community rehabilitation organizations to establish
programs that provide training to enhance marketable skills that will enable
the recipients to obtain job placement within an integrated setting in their
communities. Each of the community rehabilitation organizations emphasize
specialized programs that are supported by the labor market demands. These
programs include, but are not limited to, Micro-enterprise businesses,
packaging and assembly, clerical activities, food services, and janitorial
training for consumers.
This screen was last updated on May 18 2011 4:40PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(d) State's Strategies
This attachment should include required strategies and how the agency will
use these strategies to achieve its goals and priorities, support innovation
and expansion activities, and overcome any barriers to accessing the
vocational rehabilitation and the supported employment programs. See
sections 101(a)(15)(D) and (18)(B) of the Act and Section 427 of the General
Education Provisions Act (GEPA.)
a.. Describe the methods to be used to expand and improve services to
individuals with disabilities.
b.. Identify how a broad range of assistive technology services and
assistive technology devices will be provided to individuals with
disabilities at each stage of the rehabilitation process.
c.. Describe how assistive technology services and devices will be
provided to individuals with disabilities on a statewide basis.
d.. Identify what outreach procedures will be used to identify and serve
individuals with disabilities who are minorities, including those with the
most significant disabilities.
e.. Identify what outreach procedures will be used to identify and serve
individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by the
VR program.
f.. Identify plans for establishing, developing, or improving community
rehabilitation programs, if applicable.
g.. Describe strategies to improve the performance with respect to the
evaluation standards and performance indicators.
h.. Describe strategies for assisting other components of the statewide
workforce investment system in assisting individuals with disabilities.
i.. Describe how the agency's strategies will be used to:
a.. achieve the goals and priorities identified in Attachment
4.11(c)(1);
b.. support innovation and expansion activities; and
c.. overcome identified barriers relating to equitable access to and
participation of individuals with disabilities in the state Vocational
Rehabilitation Services Program and the state Supported Employment Services
Program.
The utilization of community partners, employers and consumers assist BSBP
with achieving its primary goals and priorities. BSBP has four strategic
teams: Service Delivery Design, Image and Identity, Cultural Diversity and
Technology that assist in the strategic planning process to achieve the
agency’s goals and priorities. These teams make recommendations for
evaluation and assessment of the agency’s services, timeliness of services,
review the policy manual and procedures, identify unserved and underserved
populations, and provide the agency with information regarding new and
innovative technology equipment and programs. All of the design teams are
composed of agency staff, community partners and consumers.
Strategy for Goal 1 - Monitoring minority males exiting the VR program
BSBP will continue to monitor the number of minority males that exit the
system without employment outcomes. BSBP will randomly review IPE’s
quarterly to determine if the programs are achieving the objectives that
were established by the consumer and counselor. As a result of the review,
feedback will be provided to the counselor to be shared with the consumers
in order to assist in achieving their vocational goal. System data will
continue to be reviewed quarterly to determine the success of the goal and
effectiveness of the strategy.
Strategy for Goal 2 - Minority Outreach
The BSBP’s priority is to expand outreach activities. BSBP is aware of the
need to channel resources in the area of unserved and underserved
populations. As a result, BSBP’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to
increase rehabilitation services to Latino/Hispanic Americans, African
Americans, Native Americans and Arabic/Chaldean and Hmong populations. The
staff of BSBP received specialized training that will equip them with skills
and knowledge to enhance service provisions to the above mentioned minority
populations. BSBP staff participates in Latino/Hispanic events such as the
Festival Mexicana, and Hispanic Heritage Day to provide information
regarding BSBP services to assist individuals in transition activities,
vocational training, job placement and independent living. The staff is
involved with the LaSed Community Action Coalition in providing information
regarding services provided by BSBP, as well as working with the local
Michigan Works! located within the Hispanic community to promote employment
opportunities to individuals with blindness and visual impairments. Job
placement training for staff through TACE, collaborative efforts with the
community rehabilitation organizations and the development of employment
relationships with employers resulted in increased outcomes for this
population.
Another unserved population that BSBP’s outreach activities have had a
significant impact in providing services to is the Native Americans. The
staff continues to familiarize themselves with the culture and the various
aspects of individual tribal needs. BSBP staff has developed relationships
with the American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS) of Southeast
Michigan, Inc. which has allowed them to meet with the leaders in the
individual tribes to be able to understand their values and needs as it
relates to education, job training, and employment outcomes. The health
center is a facility that distributes information to the Native American
population. Through collaboration with the health center, the agency staff
has been successful in providing rehabilitation services to seniors as well
as with job ready consumers, especially working with Native Americans in
urban areas. BSBP staff has established working relationships with Native
Americans at the Hannahville Reservation and at the Sioux Reservation. As a
result of the collaboration with the health center and reservations, the
agency receives referrals throughout the year for rehabilitation assistance.
BSBP has developed an agreement with the Hannahville Indian Community
Vocational Rehabilitation Program, (121 Project Visions). The agreement
outlines procedures and practices utilized by both entities to increase
service delivery to consumers within the program. Through the staff
attendance at Pow Wow’s, cultural training, and dialoguing with the elders
of the tribes, the counseling staff are receiving vocational referrals from
these activities.
BSBP continues to work with Wayne State University (WSU) Rehabilitation
Counselor program to improve outcomes for the African American population.
The Rehabilitation Counselor program continues to explore avenues to
increase relationships with the African American population that will result
in more employment outcomes. WSU and BSBP continue to explore innovative
counseling approaches to work more effectively with the urban population to
identify practices that will enable counselors to utilize techniques to
achieve successful outcomes. BSBP is working with an urban school district
to implement a specialized educational program that will focus on at risk
students to obtain a high school diploma or general educational degree. BSBP’s
agreements with intermediate school districts will enable the bureau to work
closely with this program.
BSBP will establish contact with individuals in the Hmong population to
inform them of the services that BSBP provides to assist blind and visually
impaired individuals in achieving their vocational endeavors. The bureau
will provide brochures and other information in appropriate languages and
mode of communication. Through collaboration with the Hmong population,
BSBP staff will participate in informational sessions that will allow for
exchange of ideas and cultural awareness.
Strategy for Goal 3 - Community Partnerships
BSBP is collaborating with its community partners to assist in the agency’s
expansion of vocational training, resources and employment outcomes. BSBP’s
agreement with the Department of Community Health will assist in providing
these service opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities
and mental illness. Through working with community mental health agencies
to identify appropriate individuals for vocational training and job
placement services. The bureau is working with the Department of
Transportation to identify ways to improve transportation services to
persons with disabilities that will enable them to participate in employment
and leisure time activities. The agency encourages staff and consumers to
participate on the local advisory council of transportation providers within
their geographical location. BSBP along with its community partners
continues to collaborate on ways to improve delivery of services to its
constituents to enhance the opportunities to acquire appropriate work skills
for the purpose of obtaining competitive employment. BSBP strategy is to
share information and resources in the areas of housing and health care
concerns that will assist consumers in maintaining a productive way of life.
Strategy for Goal 4 - Technology
BSBP, through its working relationship with technology vendors are
constantly aware of the need to make sure that staff and consumers are
familiar with the new technology and its applications. BSBP collaborates
with community agencies and organizations to make sure that their programs
and services are accessible to blind and visually impaired consumers, as
well as to assist them with the appropriate technology and adaptive
equipment that allows individuals with vision impairments to utilize
technology in various programs. BSBP makes available technology training for
staff and consumers on the latest technology and adaptive equipment that
assist individuals in the workforce and with daily living skills. BSBP
participates in two technology fairs, one of which is sponsored in part by
BSBP and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Ann Arbor,
(Vision 2012) and is held every other year. At the technology fair more than
50 vendors displays equipment for blind and visually impaired individuals to
enhance their knowledge, independence, education, daily living and
employment skills. BSBP participates in the program by providing information
regarding services as it relates to employment and independence. Both events
are opened to consumers and BSBP encourages their attendance. BSBP
encourages staff to participate in these technology events in order that
they may be able to assist their consumers with technology in all aspects of
their lives. BSBP provides assistive technology services and devices to its
consumers through the provisions of individual plans for employment. The IPE
specifies the types of services, technology training and devices that will
be necessary to assist the individual in achieving their desired vocational
goals throughout the rehabilitation process.
The BSBP Training Center is completing a major renovation that includes
development of a comprehensive technology training center that is equipped
with the broadest range of assistive and access technology for people who
are blind & visually impaired in Michigan. While the training center has
provided instruction in the use of access technology to its consumers since
2006, the Center is now expanding and improving services to consumers who
are blind by using its newly completed facility to establish a comprehensive
statewide technology training program. The program staff researches
evolving best practices in computer instruction, identifies access
technology that will assist consumers in achieving successful employment
outcomes and provides comprehensive instruction to training center students.
The BSBP Training Center plans to expand technology training in response to
the statewide needs assessment; to provide comprehensive training in the use
of appropriate access technology to eligible individuals who are not
currently attending the Training Center.
Strategy for Goal 5 - Professional Development
BSBP provides the professional staff opportunities to further their
knowledge in the field of rehabilitation through collaborations with TACE
which provides specific training that enhance the skills and knowledge of
staff to assist consumers in achieving their goals of independence and
employment.
BSBP also participates in two annual professional training conferences
(Michigan Association of Educators in Rehabilitation [MAER] and Michigan
Rehabilitation Conference [MRC]) as well as a variety of professional
training (Michigan Transition Outcomes Project [MI TOP], Hadley School for
the Blind, National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute [NRLI], Ethics,
Mississippi State Visually Impaired Program, online Technical Assistance and
Continuing Education [TACE] courses, and Cultural and Race in Rehabilitation
Services. These conferences and trainings are instrumental in helping the
professional staff to become aware of current trends in the field of
rehabilitation and ways to improve service delivery to persons who are blind
and visually impaired.
Each of these professional conferences emphasizes the importance of
counselors and other rehabilitation providers to gain knowledge in their
prospective fields. BSBP supports staff participation in these conferences.
Further, the two consumer groups, the Michigan Association of the Blind and
Visually Impaired and the Michigan Chapter of the National Federation of the
Blind provides a statewide conference annually that enables BSBP staff to
hear current issues that are pertinent to persons that are blind and
visually impaired.
Strategy for Goal 6 - Employment Outcomes
BSBP is working to increase services to minority populations. The objective
is to improve the effectiveness of service delivery to minorities. Through
its communications and outreach coordinator, BSBP has developed brochures in
alternative formats for outreach purposes to unserved and underserved
populations. These pamphlets and brochures have been distributed to BSBP
offices, consumers, as well with community partners. Additional efforts are
being employed to provide services to the urban populations within the state
of Michigan to increase employment outcomes.
Another one of BSBP’s efforts is to provide expanded communication
opportunities for consumers through the collaboration with Newsline. This
media allows blind and visually impaired consumer access to information
through multiple newspapers. This service also provides job ready consumers
with employment information, job leads and training opportunities.
BSBP’s priority is to develop cooperative working relations with the Office
of Aging and the Area Agency on Aging to improve and expand services to
seniors and other vocational consumers with visual disabilities. The
development of this partnership will expand vocational training
opportunities statewide for individuals that are legally blind that are
ready to enter the world of work. This cooperative agreement will provide
the individuals with specific technology training leading to an array of
employment opportunities.
BSBP, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, has
established a goal to rehabilitate 162 consumers with competitive outcomes.
These individuals will participate in rehabilitation programs that will
equip them to enter into the labor market with skills that will enable them
to obtain gainful employment as well as fringe benefits. BSBP will employ
the assistance of the Michigan Works!, the National Business Team, labor
market information and local employers to assist in achieving employment
outcomes. These activities underscore the efforts of the bureau to provide
services to individuals as well as those that receive services through the
Supported Employment program.
BSBP will continue to focus on the minority males and females; specifically,
Hispanic/Latinos and African Americans. BSBP has collaborated with minority
businesses that are located in the community in order to develop
relationships that lead to employment opportunities. BSBP’s managers are
working closely with the counselors in the development of IPE’s to improve
communications to involve consumers in appropriately selecting vocational
goals through the provision of labor market information and green job
development within Michigan in order to improve successful employment
outcomes.
In relation to use of Title I funds, the BSBP provides documents in an
accessible format and languages which includes brochures, pamphlets as well
as captions and description on videos and DVD’s. BSBP distributes materials
for outreach activities to a variety of agencies and organizations to inform
them of the types of services that BSBP provides to persons with
disabilities and specifically to those that are blind and visually impaired.
BSBP collaborates with community partners, as well as rehabilitation
agencies, colleges and universities and other training facilities to provide
assistive technology services and devices to assist BSBP’s consumers with
access to training. BSBP provides employers with technology assessments for
prospective employees and works with employers to determine the appropriate
technology that may be necessary for specific job duties.
The BSBP uses Title I funds to develop and expand the Business Services
program to establish relationships with employers. Through the marketing
activities of the business services staff, the bureau is assisting employers
to find qualified individuals to meet their employment needs. The bureau
receives job leads from the National Business Employment Network to increase
opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals to obtain
employment from national companies. The business services staff is an
intricate part of BSBP’s rehabilitation process. This program works
collaboratively with the Michigan Works! and employers within the geographic
areas of the state. The marketing activities of the business services staff
emphasize the importance of collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce,
Business Leadership Network and the National Business Employment Team to
develop opportunities for the agency’s consumers to obtain gainful
employment. The Business Services program also provides employers with an
array of services to assist companies in maintaining and retaining qualified
employees. BSBP’s involvement in the Governor’s Small Business Initiative
continues to provide the agency’s consumers with additional avenues to gain
employment. The bureau’s staff is working collaboratively with small
business owners to assess and assist with employment needs in order that job
ready consumers will be considered for positions within their businesses.
BSBP’s affiliation with the National Business Employment Team provides
another resource to promote a greater opportunity nationally for individuals
with visual impairments and blindness to become successfully employed.
BSBP partners with a variety of community organizations to provide
vocational training for blind and visually impaired individuals. Through the
collaboration with the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the
Department of Community Health, an agreement was developed to mitigate gaps
in services to persons with mental impairments and developmental
disabilities including persons with blindness and visual impairments. This
agreement emphasizes the need to increase services to this population. BSBP’s
objective is to work with the local CMH’s to increase referrals and
employment outcomes up to five percent.
BSBP collaborates with statewide workforce investment system (Michigan
Works!) to increase program development that will provide assessments,
vocational training and job placement services. The state has identified
some priority careers; such as, accounting/finance, healthcare,
manufacturing, technology, and customer service representatives. The bureau
is aware of the importance of partnering with Michigan Works! in order to
increase employment opportunities for the population that it serves.
Throughout the state, and in various Michigan Works! offices, the BSBP is
co-located on an itinerant basis. Some of the Michigan Works! locations in
which bureau has a presence are: Flint, Marquette, Monroe, Clinton Township,
Detroit, Down River, Port Huron, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Holland,
Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids and Adrian. The development of these working
relationships with the Michigan Works! will enable the agency’s consumers to
utilize their services and their employment search. The bureau partners with
the Michigan Works! offices to provide job expos for persons that are
unemployed, which includes persons with disabilities. These activities are
to assist in the reduction of persons who are underemployed and unemployed
in the state.
The purpose of the BSBP Training Center is to provide eligible individuals
with the tools necessary to enable them to achieve successful employment
outcomes. In addition to its comprehensive course of instruction in the
skills of blindness, the Training Center has developed a powerful curriculum
entitled Vocational Exploration and Career Planning (VECP) which is
completed by every VR consumer who attends the Center. The course begins
with an array of interest and skill inventory exercises which are designed
to verify that each consumer has made a vocational career choice that is
consistent with his or her unique strengths, resources, priorities,
concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests.
VECP curriculum is continuously expanding to incorporate more effective
assessments which are better designed to help consumers to be self directed
in the pursuit of a career goal, maximizing their ability to exercise
informed choice throughout the remainder of the vocational rehabilitation
process. Students are also learning more about resources that are available
both in Kalamazoo and in their home communities, helping to ensure that the
momentum they begin to build during their stay at the Training Center will
continue once they return home. Some of these resources include: Michigan
Works! Offices, Chambers of Commerce, community colleges and various
community organizations. Research reveals us that consumers find faster
success in obtaining employment when they possess the tools to carry on an
independent job search. Toward this end VECP students learn how to make
cold calls (to strangers) and warm contacts (with friends or acquaintances),
with potential employers; and to schedule informational interviews with
people who are employed in jobs that the consumer is targeting. The
importance of social skills is also stressed, including options for
discussing blindness with perspective employers while emphasizing the
qualifications and competence of the consumer as a perspective employee.
After developing résumés and participating in mock application and
interviewing exercises, class participants experience some kind of
internship, volunteer opportunity or part-time employment while completing
the remainder of their Training Center program. These employment
opportunities will provide some work experience to consumers who have never
before held a job, and enable newly blind consumers who were formerly
employed to experience working as a person with a disability.
The greatest challenge for consumers upon leaving the Center is maintenance
of momentum. The BSBP will be tightening up this transition period,
strengthening collaboration between the Training Center and Consumer
Services Division.
Indicator 1.1: Number of Individuals with Employment Outcomes. The Bureau of
Services for Blind Persons projection for the number of individuals with
employment outcomes that was set by the agency was not achieved compared
with the national average of blind agencies. BSBP is focusing on specific
training from TACE and other agencies to assist the staff with innovative
approaches to redefine its efforts to increase employment outcomes. Michigan’s
unemployment rate is among the highest in the nation, which directly affects
employment opportunities for all citizens including those with disabilities
in obtaining gainful employment. The agency’s strategic plan emphasizes the
need to be aware of employment opportunities and employment trends as the
agency collaborates with Michigan Works! in identifying Michigan’s 50 Top
Hot Jobs so that consumers will receive training in emerging careers. As
BSBP continues to receive labor market information through its collaboration
with DTMB Regional economic analyst Bureau of Labor Market Information that
provides employment trends locally and statewide, this will enable the
agency to provide training appropriate to the current labor market demands.
Staff will work with a variety of employers to increase on-the-job training
opportunities for job-ready consumers. BSBP has initiated job clubs in major
cities throughout the state for the purpose of assisting job ready consumers
in their efforts to obtain employment. BSBP provides Employment Readiness
Seminars quarterly for all job ready consumers. The seminars provides local
employers opportunities to interview job ready consumers and shares
information regarding work incentives for employers and benefits planning
for consumers, formerly known as Work Incentive Planning and Assistance
(WIPA). BSBP encourages consumers to utilize Disability Benefits 101
website, educating parents on work related benefits and strategies early on.
BSBP will continue to work with the National Business Network, trade
organizations and apprenticeship programs through its Business Services
system to expand employment opportunities for the population that BSBP
serves.
Indicator 1.2: Percentage of Individuals Receiving Services Who Had
Employment Outcomes. BSBP was not successful in achieving this indicator.
The State of Michigan unemployment rate is still among the highest in the
nation. This high unemployment rate directly affected the employment
outcomes for the BSBP consumers. BSBP has several new staff that are in
various stages of the initial training for first year counselors. The time
period for new staff to be productive is generally one to two years.
However, BSBP continues to invest in appropriate training for staff in job
placement and other related training to attempt to minimize the effects of
the depressed labor market. BSBP makes available to counseling staff the
opportunity to participate in job placement training through the Michigan
Rehabilitation Counseling Educators Association and the Job Placement
Division of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, along with private
trainers emphasizing job placement techniques as well as TACE Supported
Employment programs that equip the staff with tools to compete in the
competitive labor market. BSBP has job placement specialists in each region
to assist counselors in securing appropriate job placement for consumers.
These positions have expanded BSBP’s infrastructure to heighten its ability
to work more effectively with employers and other community agencies to
increase employment options.
Indicator 1.3: Percentage of Individuals with Employment Outcomes Who Were
Competitively Employed. BSBP staff is aware of the importance of
establishing relationships with community partners in order to increase
opportunities for consumers to expand employment options that will result in
more individuals being placed in the competitive labor market. The agency
will continue to meet this goal by working with the employer community.
BSBP met this indicator with 79.28%.
Indicator 1.4: Percentage of Persons with Competitive Employment Outcomes
Who Had Significant Disabilities. The individuals that BSBP serves are
those with blindness which is considered a severe disability. BSBP met this
indicator with 100%.
Indicator 1.5: Ratio of Average VR Hourly Wage to Average Wage. BSBP
continues to provide consumers with choices regarding their vocational
objectives; therefore, the development of career options has continued to
assist BSBP in reaching this indicator. The agency met this indicator with
0.659%.
Indicator 1.6: Difference in Percentage of individuals Achieving Competitive
Employment Who Report Own Income as Primary Source of Support at Closure and
Application. It is a goal of BSBP to provide consumers with options to
choose careers that lead to gainful employment. As a result of the economy
and consumers desire to work part-time, BSBP was not successful in assisting
consumers to obtain full time employment which would elevate their income. A
number of consumers are choosing to work part-time so that full-time
employment will not affect their benefits. The agency continues to encourage
consumers to work with the CWICS to receive appropriate information
regarding work incentives that will allow them to make informed choices
regarding full-time employment.
Indicator 2.1: Ratio of Minority to Non-Minority Service Rate. Although BSBP
did not meet this indicator, BSBP continues to emphasize the importance of
outreach to minority populations that are experiencing blindness and visual
impairment. The Cultural Diversity team is one of BSBP’s strategic teams
that provide the agency with some of the approaches to serving the minority
population. The staff is primarily responsible for making contacts with
agencies and organizations that serves minority individuals to provide
information regarding the agency’s procedures and practices for obtaining
services.
Strategy for Goal 7 - Transition
The transition initiative is a top priority of BSBP. BSBP has participated
in the Michigan Transition Services Association (MTSA) conference and the
Michigan Transition Outcomes Project (Mi-TOP) to gain knowledge as well as
to share information regarding proven practices and to improve working
relations with teacher consultants throughout the state. BSBP, through its
collaborative efforts with intermediate school districts in various
locations of the state continues to develop transition agreements which
includes summer transition programs enabling students to acquire soft
skills, work experience and educational endeavors; thereby, preparing these
individuals for independent living and employment opportunities. These
transition activities are being expanded to provide opportunities for
students to participate throughout the academic year. One of the mechanisms
that BSBP utilizes in the transition process is the Youth Low Vision program
which provides for the provision of evaluations and head-borne devices. The
Youth Low Vision Program allows staff to identify eligible youth with visual
impairments at age 14, to determine eligibility and develop the individual
plan for employment (IPE). Another initiative that BSBP is utilizing to
evaluate the effectiveness of its Transition program is analyzing the data
to identify areas to improve transition outcomes. BSBP, MSU and MRS are
involved in a program called Michigan Transition in the 21st Century
(MT-21), that evaluates its data to share best practices to make
improvements in areas of needs.
Strategy for Goal 8 - Library Services
The VR staff and the library staff collaborates to ensure the consumers are
aware of the services and how to access the materials in their preferred
format. This increased collaboration will provide additional avenues for
consumers who are pursuing vocational and secondary training. The library’s
technology staff provides technical assistance and training in the use of
the computer and assistive technology devices for consumers with the latest
adaptive technology. These services are provided to individuals who are
blind and visually impaired; therefore, Title I funds are used to provide
service to this group. BSBP’s staff benefits from the working relationship
with the library because of its knowledge and experience in regards to the
various types of technology that enables BSBP’s staff to receive information
and training to assist visually impaired and blind individuals.
Strategy for Supported Employment
The bureau continues to develop working relationships with its community
partners to promote employment opportunities for supported employment
consumers. BSBP and the Department of Community Health has an agreement that
will expand opportunities to increase involvement with local DCH’s resulting
in more referrals to the agency. It also provides provisions for natural
supports and long term follow along. These activities are expected to assist
the agency in expanding employment opportunities for this population. The
bureau is working with its community partners to develop competitive
employment opportunities within the individual’s community. BSBP anticipates
providing employment opportunities for 37 eligible supported employment
consumers. BSBP is also exploring possible Customized Employment
opportunities.
This screen was last updated on Jun 29 2011 4:24PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 4.11(e)(2) Evaluation and Reports of Progress
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Supported Employment (SE) Goals
1. Clearly identify all VR program goals consistent with the goals described
in the FY 2010 Attachment 4.11(c)(1), including an evaluation of the extent
to which the VR program goals were achieved.
a.. Identify the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the
goals.
b.. Provide a description of the factors that impeded the achievement of
the goals and priorities.
Goal #1 Monitoring Minority Males Exiting the VR Program
BSBP has reviewed the recommendations of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment
as it relates to the employment outcomes of minority males exiting the VR
program with employment outcomes. Out of the total number of minority males
receiving services, 9.2% were successful in obtaining competitive
employment. The bureau’s goal is to continue to work to increase minority
outcomes.
Goal #2 Minority Outreach
As mentioned in section 4.11 (d) (2) BSBP’s strategic plan emphasizes the
need to increase rehabilitation services to Latino/Hispanics, African
Americans, Native Americans and Arabic/Chaldean Americans. The staff of BSBP
received specialized training to work effectively with and expand
opportunities for the above mentioned minority groups. BSBP continues to
participate in Latino/Hispanic events such as the Festival Mexicana, and
Hispanic Heritage Day to provide information regarding BSBP services to
assist individuals in transition activities, vocational training, job
placement and independent living. The staff is involved with the LaSed
Community Action Coalition where they share information regarding BSBP
services, as well as working with the Ser Metro Michigan Works! located
within the Hispanic community to promote employment opportunities to
individuals with blindness and visual impairment. BSBP provides brochures
in Spanish and Arabic as well as in alternative formats. BSBP staff
continues to collaborate with the American Indian Health and Family Services
(AIHFS) of Southeast Michigan, Inc. that has enabled them to work with
individual tribes to promote independence, education, job training, and
employment outcomes. The health center serves as a resource that distributes
information to the Native American population. Through collaboration with
the health center, the agency staff has been successful in providing
rehabilitation services to seniors as well as with job ready consumers in
working with Native Americans in urban areas. As a result of these
activities, BSBP increased referrals from minority populations.
BSBP staff has established working relationships with the Native Americans
tribal heads in several areas of the state. As a result of the collaboration
with the reservations and other community resources, the bureau continues to
see an increase in referrals throughout the year for rehabilitation
assistance. The staff continues to familiarize themselves with the culture
and the various aspects of individual tribal needs. Through the staff
attendance at Pow Wow’s, cultural training, collaborations with the elders
of the tribes and the local school districts, the counseling staff is
gradually building trust relationships that continues to produce positive
results.
BSBP continues to work with Wayne State University (WSU) Rehabilitation
Counselor program to identify methods that will assist in improving outcomes
for African American population that will result in more referrals and
employment outcomes. WSU and BSBP have collaborated on methods to identify
practices that will enable counselors to utilize techniques in assisting
this population to achieve successful outcomes. As a result of the
collaboration, the university and BSBP have developed seminars that focus on
issues of visual impairments and blindness as a counseling approach to
assist graduate students to be aware of the dynamics of the disability and
to provide comprehensive approaches to effectively improve outcomes. BSBP’s
work with urban school districts to continue to support the need for African
American special education students to obtain a high school diploma or
general educational degree has shown minimal progress. The bureau continues
to collaborate with intermediate school districts to eliminate the rate of
drop outs for persons with disabilities.
BSBP provides the Arab American Council as well as health facilities with
information regarding BSBP’s programs and services. A member of BSBP’s
Diversity Committee is active in the Arab Community. This individual
provides BSBP with information regarding the Arab Americans, their culture,
as well as their education and employment needs. The collaboration has
resulted in improved service delivery to the Arab American population. BSBP’s
Arabic brochure has had a positive effect on improved relationships
resulting in increased referrals from this population.
Goal #3 Collaboration with community partners
The bureau through its collaborative efforts has developed meaningful
relationships with its community partners, which have provided expanded
opportunities for BSBP’s consumers to gain vocational training, job
placement and employment outcomes. BSBP is a partner in the Enhanced
Partnership Group. This group is comprised of many community rehabilitation
organizations. The purpose of the group is to discuss ways to improve
employment outcomes for persons with disabilities. They also discuss the
need to improve revenue enhancements and to share information about the
return on investment. This group is currently establishing criteria that
will identify core competencies for employment specialists.
BSBP’s priority is to work with Michigan Works! offices. The agreements with
Michigan Works! outline accessibility and necessary adaptive equipment that
will encourage consumers to utilize these service centers for employment
assistance. As a participating agency, BSBP has observed that the majority
of Michigan Works! offices and One-Stop Centers are equipped with adaptive
equipment that allows blind and visually impaired individuals to access
their services in the same way their peers access job search services. BSBP
continues to work with the One-Stop Centers to remove barriers that prevent
blind and visually impaired consumers from accessing their programs and
services. The accessibility has improved and BSBP will continue to encourage
staff to inform consumers of the availability of accessible services at
Michigan Works! BSBP’s itinerant staff is co-located at several of the
Michigan Works! resulting in increased use of their services by blind and
visually impaired individuals as they attempt to obtain gainful employment.
Through the collaboration with the Michigan Works! BSBP has been successful
in increasing consumer participation at various sites. Consumers have been
able to take part in orientation programs and other trainings at some
Michigan Works! offices.
BSBP, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, has
established a goal to rehabilitate 170 consumers with competitive outcomes.
These individuals will have participated in rehabilitation programs that
will equip them to enter into the work force with skills that will prepare
them to be competitively employed, as well as receiving commensurate wages
and benefits. BSBP was successful in assisting 160 consumers in obtaining
gainful employment in a variety of occupations. BSBP will continue to
partner with the Michigan Works!, the National Business Network, and utilize
the labor market information and local employers to increase and achieve the
employment goal. The agency continues to focus on individuals who can
benefit from supported employment services as BSBP expands their working
relationships with the Michigan Department of Community Health through the
agreement that was developed to provide for increased services and
employment outcomes. These and other activities underscore the importance of
collaboration and partnering with employers and community agencies to
provide timely services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
Goal #4 Technology
BSBP continues to explore and provide current technology for staff and
consumers. BSBP’s web based case management system (System 7) provides staff
with valuable data that enables them to effectively manage their case loads
which allows them to provide timely services to its consumers. BSBP has a
Technology Committee that provides the agency with updated information
regarding new equipment and devices that are being developed that could be
of assistance to the staff in carrying out their responsibilities and
assisting consumers in obtaining their goals. The Technology Committee
provides additional services to the agency through the development of a
procedure to evaluate and recommend qualified access technology vendors who
provide training and instruction to BSBP consumers. Through this procedure,
vendors are categorized as to their expertise in various areas. As a result,
a number of access technology vendors have been identified as approved
providers of technology services and added to BSBP’s website.
Goal #5 Professional Development
BSBP’s priority is to provide staff with professional training to enable
them to be aware of current trends and information regarding the
rehabilitation process that will equip them to meet the demands of its
consumers in an ever changing labor market. BSBP continues to pursue
additional learning opportunities for staff in the area of job development
and job placement. All new staff, along with current staff, continues to be
trained in the latest techniques in job development and job placement as
well as assistive technology, reasonable accommodations and work site
assessments necessary to assist consumers in obtaining and maintaining
employment. The staff participated in Case Management, Job Placement,
Culture and Race in Rehabilitation Services, Ethics, Safety, Ex Offender
training and several staff received individualized training opportunities.
Each of these trainings provided staff with specific skills relating to a
particular function of their job. The Ethics training is a major component
for rehabilitation counselors in the provision of services. The Case
Management training was vital for all new staff to attend, as well as some
of the experienced staff to receive updates regarding case movement in
providing timely services.
The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference is an annual event where staff can
gain knowledge and information regarding numerous topics relating to the
provision of rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities, such as,
employment, diversity, cultural competencies, transition from school to
work, employment information and strategies, and personality disorders.
Through this training conference, the staff is able to obtain continuing
education credits and to expand their knowledge regarding service delivery
to consumers. BSBP emphasizes the importance of developing skills in the
area of job placement and employer relationship building; however, the
emphasis remains on providing current professional development that assist
staff in being effective in improved service delivery to consumers and
employers. The bureau continues to focus on training that relates to its
goals and objectives. BSBP is aware that training is imperative for staff to
be equipped with knowledge and skills to participate in an ever-changing
society.
Goal #6 Employment Outcomes
The state of Michigan economy has been impacted by a severe reduction in
manufacturing and other employment opportunities. The job outlook for
Michigan continues to make a slow recovery; however, employment
opportunities for BSBP’s consumers in the current economic environment have
not yet experienced the benefits of this slow growth. Michigan’s population
as reported by the last census has decreased. Michigan’s rate of
unemployment continues to one of the highest in the nation; therefore,
persons who are blind and visually impaired are experiencing greater
difficulty in obtaining gainful employment.
BSBP, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, had
established a goal to rehabilitate 170 consumers in 2011 with competitive
outcomes. Due to the slow employment growth in the state of Michigan, the
agency was able to rehabilitate 160 individuals. BSBP’s goal as a result of
the employment climate in Michigan will be to rehabilitate 161 consumers to
achieve competitive employment outcomes for FY 2012. BSBP utilized Michigan
Works!, the National Business Team, limited term job placement staff, labor
market information and local employers to achieve the employment objective.
These activities underscore the efforts of the agency to provide services to
individuals who are job ready and to consumers that receive services through
the Supported Employment program.
Goal #7 Transition
BSBP Transition program works in conjunction with the Youth Low Vision
program that provides expanded vocational opportunities as well as
pre-employment skill development for youth. The Youth Low Vision program
provides youth with low vision evaluations and head borne devices that are
used in educational settings and daily living activities. BSBP has
agreements with all of the major intermediate school districts (ISD) to
provide job shadowing opportunities, work experience and internship programs
for high school youth to assist students in developing the needed skills for
transitioning from school to work or secondary education. BSBP continues to
expand its transition objectives for high school students with ISD’s to
develop agreements and working relationships to provide the transition
activities within these districts for individuals that are blind and
visually impaired.
BSBP’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Summer Work Opportunity Program
(SWOP) for youth in high school and college opens opportunities for
individuals to obtain valuable work experience in the food service industry
and further introduces the small business entrepreneur concepts to
individuals in transition programs. Each year BSBP targets nine summer
internships for transitioning students. BSBP was successful in providing
five youth with work experience through SWOP for the summer 2011.
BSBP’s collaboration with Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind provided
transition services during the summer where youth had an opportunity to
participate in summer camp activities; such as, independent living,
socialization, communication skills and employment opportunities. The
Blindness without Barriers program, in collaboration with BSBP and
Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind, provided transition students with
employment in several businesses in the local area. A number of these
students showed marked improvements in their ability to perform the above
mentioned activities. BSBP has been involved in this transition experience
for more than three years and students are participating as the program
content expands to include several additional skills that enhance employment
opportunities.
Goal #8 Library Services
The Braille and Talking Book Library is a part of the Bureau of Services for
Blind Persons. This division provides information to persons who are blind
and visually impaired throughout the state. The library provides accessible
reading materials through a variety of media; such as cassettes, digital,
talking books, Braille, and books on line. The library continues to increase
access to persons who are blind and visually impaired by 75% by providing
opportunities for information through digital media. This media is expected
to increase as taped materials continue to decrease. The library also
provides its patrons the opportunity to participate in a monthly book and
computer club.
The Adaptive Technology Center of the library provides consumers with the
opportunity to utilize computers with screen reading and magnification
software to enhance ones access to the Internet. These services are
particularly important to vocational consumers who are seeking information
regarding careers, employment outlook, as well as assistance in obtaining
periodicals on employment trends.
The Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) assists the in bureau achieving
its goals and objectives by providing many of the consumer’s information in
accessible formats that can be utilized in training programs, activities of
daily living, as well as on the job training and employment settings. It
also enables BSBP’s staff to be knowledgeable of current technology and
additional resources that will assist BSBP in achieving its overarching goal
of improved service delivery.
In 2011, the BTBL provided an opportunity for employment for two BSBP
consumers through an internship program using American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.
2. Identify all supported employment program goals consistent with the goals
described in Attachment 4.11(c)(4), including an evaluation of the extent to
which the supported employment program goals were achieved.
a.. Identify the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the
goals.
b.. Provide a description of the factors that impeded the achievement of
the goals and priorities.
Supported Employment
BSBP serves the most severely disabled individuals through the Supported
Employment program. This program provides an array of supported services to
assist these individuals in achieving a competitive employment outcome. The
Supported Employment program provides opportunities for individuals with
multiple disabilities and those with deaf/blindness which includes Rubella
and Ushers syndrome. The bureau’s goal is to continue to collaborate with
various community rehabilitation organizations, community mental health
agencies and intermediate school districts to obtain appropriate referrals
for vocational exploration and rehabilitation services. The staff will work
with the community rehabilitation organizations to provide training
opportunities to enable this population to gain skills that will expand the
employment outcomes within the individual’s community. Each of the community
rehabilitation organizations emphasize specific programs that allows for
individualized program development. The bureau has been instrumental in
working with a number of the rehabilitation organizations to provide
specialized training for supported employment individuals who are blind and
visually impaired, as well as consumers that are deaf/blind. These programs
include, but are not limited to, clerical activities, food services,
janitorial and micro-enterprise businesses for consumers.
BSBP’s agreement with the Department of Community Health (DCH) outlines
specific objectives regarding referrals and employment opportunities. This
agreement was jointly developed for the purpose of providing additional
services to persons with visual impairments and blindness that can benefit
fully from the supported employment approach to training and job placement.
The agency is expected to increase referrals by five percent. BSBP discussed
with DCH the importance of establishing long term follow-up services to
maintain the employment activities for supported employment consumers, as
well as the need for auxiliary aids to enhance their daily living skills and
employment outcomes.
The staff will utilize supported employment funds to develop vocational
opportunities for the most severely disabled individuals to achieve
employment outcomes. As the agency continues to explore opportunities and
collaborate with its community partners to increase vocational choices, it
was anticipated that BSBP would provide services to 32 individuals. Because
of the system coding difficulties the agency was not able to document with
certainty consumers who received services and were closed competitively.
This objective is among BSBP’s top priority to continue expanding program
opportunities for multiply impaired individuals through the use of supported
employment funds.
3. Provide an Assessment of the performance of the VR program on the
standards and indicators for FY 2011.
Indicator 1.1: Number of Individuals with Employment Outcomes. The Bureau of
Services for Blind Persons projection for the number of individuals with
employment outcomes that was set by the agency was not achieved compared
with the national average of blind agencies. BSBP is focusing on specific
training from TACE and other agencies to assist the staff with innovative
approaches to redefine its efforts to increase employment outcomes. Michigan’s
unemployment rate is among the highest in the nation, which directly affects
employment opportunities for all citizens including those with disabilities
in obtaining gainful employment. The bureau’s strategic plan emphasizes the
need to be aware of employment opportunities and employment trends as the
agency collaborates with Michigan Works! in identifying Michigan’s 50 Top
Hot Jobs so that consumers will receive training in emerging careers. As
BSBP continues to receive labor market information through its collaboration
with DTMB Regional economic analyst Bureau of Labor Market Information that
provides employment trends locally and statewide, this will enable the
agency to provide training appropriate to the current labor market demands.
Staff will work with a variety of employers to increase on-the-job training
opportunities for job-ready consumers. BSBP has initiated job clubs in major
cities throughout the state for the purpose of assisting job ready consumers
in their efforts to obtain employment. BSBP provides Employment Readiness
Seminars quarterly for all job ready consumers. The seminars provides local
employers opportunities to interview job ready consumers and shares
information regarding work incentives for employers and benefits planning
for consumers, formerly known as Work Incentive Planning and Assistance
(WIPA). BSBP encourages consumers to utilize Disability Benefits 101
website, educating parents on work related benefits and strategies early on.
BSBP will continue to work with the National Business Network, trade
organizations and apprenticeship programs through its Business Services
system to expand employment opportunities for the population that BSBP
serves.
Indicator 1.2: Percentage of Individuals Receiving Services Who Had
Employment Outcomes. BSBP was not successful in achieving this indicator.
The State of Michigan unemployment rate is still among the highest in the
nation. This high unemployment rate directly affected the employment
outcomes for the BSBP consumers. BSBP has several new staff that are in
various stages of the initial training for first year counselors. The time
period for new staff to be productive is generally one to two years.
However, BSBP continues to invest in appropriate training for staff in job
placement and other related training to attempt to minimize the effects of
the depressed labor market. BSBP makes available to counseling staff the
opportunity to participate in job placement training through the Michigan
Rehabilitation Counseling Educators Association and the Job Placement
Division of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, along with private
trainers emphasizing job placement techniques as well as TACE Supported
Employment programs that equip the staff with tools to compete in the
competitive labor market. BSBP has job placement specialists in each region
to assist counselors in securing appropriate job placement for consumers.
These positions have expanded BSBP’s infrastructure to heighten its ability
to work more effectively with employers and other community agencies to
increase employment options.
Indicator 1.3: Percentage of Individuals with Employment Outcomes Who Were
Competitively Employed. BSBP staff is aware of the importance of
establishing relationships with community partners in order to increase
opportunities for consumers to expand employment options that will result in
more individuals being placed in the competitive labor market. The agency
will continue to meet this goal by working with the employer community.
BSBP met this indicator
with 79.28%.
Indicator 1.4: Percentage of Persons with Competitive Employment Outcomes
Who Had Significant Disabilities. The individuals that BSBP serves are
those with blindness which is considered a severe disability. BSBP met this
indicator with 100%.
Indicator 1.5: Ratio of Average VR Hourly Wage to Average Wage. BSBP
continues to provide consumers with choices regarding their vocational
objectives; therefore, the development of career options has continued to
assist BSBP in reaching this indicator. The agency met this indicator with
0.659%.
Indicator 1.6: Difference in Percentage of individuals Achieving Competitive
Employment Who Report Own Income as Primary Source of Support at Closure and
Application. It is a goal of BSBP to provide consumers with options to
choose careers that lead to gainful employment. As a result of the economy
and consumers desire to work part-time, BSBP was not successful in assisting
consumers to obtain full time employment which would elevate their income. A
number of consumers are choosing to work part-time so that full-time
employment will not affect their benefits. The bureau continues to encourage
consumers to work with the CWICS to receive appropriate information
regarding work incentives that will allow them to make informed choices
regarding full-time employment.
Indicator 2.1: Ratio of Minority to Non-Minority Service Rate. Although BSBP
did not meet this indicator, BSBP continues to emphasize the importance of
outreach to minority populations that are experiencing blindness and visual
impairment. The Cultural Diversity team is one of BSBP’s strategic teams
that provide the agency with some of the approaches to serving the minority
population. The staff is primarily responsible for making contacts with
agencies and organizations that serves minority individuals to provide
information regarding the agency’s procedures and practices for obtaining
services.
4. Provide a report on how the funds reserved for innovation and expansion
(I&E) activities were utilized in FY 2011.
While some I & E projects were under consideration in 2012, none were
finalized.
This screen was last updated on Jun 29 2011 4:30PM by Leamon Jones
Attachment 6.3 Quality, Scope, and Extent of Supported Employment Services
a.. Describe quality, scope, and extent of supported employment services
to be provided to individuals with the most significant disabilities
b.. Describe the timing of the transition to extended services
BSBP continues to work with the community agencies and organizations to
expand the Supported Employment program to provide appropriate training and
job placement services, as well as follow-along services where possible. The
program provides specific supports for persons with multiple impairments.
Through collaboration and partnering with community rehabilitation agencies
and community mental health organizations, the bureau has been able to
develop employment opportunities within the community that allow for
consumers to benefit from training and employment outcomes. BSBP’s supported
employment consumers participate in various components of the supported
employment program. The agency utilizes job coaching and the follow-along
services to maximize employment opportunities. BSBP encourages placement in
an integrated setting within the individual’s community.
BSBP’s staff and community partners work collaboratively to make a smooth
transition to extended services. Once eligibility has been established and
an assessment has occurred to identify the level of functioning in the
vocational goal, the extended services are initiated. The extended services
often depend upon community location as well as the availability of
community organizations to provide the supports in the time period necessary
for the consumer to achieve an employment outcome. Frequently, BSBP
incorporates follow-along services and encourages natural supports in
developing the IPE that will enable them to maintain their employment.
The bureau received $95,911 to provide comprehensive training and job
placement for approximately 35 consumers. BSBP continues to collaborate with
the Department of Community Health to establish the needed follow-along
services in order to enable more consumers to be successfully employed.
This screen was last updated on May 19 2011 3:51PM by Leamon Jones
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