2015 annual report - arizona governor's state rehabilitation council

8/18/2019 2015 Annual Report - Arizona Governor's State Rehabilitation Council

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ANNUALREPORT

2015

ARIZONA GOVERNOR’S STAT

REHABILITATION COUNCIL


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CONTENTS

able o ContentsArizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council

Annual Report 2015

MISSIONANDRESPONSIBILIIESOFHECOUNCIL 3

MESSAGEFROMHECHAIR 5

RSAADMINISRAORMESSAGE 6

SRCINPUANDRECOMMENDAIONS 7

COUNCILCOMMIEES 8

COUNCILMEMBERSHIP 9

ARIZONAVOCAIONALREHABILIAIONPROGRAMBASICS 10

SRCHIGHLIGHS 11

SRCRESPONSEOHEWIOA 15

SAISFACIONSURVEYRESULSSFY2015 20

SAEWIDEDIRECORY 22


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MISSION MissionAndResponsibilitiesOTeGovernor’sStateRehabilitationCouncil

Te Governor’s StateRehabilitation Councilmission also encompassesthe Council’s vision,operating principlesand goals:

Mission

ServingallcitizensoArizona,themissionotheArizonaGovernor’sStateRehabilitationCouncilistoadvise,evaluateandpartnerwiththepublic vocationalrehabilitationprograminsupportoimprovingaccesstoemploymentandpromotingadiverseworkorcestatewide.

Vision

TeArizonaGovernor’sStateRehabilitationCouncilenvisionsastatewideworkorcethatvaluesdisabilityanddiversity,andiscommittedtoull

participationoitscitizens.

Operating Principles

y Serveasanallytothepublicvocationalrehabilitationprograminstructuringandconductingbusinessinwaysthatreflectthesocial,political,historicalandeconomicalexperiencesodisability.

y Collaboratewithstateandothernongovernmentagenciestopromotemeaningulandsustainableemploymentoreveryone.

y Fosterabroaddefinitionodiversitythathonorsandappreciatesdisability

alongsiderace,ethnicity,gender,sexualorientationandreligionasanintegralpartohumanexperience.

y Promotedisabilitydiscourse,awarenessandinvolvement;honordisabilitycultureandpride.

Goals

y AdvisetheVocationalRehabilitationPrograminthedevelopment,implementation,evaluationandreviewoinnovativerehabilitationservicesand

programs.y Supportthedevelopmentopublicpolicythatimprovesopportunityorull

participationorallcitizensintheeconomiclieoArizona.

y Engagebusinessandindustrystatewideinthecreationoinclusiveenvironmentsguidedbytheprinciplesouniversaldesign.

y Increaseaccessandemploymentopportunitiesorpeoplewithdisabilitiesthroughcollaborationwithoutsideagencies,councilsandcommunitypartners.

y StrengthentheVRProgramthroughcollaborationonthedevelopmentohumanresourceinrastructure.


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Te Governor’s State Rehabilitation

Council functions, as defined in theitle I, Part A, Section 105 of the Federal

Rehabilitation Act, are as follows:

Review, analyze and advise the Arizona Rehabilitation ServicesAdministration (RSA) regarding the performance of its responsibilities, particularly

those related to eligibility (including order of selection); the extent and scope andeffectiveness of services provided; and the functions performed by State agencies thataffect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomesunder Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.

Partner with RSA to develop, review and agree to State goals and priorities inaccordance with the VR State Plan. Te Council and RSA evaluate the effectiveness ofthe VR program and submit reports of progress to the RSA Commissioner.

Advise the RSA on activities authorized to be carried out under the VocationalRehabilitation State Plan. Assist in the preparation of the VR State Plan, andAmendments to the plan, applications, reports, Needs Assessments, and evaluations.

Conduct a review and analysis of the effectiveness of Vocational Rehabilitation servicesand consumer satisfaction regarding functions performed, VR services provided, andemployment outcomes achieved.

Prepare and submit an Annual Report to the Governor and the Federal U.S. Departmentof Education Commissioner of RSA on the status of Vocational Rehabilitation programsoperated with the State of Arizona.

Coordinate activities with other disability related Councils with the State of Arizona.

Establish working relationships between RSA, the Statewide Independent LivingCouncil, and Arizona Centers for Independent Living.

Perform other functions consistent with VR services deemed appropriate by the Council

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MESSAGE

FROM THE CHAIRLinda asco

OnbehalotheArizonaStateRehabilitationCouncil,itismyhonortopresentasummaryothecriticalworkaccomplishedbyourdedicatedgroupoCouncilMembersduring2015.IthasbeenmyprivilegenotonlytohaveservedasChairothisaugustgroupbuttohavehadtheopportunitytoworkcloselywithbothstaffandcouncilmemberstoprovideguidancetoourStateagencyandulfillthemissionotheCouncil.Ourcollaborativeworkresultedinactionsandrecommenda-tionstoenhancebothstateandnationalvocationalrehabilitationservices.

Duringthepastyear,SRCmembershavebeenactiveparticipantsandsupportersonumerousemploymentanddisabilityrelatedcommunityactivities,includinglocaljobandtransitionairs,

seminars,andtrainingtopromotetheemploymentoindividualswithdisabilities.TeSRC,inconjunctionwiththeGovernor’sStatewideIndependentLivingCouncil(SILC),developedaFactSheetorCouncilmembers’useinadvocatingonbehaloincreasedundingorRSA’semploymentservices.Inaddition,theSRChostedaninormationtableattheFifeenthAnnualArizonaransitionConerence.CouncilChairandotherCouncilmemberspresentedseveralsessionsduringtheConerence.TeCouncilprovidedaormalresponsetotheNoticeoProposedRuleMakingontheWorkorceInnovationandOpportunitiesAct(WIOA).SRCmembersparticipatedonnumerousCommitteesimplementingtheArizonaRSA/VRStrategicPlan.TeSRCreviewedtheRSAClientSatisactionSurveyandusedeedbackromthesurveytodevelopinputortheAgency’suseinthedevelopmentotheVRStatePlan.

2015wasaproductiveyearandIanticipatebeingabletousetheworkthatwasdoneastheoundationortheworkotheSRCinthecomingyear.TecurrentenvironmentisadynamiconetosaytheleastandwewillneedtheongoinginvolvementandcommitmentromourCouncilmembers,RSAstaffandalloourstakeholderstoensureservicesandsupportscontinuetogrowinsupportoimprovingaccesstoemploymentandpromotingadiverseworkorcestatewide. AsIcontinuemyroleasSRCChairinto2016,IlookorwardtomaintainingtheworkingrelationshipsI’vebeenprivilegedtodevelopwiththebusinessleaders,providers,educators,policymakersandadvocateswhomakeuptheCouncilandtobuildingnewones.IfirmlybelieveinthewisdomsharedbyMargaretMead:Neverdoubtthatasmallgroupothoughtul,committedcitizenscanchangetheworld.Indeeditistheonlythingthateverhas.

Sincerely,

ChairGovernor’sStateRehabilitationCouncil


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RSA ADMINISTRATOR

MESSAGELetitia LabrecqueItismypleasuretojointheArizonaStateRehabilitationCouncil(SRC)inpresentingits2015AnnualReporttoyouandotherinterestedparties.TeArizonaRehabilitationServicesAdministration(AZRSA)andtheSRCaresuccessullymaintainingtheirsharedvisionanddeepcommitmenttocreateopportunitiesoremployment,independenceandcommunityparticipationorArizonanswithdisabilities.TiscommitmentisdemonstratedinoursharedmissionandevidentthroughtheSRC’songoingparticipationotheWorkorceInnovationandOpportunityAct(WIOA)anddevelopmentprocessoconsumerocusedvocationalrehabilitationprogramsandpolicies.

Asastateagency,wecontinuetoemphasizeaccountability,perormanceoutcomemeasures,

andcareulanalysisodataasthedriversorstrategicplanning,aswellasthekeytoolsorourCouncilmemberstobewellinormedasadvisorsandadvocates.

Atthebeginningotheyear,Isetagoaloincreasingsuccessulclosuresby5%.Iampleasedtosaywesurpassedourgoal!Tisyear,1338individualsobtainedemployment.Weincreasedoursuccessulclosuresby8.25%andendedtheyearwithatotalagencyrehabilitationrateo51%.Tisisarespectablenumberbasedonwherethejourneybeganwitharehabrateinthelow30’s justaewyearsago.

Tenumbersrepresentourhardworkandouroutcomes,butunderneaththenumbersarenumerouslivespositivelyimpactedonadailybasis.ogetherweareassistingindividualsin

becomingindependent,selsufficientandshapingtheirutures.Tatisaratethatcanneverbecaptured.

Tefirstroundostrategicplanactionsweresuccessullycompletedin2015andincludethedevelopmentoflexibleworkschedules,updatedrecordsreleaseprocess,anemployeehandbook,codeoproessionalstandards,virtualofficepoliciesandstaffrecognition.Tesecondroundocommitteeshasalreadystartedandwillocusontechnology,acasemanagementusergroup,avendorreportcardandbudgetaccountability.

AZRSAisreadyorthenewventures,successesandocoursethechallengesthatwillundoubtedlytakeplacein2016,andIamproudthatourSRCwillbeapartoiteverystepotheway.

LetitiaLabrecque,AdministratorRehabilitationServicesAdministration

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INPUT AND

RECOMMENDATIONSInput andRecommendations

A summary o SRC inputand recommendations tothe Arizona RSA VR StatePlan.

SRCrecommendsthatAZRSAcontinuetheireffortstoincreaseawarenessandprovideoutreachregardingVocationalRehabilitationservicestoindividualswithdisabilities(includingabroadspectrumodisabilitypopulations),whilehighlightingtheimportanceoplacementontheOrderoSelectionwaitinglist.

SRCrecognizesandencouragesurtheremphasisonAZRSAcollaborativeeffortsregardingstudentsandyouthtransitionwiththeadditionalocusonservicestothetransitionpopulationthroughWIOA.

SRCrecommendsthatAZRSAcontinuetoinvolveSRCrepresentationinthedevelopmentandcommunicatetheimplementationotherevisedArizonaRSAStrategicPlan.

SRCrecommendsthatAZRSAcontinueeffortstoidentiyandalleviateVocationalRehabilitationProgramserviceprovisionbarriersinArizona.

SRCcelebratesAZRSAeffortstoapproachthemandatedrehabilitationrate,andrecommendsthatAZRSAcontinuestostrivetomeetperormanceindicatorsandupdatetheSRConstrategiesbeingimplemented.

SRCrecommendsthatAZRSAmaintainpartnershipswithcurrentProject121AmericanIndianVocationalRehabilitationProgramsinArizonaandcontinuetoidentiyopportunitiesandstrategiestopartnerwithtribesthatdonothaveexistingProject121Programs.

SRCrecommendsandsupportsAZRSAeffortstoexpandundingandaccessullederalmatchingundstoprovideclientservicesthroughavarietyoalternativeundingmethodologies,includingthirdpartyagreements.


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COUNCIL

COMMITTEESCommitteesotheCouncil

Te council committeeshave specific unctions tohelp the SRC achieveits goals.

Employment and Community Partnerships Committee

TegoalotheEmploymentandCommunityPartnershipsCommitteeistocreateandosterbusinessandcommunitypartnerships,andincreaseemploymentopportunitiesorpeoplewithdisabilitiesthroughcollaborationwiththeRehabilitationServicesAdministration/VocationalRehabilitationProgram(RSA/VR)clients,outsideagencies,councilsandcommunitypartners.ItistheCommittee’svisiontoenhanceSRCrelationshipswiththesepartners,inordertoexpandemploymentopportunities,encourageinvolvementinpolicydevelopment,promoteadvocacyorserviceprovision,andeconomicselsufficiencyorindividualswithdisabilities.

Executive CommitteeTegoalotheExecutiveCommitteeistoprovideleadershiptotheSRCinurtheringitsmission,vision,andgoals.TeCommitteealsoseekstorecruitnewmembersromthecommunitywhowillrepresent,andberepresentative,oindividualswithdisabilities,specificdisabilitygroups,businessandlabor,rehabilitationprogramproviders,disabilityadvocates,theStatewideIndependentLivingCouncil,theStateWorkorceInvestmentBoard,andAmericanIndianRehabilitationPrograms.TeCouncilacceptsnominationsatanytimethroughouttheyearwhenvacanciesoccurandsubmitscandidatestotheGovernor,whomakesthefinalappointmentomemberstoSRC.

Program Review Committee

TegoalotheProgramReviewCommitteeistoadvise,evaluate,andcollaboratewiththeRehabilitationServicesAdministration/VocationalRehabilitationProgramtoimprovethequalityandefficiencyoVRservices;includingtransitionservices,OrderoSelection,RSAemployeecapacitybuildingviatheComprehensiveSystemoPersonnelDevelopment,increasingemployeesatisaction,andreviewingVRStatePlanimplementation.

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2015

2015 Governor’s State RehabilitationCouncil (SRC) Membership

Membership

Te council committees

have specific unctions tohelp the SRC achieveits goals.

LetitiaLabrecque,Administrator VRStateAgency,ExOfficio

erm:NoLimit City:Phoenix

DanMartinez SpecificDisabilityGroupsRep.

erm:20152017 City:Phoenix

SandraEspinosaCanchola DisabilityAdvocacyRep.

erm:20122017 City:RioRico

RobCraword DisabilityAdvocacyRep

erm:20142016City:Phoenix

JohnGutierrez ClientAssistanceProgramRep.


MarkJacoby CommunityRehabilitationProgram

ServiceProviderRep. erm:20092015 City:Phoenix

RodneyTomas VRServices

erm:20132017 City:Yuma

JudithCastro VocationalRehabilitationCounselorRep.

erm:NoLimit City:Yuma

BobNeckes Business/Industry/LaborRep.


CarolCarr SpecificDisabilityGroupsRep. erm:20152017 City:Yuma

CouncilStaff: NancyKimball,CouncilLiaison

DanitaApplewhite SILCRepresentative

erm:20142017 City:Mesa


EverettRicketts SpecificDisabilityGroupsRep.

erm:20122015 City:Avondale

AdamRobson SpecificDisabilityRep.


BrianSatran Business,IndustryandLaborRep. erm:20112016 City:Laveen

RoselleSaba DisabilityAdvocacyRep.

erm:20142016 City:Chandler

LarryClausen SpecificDisabilitiesGroupsRep.

PaulaSeanez, 121ProjectDirector’sRep.

erm:20022016 City:WindowRock

Lindaasco SpecificDisabilityGroupsRep.

erm:20122017 City:Glendale

Chuckiller Business,Industry,&LaborRep. erm:20092015 City:ucson

AnaNunez ADOERep.SpecialEducation


CouncilStaff: LindseyPowers,AdministrativeAssistant


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Te mission o the ArizonaVocational RehabilitationProgram (VR) is to workwith individuals withdisabilities to achieveincreased independenceand/or gainul employmentthrough the provision ocomprehensive rehabilitative

and employment supportservices in a partnershipwith all stakeholders. TeVR Program provides avariety o specialized servicesto individuals who havephysical, mental or emotionalimpairments that createbarriers to employment and/

or independent living.

Eligibility or the VRprogram is determined bythe ollowing: an individualwants to become or remaineconomically independentthrough work; an individual’sdisability is serious enough

to make it hard to get or keepa job; available services canhelp the individual get or keepa job; the VR Program is theonly or best place to providethe individual with the helphe or she may need.

VOCATIONAL

REHABILITATIONProgram Basics

Arizonans Employed as a Result o VR Services

Impairment otal Percent o

Cognitive 6944 33.1%

Sensory 2663 12.7%

Communicative 255 1.2%

Physical 4228 20.1%

Psychosocial 5833 27.8

OtherMental 1086 5.2%

Grandotal 21009 100%

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2015

SRC HIGHLIGHTS SRC Highlights

Arizona Fifeenth Annualransition Conerence

SRC Involvement andCollaboration in ArizonaRSA Strategic Plan

SRC Involvement withWest Valley EmployerOutreach

2015 SRC Fact SheetDevelopment Project

Arizona’s Fifeenth Annual ransition Conerence

TeSRChostedaninormationtableattheransitionConerencesponsoredbytheArizonaDepartmentoEducation,ArizonaDepartmentoEconomicSecurity,andtheArizonaDepartmentoHealthServices.Tisconerenceisacollaborative,crossstakeholderproessionaldevelopmenteventdesignedtoprovidemeaningul

andpertinentinormationoruseinthesecondarytransitionplanningprocess.Participantsincludedyouthandyoungadultswithdisabilities,amilymembers

andotherimportantsupportpersonsorstudentswithdisabilities,stateagencystaff,educators,andserviceproviderswhoallsharedacommitmentorthesuccessultransitionostudentstoadultlie.

Teconerencehostedanumberonationalspeakersandstatelevelexpertswho

presentedsessionsaimedatimprovingstrategiesoryouthsuccess,amilyinvolvement,andinteragencyandcommunitycollaboration.SRCChairLindaascoacilitatedapaneloyoungadultsinthe“ITinkICan;YouTinkICan:ICAN!session.SRCMemberAnaNunezcopresentedon*AnIntroductiontoSecondaryIEPransitionRequirements”and“WritingaSecondaryIEPorransitionUsingBestPractices.

Teconerencethemeo“ConnectingorSuccess:SharedExpectations,Responsibilities,andOutcomes”reflectedaocusonhelpingyouthandyoungadultsunderstandtheirownstrengths,needs,andpreerencestopromoteseldetermination,leadingtogreaterindependenceandpostschoolachievement.Teconerenceshowcasedeffectiveintra,

andinteragencycollaborationregardingimprovingpostsecondaryopportunitiesoryouthandyoungadultswithdisabilitiesintheareasoemployment,education,training,andadultliving.Tecreativityoyouthandyoungadultswasdemonstratedthroughdisplaysotheirartwork,orthetenthconsecutiveyear.


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SRC INVOLVEMENAND COLLABORAIONIN ARIZONA RSA

SRAEGIC PLAN

TeRSAStrategicPlanwaspresentedtotheSRC,theDepartmentoEconomicSecurity,theDivisionoEmploymentandRehabilitationServices(DERS)management,andreceivedapositiveresponse.SRCMemberswereinvitedtoparticipateinthe

implementationoRSA’sStrategicPlanincollaborationwithRSAstaff.SRCmembers volunteeredtocollaboratewithRSAstaffandworkedsidebysideincommitteestoidentiymethodsorimplementingtheactionstepstoachievetheplanobjectives.TeCommitteesworkedwithinsixmonthtimeramestoaddresstheinitialobjectivesandtodevelopproductsandactivitiesorimplementation.RSAanticipatesthestrategicplanimplementationwouldbeathreeyearproject,withtheSRCmembersinvitedtocollaboratethroughouttheprocess.

SRC INVOLVEMEN WIH WES VALLEYEMPLOYER OUREACH

SRCmembersattendedtheWestValleyEmployerOutreachmeetingstosupportanddevelopconnectionstoworkorcedevelopmentstaffintheWestValley.TeSRCcontinuedtosupportRSAeffortstoincreaseemployerconnectionsandincreasesuccessuloutcomesorclients.

2015 SRC FAC SHEE DEVELOPMEN PROJEC

TeSRCremainedconcernedregardingthecontinuedclosureoPriorityCategorywoandTreeundertheOrderoSelectionandtheProgramReviewCommitteedeveloped

theollowingFactSheetorcounciluseinadvocacyandeducation.TeSRCplanstocontinuetodevelopandupdateinormationorpublicmessagingsupportingVocationalRehabilitationservices.

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Many Arizonans with Disabilities

• Wanttoworkandbefinanciallyindependent• Areemployedathaltherateotheirnondisabledpeers• Withoutemploymentofenliveinpovertyongovernmentsubsidies

Arizona DES/RSA/Vocational Rehabilitationis one solution!

VRhasatrackrecordosuccessullyassistingArizonanswithdisabilitiesattainmeaningulandsustainedwork,

reducing,andeliminatingrelianceongovernmentprograms.

• Vocational Rehabilitation gets a $ 4 Federal match or every AZ $1

• AZ is losing $16M ederal unding targeted or Arizona FY2014!

ACIONNEEDED

SupportHB2217Forevery$1MArizonadollars+the$4MFederalMatch,anadditional646Arizonanswithdisabilitieswillgethelptobecomefinanciallyselsufficientthroughemployment.

BottomLine65,399individualswithdisabilitiesinArizonawhoareeligibleandabletobenefitromVRservicesarenotreceivingservices.

Funding Vr Is A Win-Win For Everyone

UnemploymentiscostlytothevitalityoArizona’seconomy.Arizonabusinesseswill

benefitromadditionalskilledlaborandtheeconomywillbenefitwithmorepeoplewhopaytaxesandhavemoredisposableincome.

AccordingtotheSocialSecurityAdministration,orevery$1thatVRspendsonassistinaneligibleindividualwithadisabilitytosecurequalityemployment,$7isreturnedtothU.S.reasury(7to1investment!).


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BACKGROUND

GeneralFundappropriationsortheDES/RSA/VRprogramhavebeenstagnantsince2009,at$3.2millionorclientservicesand$3.8millionorstaffing,losingthousandsinederalmatchtargetedorArizona,untappedanddonatedtootherstates.Anynewadditionalundswouldbespentondirectclientservices,suchasjobtraining,education vocationaltraining,assistivetechnology,assessments,etc.Duetoundingcuts,VRisunabletoservealltheArizonansapplyingorvocationalassistance,sotheyhaveputpeopleonwaitinglists,andbyederalstandards,haveprioritizedservicestoonlyservethemostseverelydisabledorFY2014.

Length o time Arizonans with disabilities have beenwaiting or VR services

LessTan1Year 609 15.1%

1Year 683 16.9%

2Years 553 13.7%3Years 616 15.2%

4Years 613 15.2%

5Years 697 23.9%

Grandotal 4041 100%

Vocational Rehabilitation Facts

Profile o people with disabilities who received VR services and attained competitiveemployment.

• 44%nolongerneededpublicassistance• 76%continuedtobeemployedandhaveincreasesinsalary3yearsaferjob

placement• 99%othoseemployedhavepositionsinacompetitivelabormarket• Teamountothetaxestheypayin2–4yearsoemploymentmatchesthecosto

theVRservicestheyreceived. (Re:CSAVR,U.S.CongressLongitudinalStudy)

Arizona Disability Demographics

• 546,773individualsbetweentheageso21–64haveadisability• Over200,000ArizonansonSSIorSSDIdisabilitypayments• 87,483individualswithdisabilitiesmaybeeligibleandabletobenefitromVR

servicestoday!• 12,263individualswithdisabilitiesarereceivingVRservicesinpursuito

employment

Foradditionalinormationorquestions,contacttheGovernor’sStateRehabilitationCouncilat6023641773

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Governor’s State

Rehabilitation

Council

TeSRCProgramReviewCommitteepreparedtheollowingresponseswhichweresubmittedorconsideration:

2015 SRC RESPONSE TO THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING ON

THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA

ExpandingPartnershipstoIncreaseEmploymentOpportunities GOVERNOR’SSAEREHABILIAIONCOUNCIL

1789WestJeffersonSt.(930A),Phoenix,AZ85007 (602)3641773,Y(602)5426049,FAX(602)5423778

DouglasADucey Lindaasco,ChairGovernor AdamRobson,ViceChair

AferreviewotheNoticeoProposedRuleMaking(NPRM)ontheWorkorceInnovationandOpportunityAct(WIOA),AllotherRehabilitationActprogramsadministeredbyED—ClientAssistance,AmericanIndianVocationalRehabilitationServices,ProtectionandAdvocacyoIndividualRights,IndependentLivingServices

orOlderIndividualsWhoAreBlindprograms,andthediscretionarygrantprogramsauthorizedundertitleIIIotheRehabilitationAct,theArizonaGovernor’sStateRehabilitationCouncilhaspreparedtheollowingresponse.

Te Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council strongly supports the ollowing

• Proposingtoclariythatanapplicantmeetingallothereligibilitycriteriamaybedeterminedeligibleiheorsherequiresservicestoadvanceinemployment,notjustobtainormaintainemployment.

• ProposingtoclariythatVRservicesareavailabletoassistindividualswithdisabilitietoobtaingraduateleveleducationneededtoadvanceinemployment.

• Consideringcustomizedemployment,selemployment,telecommutingorbusinessownership,andsupportedemployment,ascompetitiveintegratedemploymentoutcomes.

• Revisingthedefinitiono“supportedemploymentservices”toextendtheallowabletimerameromtheprovisionotheseservicesrom18monthsto24months.

• ProposingtogiveStateVRagenciesoperatingunderanOrderoSelectiontheoptiontoindicateinitsportionotheUnifiedorCombinedStatePlanthatitwillserveeligibleindividualswithdisabilitiesoutsidethatorderwhohaveanimmediateneedorequipmentorservicestomaintainemployment.

• Establishingnewdefinitionsostudentwithadisabilityandyouthwithadisability.• Extendingthetimeramerom18monthsto24monthsortheprovisiono

supportedemploymentservices.• Noting–RSAinterpretingsubsistenceemploymentasaormoselemployment

commontoculturesomanyAmericanIndiantribes.• Revisingthedefinitiono“Indian,”“AmericanIndian,”“IndianAmerican,”and

“Indiantribe”tourtherclariythoseterms.• ProposingtoamendtheregulationstorequireDSUstoreportestimatesothenumb

oindividualsnotreceivingservicesbecauseotheimplementationoanorderoselection.


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• Proposing to amend current 361.42 (a)(1)(iii) to clarify that an applicant, who meetsall other eligibility criteria, may be determined eligible if he or she requires VRservices to advance in employment.

• Amending current 361.45(c)(2) by adding a new paragraph (v) that would require aDSU to provide eligible individuals entitled to Social Security benefits under titles IIor XVI of the Social Security Act information on assistance and supports available to

individuals desiring to enter the workforce, including benefits planning.• Noting – pre-employment transition services are those specific services specified in

section 113 of the Act and implemented in proposed 361.48(a). Tese services, paidfor with a percentage of funds reserved form the State’s VR allotment, are availableonly to those individuals who meet the definition of a student with a disability.

• Noting – other transition-related services, including those that could be similar topre-employment transition services, may be provided to students or youth withdisabilities and do not require a specific reservation of funds.

• Noting – student with a disability is an individual with a disability in school who is(1) 16 years old, or younger, if determined appropriate under the Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), unless the State elects to provide pre-employmenttransition services at a younger age, and no older than 21, unless the State providestransition services under IDEA at an older age; and (2) receiving transition servicespursuant to IDEA, or is a student who is an individual with a disability for thepurposes of section 504 of the Act.

• Proposing to amend current 361.22(b) to incorporate certain requirements fromsection 511 into the formal interagency agreement between the DSU and the Stateeducational agency.

Te Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council requests clarification

regarding:

• Proposing to remove the option to use extended evaluations, as a limited exceptionto trial work experiences, to explore an individual’s abilities, capabilities, andcapacity to perform in work situations by deleting paragraph (f) from current 361.42

Clarification is requested on the provision of extended evaluations to individuals withdisabilities who could not take advantage of trial work experiences as described in thecurrent 361.42(f)

• Defining supported employment – makes clear that supported employmentoutcomes must be in competitive integrated employment or if in integrated setting

that is not competitive integrated employment, in an integrated setting in whichthe individual is working on a “short term” basis toward competitive integratedemployment. Short term is defined as “no longer than 6 months.”

Clarification is requested to ensure Ability One contracts remain a viable option.

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• Speciyingthattheindividualwithadisability,ortheindividual’sparentorguardianiapplicable,mustreceivecertaininormationandcareercounselingrelatedservicesromtheDSUeverysixmonthsduringthefirstyearosuchemploymentandannuallythereaferoraslongastheindividualreceivescompensationatthesubminimumwagelevel.

Clarification is requestedregardingwhatisincludedin“certaininormation.”

• RequiringDSUstoprovidedocumentationotheprovisionocareercounselingandinormationandreerralservicestoindividualswithdisabilities,regardlessoage,whoarecurrentlyemployedatasubminimumwagelevel.

Clarification is requestedregardingwhethertheproposedlanguageisintendedtoincludeonlythoseclientsthatwerereerredtoVRortoALLindividualsworkinginsubminimumwageemploymentregardlessotheirinvolvementwiththestateVRprogram.

• Noting–proposeddefinitionrecognizesthatindividuals,withorwithoutdisabilities,inselemploymentmaynotreceiveanincomeromthebusinessequaltoorexceedingapplicableminimumwagerates,particularlyintheearlystagesooperation.

Clarification is requested regardingthereasonanindividualinselemploymentisproscribedromwhatothersuccessulentrepreneurshavetheoptiontopractice.

• Noting–Current361.42()permits,inlimitedcircumstances,theprovisionoextendedevaluationstoindividualswithdisabilitieswhocannottakeadvantageotrialworkexperiences,ororwhomtrialworkexperienceshavebeenexhausted.ChangeistoensurethatbeoreaDSUmakeanineligibilitydetermination,itmust

conductaullassessmentothecapacityotheapplicanttoperorminrealisticworksettings,withouttheexceptionoextendedevaluations.

Clarification is requestedregardingwhethertheuseoextendedevaluationisbeingeliminatedorclarifiedwhenitcouldbeused.Additionalclarificationisrequestedwhetherthatwouldaffecttheeligibilitytimeramedeterminationwithin60days.

• Noting–Section511(b)(2)otheActprohibitsaStateorlocaleducationalagencyromenteringintoacontractorotherarrangementwithanentityorpurposesooperatingaprograminwhichyouthwithdisabilitiesareemployedatsubminimumwage.

Clarification is requestedonwhetherschoolscouldcontractwithprovidersthatofferingsubminimumwageandminimumwageserviceswhentheonlyservicebeingcontractedorwouldbeminimumwagepaidopportunities.


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• Proposing to amend current (b)(3) to clarify that non-Federal expenditures, formatch purposes under the VR program, from private contributions must be madefrom cash contributions that have been deposited in the VR agency’s account priorto their use for this purpose.

Clarification is requested in terms of private contributions.

• 361.5 Competitive Integrated Employment- as members of the Arizona State

Rehabilitation Council, we need to represent all disability groups and their rightto have their individualized needs addressed. We believe the primary focus forVR should be on a competitive wage, which is something that all disability groupscan agree on. Te “integration” of the work setting is not a rehabilitation needfor all groups and may limit important opportunities. Individuals, who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled, and/or on the autism spectrum have raisedconcerns that earning a competitive wage at a location that is easy to access, allowsthe concentration of assistive technology and access to support staff meets theirindividualized needs. Te election of this setting is an individual’s or family’schoice. Choice has been and continues in itle IV of the “Workforce Innovation

and Opportunity Act” to be the critical underpinning of the statute. Teir socialinteractions occur at work and away from work.

Te Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation strongly suggests critical changes in thelanguage of the proposed rules in the following areas:

• Describing education and experience, as applicable, requirements at the bachelor’s,master’s, and doctoral level, in fields related to rehabilitation that prepares theindividual to work with individuals with disabilities and employers. Individualshired at the bachelor’s level have a requirement for at least one year of paid or unpaidexperience.

Amend the proposed rule: “one year of relevant paid or unpaid experience.”

• Proposing to amend 361.24 to include the additional agencies and entities withwhich the DSU must coordinate its activities under the VR program. New entitiesinclude, among others, employers, non-educational agencies serving out-of-schoolyouth, programs authorized under the Assistive echnology Act of 1998, the Stateagency administering the State Medicaid plan, the agency responsible for servingindividuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, agencies responsiblefor providing mental health services, and other agencies serving as employmentnetworks under the icket to Work and Self-Sufficiency program.

Amend the proposed rule to include: coordinate its activities including joint training

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• ProposingtheDSUcouldutilizecashtransersorcertifiedpersonnelexpendituresorthetimecooperatingagencystaffspentprovidingdirectVRservices,pursuanttoathirdpartycooperativearrangement,tomeetpartorallothenonFederalshare,butnotincludingcertifiedexpendituresorequipmentandsuppliesasanallowablesourceomatchundertheVRprogram.

Amendtheproposedruletoinclude:inkindpersonnelexpenditures.

• Proposingtoamendcurrent361.36(a)(3)byaddinganewparagraphthatwouldrequireDSUsimplementinganorderoselectiontoindicate,intheVRservicesportionotheUnifiedorCombinedStatePlan,itheyhaveelectedtoserveeligibleindividualsinneedospecificservicesorequipmentorthepurposeomaintainingemployment,regardlessotheirassignmenttoaprioritycategoryintheState’sorderoselection.Decisiontodothisisdiscretionary.

Amendtheproposedrule:remove the final sentence,Decisiontodothisisdiscretionary.

• Noting–RSAbelievesthatdecisionsrelatedtowhichentitywillberesponsibleorprovidingtransitionorpreemploymenttransitionservicesthatcanbeconsideredbothaspecialeducationandaVRservicemustbemadeattheStateandlocallevelaspartothecollaborationbetweentheVRagencies,Stateeducationalagencies,andlocaleducationalagencies.

Amendtheproposedruletoreflectimplementationthrough inclusion within theMemorandums o Understanding (MOU)betweenagencies.


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CLIENT

SATISFACTION SURVEYRESULTS SFY2015InSFY2013,theRSAClientSatisactionSurveywasrevisedincorporatinginputromtheSRCtosurveyclientsthroughoutthevocationalrehabilitationprocess.TesamesurveyinstrumentwasusedthroughoutSFY2015.Surveysareemailedwhenanemail

addressisavailable,orsentbystandardmail.TeclienthastheoptiontocompleteandreturnthesurveyortocompletethesurveyontheRSAwebsite.Clientsaresurveyedattheollowingstages:

• Clientswhohavebeenoundeligible(status04or10)

• Clientswhosignedanindividualizedplanoremployment(IPE)(status12)

• Clientswhohavereceivedservicesoroneyearorwhoarereadyoremployment(whichevercamefirststatus13or20)

• Clientswhohavereceivedservicesandhaveaclosedcase,withorwithoutemployment(status26or28)

otal Surveys Response by Mail Response by

Website

Response Rate

16113 3187 9 19.8%

Teoverallsatisactionrateacrossallgroupsincreasedto81.7%inSFY2015rom81.1%inSFY2014.

Overall Satisaction RatesClientsFound

EligibleClientswithaSignedIPE

ClientsinServiceor1Year/Readyor

Employment

ClientsClosedWithorWithout

Employment

81.7% 86.3% 82.7% 66.1%

82.7% 87.3% 83.2% 67.3%

TeoverallsatisactionratedemonstratedincreasesorallgroupssurveyedromSFY2014toSFY2015.

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Teaveragehourlywageocasesclosedwithemploymentincreased3.4%romthepreviousyear.*

Average hourly wage o cases closed with employment (Status 26)

SFY2012 SFY2013 SFY2014 SFY2015

$11.20 $11.61 $10.90 $11.22

*NOE:TesurveyresultsshouldbeviewedwithinanoverallcontinuedeconomiccontextorSFY2015.StatebudgetandeconomicimpactsstillnecessitatethecontinuedclosureotheOrderoSelectionprioritycategoriestwoandthree.

DREAMJOBFAIR


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Statewide Directory RSA Offices

RSA ADMINISRAION

1789W.JeffersonSt.2NWPhoenix,AZ85007(602)542333218005631221Y(855)4758194LetitiaLabrecqueAdministrator

DISRICIADMINISRAION3221N.16thSt.,Ste.200Phoenix,AZ85016(602)2669206Y(855)4758194

DISRICIOFFICESSBVID 16th SREE

4620N.16thSt.,SteB106Phoenix,AZ85016(602)2669579Y(855)4758194

MESA

120W.1stAve.Mesa,AZ85210(602)7716500

GILBER – CHANDLER

2328WGuadalupeRd.,Bldg.1Gilbert,AZ85233

(480)8205629

SURPRISE11526W.BellRd.Surprise,AZ85374(602)7711850

SCOSDALE10900N.ScottsdaleRd.,Ste.401Scottsdale,AZ85254(480)9483819Y(855)4758194

NORH 3rd SREE

3839N.3rdSt.,Ste.303Phoenix,AZ85012

(602)2664434Y(855)4758194

NORH 16H SREE

3221N.16thSt.Phoenix,AZ85016(602)2666752Y(855)4758194

BLACK CANYON

13610N.BlackCanyonHwy,Ste.106Phoenix,AZ85029(602)7719850Y(855)4758194

GILBER – EMPE

2328W.GuadalupeRd.,Bldg.1Gilbert,AZ85233(480)9265100

NORH 51S AVENUE515N.51stAve,Ste.250Phoenix,AZ85043(602)7719161Y(855)4758194

95th AVENUE

1850N.95thAve.Ste.192Phoenix,AZ85037(602)7716680Y(855)4758194

SOUH PHOENIX4411S.40thSt.,Ste.D12Phoenix,AZ85040

(602)4701802Y(855)4758194

GILBER ONE-SOP

735N.GilbertRd.,Ste.134Gilbert,AZ85234(602)3729736

DISRIC IIADMINISRAION400W.Congress,Ste.420ucson,AZ85701(520)628681018008352100Y(855)4758194

DISRICIIOFFICES

NORH SONE

100N.StoneAve.,Ste.500Bucson,AZ85701

(520)6290225Y(855)4758194

WILMO899N.WilmotRd.,Ste.C7ucson,AZ85711(520)7900107Y(855)4758194

MONA LISA

7225N.MonaLisaRd.,Ste.202ucson,AZ85741(520)5448618Y(855)4758194

IRVINGON

195W.Irvingtonucson,AZ85714(520)6382390Y(855)4758194

E. 29H SREE

4710E.29thSt.,Bldg.12ucson,AZ85711(520)7900787Y(855)4758194

ALVERNON WAY

1455S.AlvernonWayucson,AZ85711(520)8729070


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RDISRIC IIIADMINISRAION

3221N.16thSt.,Ste.200 Phoenix,AZ85016 (602)2669206 Y(855)4758194

DISRICIIIOFFICES

FLAGSAFF 2323N.WalgreensSt.,Ste.104 Flagstaff,AZ86004 (928)7794147 Y(855)4758194

PAGE 1057VistaAve. Page,AZ86040 (928)6458103

SHOWLOW 2500E.Cooley,Ste.410 ShowLow,AZ85901 (928)5324300

PRESCOVALLEY 3262BobDrive PrescottValley,AZ86314 (928)2772788

COONWOOD 1500E.CherrySt.,Ste.H Cottonwood,AZ86326 (928)6496873 Y(855)4758194

DISRIC IVADMINISRAION3221N.16thSt...,Ste.200 Phoenix,AZ85016 (602)2669206 Y(855)4758194

DISRICIVOFFICES

KINGMAN 519E.BealeSt.,Ste.130 Kingman,AZ86401 (928)7535105

Y(855)4758194

BULLHEADCIY 2601Highway95 BullheadCity,AZ86442 (928)7047776 Y(855)4758194

HAVASUCIY 228LondonBridgeRd. LakeHavasuCity,AZ86403 (928)8540377

DISRIC VADMINISRAION

3221N.16thSt.,Ste.200 Phoenix,AZ85016 (602)2669206 Y(855)4758194

DISRICVOFFICES

APACHEJUNCION 11518E.Apacherail Ste.110ApacheJunctionAZ85220 (480)9830427 Y(855)4758194

GLOBE 605S.7thSt. Globe,AZ85501 (928)4253101

PAYSON 100N.ontoSt.,Ste.100 Payson,AZ85541 (928)4689829 Y(855)4758194

DISRICVADMINISRAION 400W.Congress,Ste.420 ucson,AZ85701 (520)6286810 18008352100 Y(855)4758194

DISRICVOFFICESYUMA 1185S.RedondoCtr.Dr.Yuma,AZ85365 (928)2478880 Y(800)3678939

COOLIDGE 1155N.ArizonaBlvd. Coolidge,AZ85228 (520)7235351 Y(855)4758194

CASAGRANDE 401N.MarshallSt.

CasaGrande,AZ85122 (520)4263529 Y(855)4758194

DISRIC VIADMINISRAION

400W.Congress,Ste.420 ucson,AZ85701 (520)6286810 18008352100 Y(855)4758194

DISRICVIOFFICES

DOUGLAS 1140FAve. Douglas,AZ85607 (520)3644446 18553804682

BENSON 595S.DragoonSt. Benson,AZ85602 (520)5868331 18556306874

SAFFORD 333N.8thAve Safford,AZ85546 (928)4283005 Y(855)4758194

SIERRAVISA 1843PaseoSanLuis SierraVista,AZ85635 (520)4589309

NOGALES SantaCruzOneStop 610N.MorleyAve.Nogales,AZ85621

(520)3757670 Y(855)4758194


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Equal Opportunity Employer/Program • Under itles VI andVII o the Civil Rights Act o 1964 (itle VI & VII), and the

AmericanswithDisabilitiesActo1990(ADA),Section504othe Rehabilitation Act o1973, the Age Discrimination Act o1975,anditleIIotheGeneticInormationNondiscriminationAct (GINA)o2008; theDepartment prohibits discriminationin admissions, programs, services, activities, or employmentbasedonrace,color,religion,sex,nationalorigin,age,disability,genetics and retaliation. he Department must make areasonableaccommodationtoallowapersonwithadisabilitytotake part in a program, service or activity. For example, thismeansinecessary,theDepartmentmustprovidesignlanguageinterpreters or people who are dea, a wheelchair accessible

location, or enlarged print materials. It also means that theDepartment will take any other reasonable action that allowsyou to take part in and understand a program or activity,including making reasonable changes to an activity. I youbelievethatyouwillnotbeabletounderstandortakepartinaprogramoractivitybecauseoyourdisability,pleaseletusknowoyourdisabilityneedsinadvanceiatallpossible.orequestthisdocumentinalternativeormatororurtherinormationaboutthispolicy,call6023641773;Y/DDServices:711.•Free language assistance with DES services is available upon

request.• Ayuda gratuita con traducciones relacionadas con losservicios del DES está disponible a solicitud del cliente.

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2015 annual report - arizona governor's state rehabilitation council

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