State Plans Public Meetings on Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services

The New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services- Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), with the State Rehabilitation Council, is developing the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Supported Employment (SE) Services beginning July 1, 2016.

To assist in the development of the State Plan, individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates, employers and services providers are invited to attend the public meetings to provide comments on the provision of vocational rehabilitation services. ACCES-VR initially conducted public meetings in January and February 2015 to submit with its State Plan effective October 1, 2015.  Just after these concluded, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) informed State agencies that the currently approved FFY 2015 VR State plans and SE Supplements would remain in effect and would provide the basis for funding until the States receive approval of a Unified or Combined State Plan under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).  In July 2014, WIOA replaced the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

ACCES-VR will conduct a second set of public meetings as scheduled below. The public comment period extends from August 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015. Click this link to the current State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services.

* The statewide video-conference August 10, 2015 will be a facilitated discussion with the Director of ACCES-VR District Office Operations.

** Photo identification is required for State District Office sites.

Individuals will be allocated five minutes to provide oral testimony. Comments and recommendations may be submitted in writing or electronically. Written comments can be sent to: NYS Education Department, ACCES-VR Resource Development Unit – EBA 580, Albany, NY  12234. Electronic submission can be sent to VRpolicy@nysed.gov.

These meetings are being held at accessible sites.  Copies of materials will be made available at each session.  Upon request, materials will be made available in alternate format.  Interpreters are provided only upon request.  To request an interpreter or other accommodations, contact ACCES-VR by calling 1-800-222-5627 (voice or TTY) at least 10 days in advance of the meeting and reference “State Plan Meeting” or email VRpolicy@nysed.gov.

Suggested Questions for Discussion:

1. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires joint planning in the provision of services. How should ACCES-VR and the Department of Labor collaborate in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities?
2. How can New York State improve employment outcomes for youth?  What is ACCES-VR’s role in the process?
3. What can ACCES-VR do to engage the business community in moving toward the New York State goal to increase the employment rate of individuals with disabilities?
4. How can supported employment services be improved?