Robin Bauknecht MA Manager ASPIRE Colorado ASPIRE Colorado Site Coordinator amp Cheryl Carver M A Youth Services and Transition Unit Manager Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation ID: 673303
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Bumps, Potholes and Directions Navigating the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Robin Bauknecht M.AManager ASPIRE Colorado/ ASPIRE Colorado Site Coordinator&Cheryl Carver, M. A.Youth Services and Transition Unit ManagerColorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Slide2
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Purpose and Scope of VR Rehabilitation Act
Right to live independently, make choices, contribute to society, pursue meaningful careers and enjoy full inclusion
Increased employment through vocational rehabilitation program
Maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence and inclusion, and integration
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Places increased emphasis on service to transition age studentsSlide3
Organizational Structure
Region ICanon City, Colorado Springs, Lamar, Limon, Pueblo, Personal Adjustment Training (Statewide), TrinidadRegion IIAurora, Greenwood Village, Denver Metro, Golden
Region III
Boulder, Ft. Collins, Ft. Morgan, Greeley, Longmont, Northglenn, Sterling
Region IV
Alamosa, Craig, Delta, Durango, Edwards, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Frisco, Montrose, Salida, Steamboat SpringsSlide4
How to navigate DVRSlide5
Overview of the VR Process
Closed Other
Application
Delayed
Referra
l
Application
Eligibility
Eligible
Service
Service - J
Employed
RehabilitatedSlide6
Referral to DVR
Must want to work in integrated, competitive employmentAble to work legally in the USTimingNo minimum age requirementsAvailable to participate in services
Sufficient time for eligibility and IPE development prior to exit from school system
Sufficient information for DVR to contact the individualSlide7
Application to DVR
Role of DVR staffEnsuring orientation to DVREstablishing the working alliance
Requirements
Signed agency application
Rights/and Responsibilities/Appeal Rights
Client Fiscal Responsibilities
Verification of Lawful Presence (if over 18)
Other considerations
Releases of Information
Begin gathering recordsSlide8
Eligibility Determination
Determined within 60 days of applicationCriteriaPhysical or mental impairment documented by qualified personnelImpairment results in substantial impediment to employment consistent with abilities and capabilitiesRequires VR services in order to prepare for, secure, retain or regain suitable employment
Able to benefit from VR services in terms of employment outcome
Presumptive EligibilitySlide9
Order of Selection & Disability Priority
Order of SelectionInsufficient human or financial resourcesMust prioritize services to those with most severe disabilitiesDisability Priority Categories
Most Significant: Severe impairment, 3 or more functional limitations, 2 or more services for 5 or more months
Significant: Severe impairment, 2 functional limitations, 2 or more services for 5 or more months
Disability: All other eligible individualsSlide10
Direction and Goal
Comprehensive assessmentStrengths Abilities Resources CapabilitiesConcerns InterestsPriorities Informed Choice
Employment Outcome
Consistent with findings for success
Service Needs
Necessary
Appropriate
Least Possible CostSlide11
Rehabilitation Services
AssessmentVocational Counseling and GuidancePhysical and Mental RestorationVocational and Mental RestorationVocational and Academic TrainingInterpreter ServicesRehabilitation Teaching/Orientation & Mobility Services
Job-Related Services
Occupational Tools/Equipment
Rehabilitation Technology
Support Services
Maintenance
TransportationSlide12
Financial Participation
Many services consider financial needSSI/SSDI beneficiaries are exemptExempt ServicesAssessmentVocational Counseling and GuidancePersonal Adjustment Training
Job Placement
Job Coaching/OJT
Reader/Notetaker
Available monthly resources applied to cost of non-exempt servicesSlide13
Service Provision
In accordance with the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) Services may be providedDirectly by DVR staffBy comparable benefit providers Purchased by DVR from vendors/community partnersMonitor progress of all services
Amendments and annual reviewsSlide14
Closed Rehabilitated
Employment achievedObtained employment goal on IPEConsistent with strengths, limitations, …..Integrated setting
VR services contributed
Competitive
Employment maintained
Employment is stable (not less than 90 days)
No longer needs VR services
Outcome is satisfactory – both client and counselor
Compensation verified
Inform of Post-Employment ServicesSlide15
Pathways to Employment with DVR and YouthSlide16Slide17
PROMISE Initiative
Arkansas, California, Maryland, New York, ASPIRE and WisconsinBegan October 1, 2013Finishes September 30, 2018Slide18
Research Hypothesis
Improved service provision and coordination will result in improved
Education
Employment
Self-determinationSlide19
Interventions and Delivery
Youth Employment—Self determination—Peak Parent CenterFinancial education and capability—Budget Right LLCBenefits Counseling—Ability Connections ColoradoParent Education—Peak Parent Center Case Management—DVRSlide20
ASPIRE Colorado Staffing
8 Case Managers Jody Dettmer-Johnson = Larimer/Boulder/LongmontFrank Carcellero = Weld/Morgan/LoganCruzita Tafoya = Pueblo/Alamosa/FremontJennifer Winders = El Paso
Jacob Carpenter = Delta/Montrose/Rio Blanco/Garfield/Mesa
Rebecca (Becky)
Kinyon
= Adams/Denver
Sarah Keel = Denver/Jefferson
Aaron
Kyser
= Denver/ Arapahoe Slide21
Focus is on serving young adults with a variety of developmental disabilities
Participants experience total immersion in the workplace. Business- led program
Partner agency collaboration essential!
Project SearchSlide22
The
sole definition of a successful outcome is competitive employment in an integrated setting for each Project SEARCH intern.Employment
in an integrated setting (that is, working alongside coworkers with and without disabilities).
Year-round work (not seasonal employment)
16 hours/week or more
Minimum wage or higherSlide23
Boulder Valley SD – Boulder Community Hospital - DVRPoudre SD – Columbine Health Systems - DVRJefferson County SD –
Children’s Hospital - DVRSlide24
A partnership between DVR, the Colorado Department of Education, and Local School Districts
36 Colorado SitesOver 130 Colorado School DistrictsOver 20,000 youth served from 1995-presentOver 6,000 youth employed from 1995-present
School to Work Alliance ProgramSlide25
Purpose
Build on Existing (mandated) Transition Efforts – the underserved populationSubset of services to DVRDoes not supplant education or DVR’s responsibilities to transitionFill the Case Management GapIncrease Employment Outcomes
Increase Community
OutcomesSlide26
Target Population
Youth ages 15-24Mild to moderate employment needsFocus has shifted from academic to vocationaland/orThe educational need(s) of the student warrant PETS to move towards the goal of competitive/integrated employment
Youth must be applicants or eligible for DVR
For students with disabilities, SWAP will not be a
“fast track program”Slide27
Typical SWAP Services
Pre-employment transition servicesCareer exploration/developmentJob seeking skills trainingCase managementJob development/placementEmployment-related instruction & training
Limited job coaching
Follow-upSlide28
New Pathways
Workforce Innovative Opportunity ActStudents with Disabilities Pre-Employment Transition Services Job
exploration
counseling
Work-based learning
experiences
Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary
educational
Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
Instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring
8Slide29
Collaborating Together…..
Cross system training with youth, family members & community systemsShared resources for greater support Working towards a smoother transition for all youthSlide30
DVR – Future Areas of FocusSeamless implementation of WIOA and integration into CDLE
Continuous improvement of quality of service deliveryContinued increase in the quantity and quality of employment outcomesFiscally responsible provision of servicesContinued strengthening of partnerships= Colorado Workforce Excellence & Inclusion