State’s Strategies and Use of Title I Funding for Innovation and Expansion Activities: Attachment 4.11(d)
VESID reserves and uses a portion of federal funds allocated under Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act for innovation and expansion activities, including support of the State Rehabilitation Council, the needs assessment, equitable access and technology.
Council Support
- Funds are allocated for the operation of the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) to meet the goals and objectives that it sets forth in its resource plan. The mission of the SRC is to objectively review, analyze, guide and communicate with other entities on behalf of individuals with disabilities, the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department and VESID. The SRC assists VESID in fulfilling the requirements of the Federal Rehabilitation Act for the delivery of quality, consumer- responsive vocational rehabilitation services.
- Funds are allocated to the New York State Independent Living Council (SILC) for the operation of the Council to coordinate statewide independent living activities. The SILC, which is composed of members who represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities, has established an office in Albany to coordinate statewide meetings, training and public relations for all independent living centers (ILCs).
Needs Assessment
- VESID is working with the SRC, and has dedicated funds for the development and implementation of a comprehensive needs assessment to ensure that vocational rehabilitation services are being provided to all eligible individuals with disabilities in New York State. The needs assessment describes the vocational rehabilitation needs of individuals with the most significant disabilities, individuals who are minorities, individuals who are unserved or underserved and individuals served through other components of the statewide workforce investment system. Future innovation and expansion activities will be used to address their identified needs.
Equitable Access
- VESID will continue to direct funds to services that lead to more integrated employment outcomes. VESID continues to increase the capacity for community rehabilitation programs to provide access to integrated employment opportunities. VESID district offices work with community providers to target resources to meet the consumer demand for employment outcomes. Funds are used to assist consumers into community-focused outcomes, such as supported employment, situational assessment, direct placement services and community-based training.
- VESID has been piloting several initiatives under the Designing the Future process, particularly related to improving access to services. VESID, in cooperation with selected community rehabilitation providers and independent living centers, is continuing to implement five pilot projects related to improving access:
- Placement Express to assist job-ready applicants to obtain expedited placement services;
- Unserved/Underserved initiatives on Long Island with partner organizations that represent ethnic and racial minorities, individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with significant disabilities that are underserved by VR;
- New York City One-Stop collaboration to improve the coordination between VESID and the One-Stop services in serving customers with disabilities;
- Fast Track to increase the efficiency, quality and turn-around time for the intake and eligibility process; and,
- Alumnae Association as a model for peer mentoring of VR consumers.
- VESID has been piloting several initiatives under the Designing the Future process, particularly related to improving access to services. VESID, in cooperation with selected community rehabilitation providers and independent living centers, is continuing to implement five pilot projects related to improving access:
Taken together, these efforts will streamline the program structure and improve the timeliness of service delivery.
Technology
- VESID allocates a portion of the funds to improve the case management system in order to reduce the administrative burdens placed on counseling staff, thereby making access to services simpler and quicker. The new VR fiscal management system, which is under development, will also contribute to achieving VESID’s overall goals and priorities.
- VESID will continue to use funds for assistive technology at every stage of the rehabilitation process, through purchase, lease or loan to eligible consumers who otherwise could not access services.