Upload
nguyencong
View
215
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
2
OUR MISSIONS
THE DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (DVR)
We provide individualized services to employers and people with disabilities, developing career pathways that link qualified employees to jobs,
resulting in greater independence and a more inclusive workplace.
THE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL (SRC)
We are a consumer-driven organization of members representing DVR Stakeholders.
Members are appointed by the Governor and provide
advice and support to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
FY 2017 SRC Council Members Nicole Barr DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor,
Ex-Officio Member
Ellen Coulston Advocate
Karen DiNardo Consumer, Former DVR Consumer
Monica Edgar Consumer/Client Assistance Program
Alvin Emory Consumer/Industry (Reappointment Pending)
Lisa Furber Advocate (Reappointment Pending)
Andrea Guest DVR Director, Ex-Officio Member
Mila Wells Hathaway Parent Information Center of Delaware
Emmanuel Jenkins Consumer/Advocate
Janie Libby Industry
Dale Matusevich Department of Education
Robin McKinney-Newman Delaware Workforce Development Board (Pending)
Jacqueline Poquette Consumer/Industry
Loretta Sarro Consumer/Advocate
Despina Wilson Statewide Independent Living Council
Alexia Wolf Advocate (Membership Pending)
Jamie Wolfe Consumer/Advocate
On the Cover: A selection of DVR consumers who completed the program and are now successfully employed.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SRC and DVR Missions 2
2017 SRC Council Member List 2
Table of Contents 3
Letter to Governor Carney 4
The SRC Leadership Report 5
SRC and DVR: Working Together for Employment 6
State Rehabilitation Council Committees 7
2017 Annual Recognition Awards Luncheon 8
2017 Annual Recognition Award Luncheon - Photos 9 - 11
What Workplace Inclusion Means To Me 11
Client Success Story: Sam Kanefsky 12
Client Success Story: Robin Schwitters 13
Project SEARCH: Delaware’s Award-Winning Transition Program 14
DVR Video Shows Benefits of Workplace Inclusion 15
2017 Consumer Satisfaction Results 16
2017 DVR Performance Report 17
Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment 18 - 20
DVR Office Locations 21
4
December 31, 2017
The Honorable John Carney Governor of Delaware Dover Office Tatnall Building William Penn Street, 2nd Floor Dover, DE 19901 Dear Governor Carney: Enclosed for your review is the 2017 Annual Report of the Delaware State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). During FY17, the Chair (Lisa Furber) and Vice Chair (Monica Edgar) took a different approach to the council, as we wanted to regroup, educate, and update our meetings and the council membership. Our goal was to build our council with new members, with fresh ideas and motivation. We wanted to keep the knowledge and experience of our seasoned SRC members and incorporate the ideas of new members, too. We continued to update our membership binders (orientation materials and policies) in order to grow and stay current under the mandates of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The Council participated in several activities and shared in accomplishments which strengthened our partnership with DVR, all with the goal of identifying and removing barriers to employment as well as increasing independence for Delawareans with disabilities. The following are just a few highlights from our 2017 activities:
Supported legislative issues affecting Delawareans with disabilities Jointly established DVR goals and priorities for fiscal year 2017 Provided input on DVR policies: self-employment, credentials and measureable service gains,
on-the-job-training, and criminal history Reviewed consumer satisfaction data and made recommendations based on reviewed data
input on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan Attended Delaware Pathways Conference and the Delaware Transition Conference Appointed SRC members to other community boards Developed and implemented the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment
In conclusion, The SRC has always worked hard to follow the mandate of the law; however, the world we live in and the words we use today are changing and broadening. For instance, WIOA is focusing on Pre-Employment Transition Services. The SRC has encouraged the Delaware Disability Community to come together to improve the lives of their people by staying current. We intend to stay up-to-date by broadening our membership, partnering with other Boards and Councils, and working hard to advocate for people with disabilities. I would like to thank our partner, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, for helping the SRC through this transitional time and thank the members of the council for their time, dedication, efforts, and passion. Thank you for the opportunity to give back to our community through service on this council. With Warm Regards,
Moni Edgar
Moni Edgar, Acting Chair State Rehabilitation Council
5
SRC LEADERSHIP REPORT
As Acting Chair of the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), I
have learned a great deal from the previous chair, the board,
and the community. The SRC utilized this year to update and
educate the council. We wanted to remind the SRC board
members of the required activities of the council and continue
to work with DVR in providing quality services to their clients.
We also continued to educate ourselves on WIOA and offered
input on the Combined State Plan, DVR Policies, and the
evaluation process for measuring consumer satisfaction. However, our main focus for
FY17 was to look for ways to partner with other Councils, Commissions, and Committees
that support employment and independence for Delawareans with disabilities.
One way the SRC accomplished our tasks during FY17 was by focusing on transition
aged youth. Transition has been a focus both statewide and nationally. The SRC supported
DVR’s orchestration of the Delaware Transition Conference (DTC) as well as their
participation in the Delaware Pathways Conference (DPC). The DTC prepares, educates,
and inspires youth with disabilities to think about future career goals including involving
youth as presenters at the event. The DPC conference has a similar goal; educating and
inspiring all young people, including those with disabilities to begin thinking about careers
and career pathways now. The program helps participants get prepared for work, find
jobs, and succeed in the workplace.
In FY17, the SRC membership and DVR worked together to recruit membership
that would diversify the council. As the Acting Chair, I attended both of the above
mentioned conferences, and I was inspired by the attendee’s motivation to learn, their
excitement to start new endeavors, and their drive to reach their goals. I would like to
take that energy and the council’s knowledge and combine the two. With the SRC
updates and revitalizing our council, I am excited for the coming year. A new spark has
developed in the SRC; we will continue to learn new things, partner with DVR, and reach
our goals in FY18.
Moni Edgar, Acting Chair
6
SRC AND DVR: WORKING TOGETHER FOR EMPLOYMENT
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) created a shared vision:
Assisting people with disabilities in Delaware to develop their talents and abilities and find meaningful employment
The SRC plays an integral role with DVR in administering the public vocational rehabilitation program and evaluating DVR’s effectiveness in providing vocational rehabilitation services to Delawareans with disabilities. As partners, the SRC and DVR:
Hold retreats to evaluate DVR’s effectiveness in achieving the agency’s mission, review and develop goals and priorities, and identify new directions.
Evaluate consumer satisfaction with DVR services and provide feedback.
Conduct periodic assessments to determine the needs of individuals with disabilities in Delaware.
Provide direct input into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan specifically addressing new services and required reporting elements.
7
STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is responsible for developing the agenda for full Council meetings. The committee addresses management issues relating to the function of the Council and provides oversight for the duties and responsibilities of the Council and its committees and project teams as governed by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for recruitment of new SRC members to meet its representative requirements. SRC members represent people with disabilities, advocates and family members, employers, and rehabilitation and education professionals. The Chair of the Council serves as the Chair of the Membership Committee. Recruitment efforts include maintaining a presence at area conferences, including the LIFE conference, and making presentations before disability-related advocacy groups such as Partners in Policymaking.
Policy, Procedure, and Performance Committee
The SRC has several members who participate on the DVR Policy Committee which develops policy and procedures for DVR client services. These SRC members are part of the Policy, Procedure and Performance committee. In addition to sharing information on agency activities in the development of DVR policies and procedures with the entire SRC, the committee brings the SRC perspective to the Policy Committee.
Government Relations Committee
The Government Relations Committee is responsible for maintaining awareness of issues and activities of the councils and committees around the state that address disability-related issues and monitoring legislative initiatives. The committee reports on noteworthy activities of other councils and the State legislature and facilitates the SRC’s advocacy on issues of concern. The committee also coordinates the SRC participation in the DVR budgeting and funding process.
Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Committee On a triennial basis, the DVR and the SRC are required to do Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA). The CSNA committee takes an active role in determining the way the assessment will be conducted, designing the assessment questions, assisting in the implementation, and reviewing the results.
8
2017 DVR SRC
ANNUAL RECOGNITION
AWARDS LUNCHEON
The Sixth Annual DVR and SRC Recognition Awards Luncheon was held at
Dover Downs Hotel on Monday, December 11th. Andrea Guest, DVR Director,
welcomed the council members, employers, consumers, service providers,
state partners, and vocational rehabilitation staff. Ms. Guest thanked
everyone in attendance for their hard work over the past year and stated that
she looks forward to continued partnerships in the coming year. Ms. Moni
Edgar, Acting Chair, SRC, joined Ms. Guest at the podium.
Following lunch, the recognition awards were presented to the outstanding employees honored at the
event. One of the New Castle County award recipients was Robin Schwitters, a State of Delaware
employee, and nominee of Connie Clay-Bickel, DVR Counselor. A second New Castle County award
recipient was Justin Lehman, employed by U.S. Securities, and nominee of Rebecca Clark, DVR Counselor
and Denise Burke, Business Relations Specialist. The Kent County award recipient was Sam Kanefsky, a
Dover Downs employee, and nominee of Janie Libby, SRC Member. Last, the Sussex County award
recipient was Brandon Almony, a Harris Teeter employee, and nominee of Arlana Harrisford, DVR
Counselor.
Additionally, several outstanding business partners were honored. The New Castle County award
recipient was the Metro Diner of Newark, Delaware, nominated by Maya Rattan, DVR Business Relations
Specialist. Dae Chang accepted the award. The Kent County award recipient was the Walmart
Supercenter of Milford, Delaware, nominated by Dana Seaberg, DVR Business Relations Specialist.
Christina Rossi accepted the award. The Sussex County award recipient was the Royal Farms of Milford,
Delaware, nominated by Denise Crockett, DVR Business Relations Specialist. Dawn Keyek accepted the
award.
Finally, a statewide outstanding service provider was honored. Community Integrated Services was
nominated by DVR district administrator Stan Mifflin. The award was received by Josh Miller.
Following the awards presentation, the attendees viewed the first video in a series that are being created
to focus on DVR’s programs and successes. The video highlighted the workplace inclusion and the
partnership between DVR and Dover Downs Hotel. The video can be found on the Delaware DOL
YouTube and DVR’s Facebook and Twitter.
As part of DVR’s social media campaign, luncheon attendees were invited to step into the “photo booth”
and show what Workplace Inclusion, a key concept of DVR and the SRC, means to them. The resulting
photos, some of which are included in this Annual Report, have been used on both Facebook and Twitter.
9
2017 DVR SRC ANNUAL RECOGNITION AWARDS LUNCHEON - PHOTOS
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYERS
L-R: Jeff Schifrin, Metro Diner; Andrea Guest,
DVR Director; Maya Rattan, DVR Business
Relations Specialist; Dae Chang, Metro Diner;
and Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of
Labor.
L-R: Andrea Guest, DVR Director; Denise
Crockett, DVR Business Relations
Specialist; Dawn Keyek, Royal Farms; Dr.
Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of Labor.
L-R: Andrea Guest, DVR Director; Dana
Seaberg, DVR Business Relations Specialist;
Lisa Dutton; Christina Rossi; Mary Jo
Verdery; and Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson,
Secretary of Labor.
Wal*Mart, Kent County
*Mart
Metro Diner, New Castle County Royal Farms, Sussex County
10
2017 DVR SRC ANNUAL RECOGNITION LUNCHEON - PHOTOS
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES
L-R: Andrea Guest, DVR Director; Patricia Browan, U.S. Security Associates; Justin Lehman; Amber Bart, U.S. Security Associates; Denise Burke, DVR Business Relations Specialist; Becky Clark, DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Tom Beckson, U.S. Security Associates; and Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of Labor.
L-R: Reita Waterman, Delaware Family
Court; Constance Turner, Delaware Family Court; Andrea Guest, DVR Director; Robin Schwitters; Connie Clay-Bickel, DVR Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of Labor; and Catherine Aul, Delaware Family Court.
L-R: Janie Libby, Dover Downs; Pete Bradley, Dover Downs; Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of Labor ; Chef Ron Roll, Dover Downs; Sam Kanefsky; Carl Kanefsky; Andrea Guest, DVR Director; and Cathy Kanefsky.
Brandon Almony was not able to attend the event. Janet Rivera Cabrera, DVR Administrative Specialist, accepted the award on his behalf.
Robin Schwitters, New Castle County Justin Lehman, New Castle County
Sam Kanefsky, Kent County Brandon Almony, Sussex County
11
2017 DVR SRC ANNUAL RECOGNITION LUNCHEON PHOTOS
OUTSTANDING PROVIDER
“What Workplace Inclusion Means to Me” Luncheon attendees were invited to share what workplace inclusion means to them.
Participants wrote their beliefs on a sign and then were photographed against the “What
Workplace Inclusion Means to Me” backdrop. Resulting photos were shared on DVR’s
Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds. Workplace Inclusion is an important part of our work.
Highlighting this concept and involving others is a great way to get the conversation
started. Thank you to everyone who participated!
L-R: Josh Miller, Community Integrated Services; Stan Mifflin, DVR Georgetown District Administrator; Andrea Guest, DVR Director; and Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of Labor. .
Community Integrated Services
12
CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: Sam Kanefsky
Sam Kanefsky, one of the honorees recognized at the
2017 Annual DVR SRC Awards Recognition luncheon, is an
employee at Dover Downs Hotel in Dover, Delaware.
He was hired in September 2012 through the POW&R
program’s partnership with DVR.
Originally, Sam was assigned as a Line Attendant
in the buffet restaurant stocking clean dishes and
silverware. Sam was initially quiet and kind of shy, but he
learned quickly and mastered his assigned tasks, then took it upon himself to be the
unofficial customer service ambassador for the restaurant. Guests know him and seek
him out and he greets everyone with a smile and warm hello.
Sam’s twin brother Adam works with him in the same restaurant - Sam is his
brother’s guiding star. It is clear that he loves his brother and always looks out for
him. Despite the fact that Sam and Adam travel to work each day from Middletown,
taking two buses each way, they are never late and rarely absent.
Sam was honored last winter as one of Dover Downs’ Award of Excellence winners,
an award given to employees for service excellence. For the award, all four of his
supervisors noted that Sam is truly a team player with a great attitude and exceptional
job performance, and he consistently gives the extra effort. He is a friendly and caring
employee, and he is always quick to lend a hand to others. Sam has most definitely
overcome disability obstacles and has proven himself to be one of our very best
employees.
Sam is an example of a how a person with a disability can overcome new challenges,
adapt, and excel as well as bring positivity and joy while doing so.
Congratulations, Sam!
P.S. Read more about Sam on page 15.
13
CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: Robin Schwitters
Robin Schwitters, an honoree recognized at the 2017
Annual DVR SRC Awards Recognition Luncheon, recently
celebrated 18 years of continuous employment with the State
of Delaware. As a Generic Case Aid, she works in the Delaware
Family Court supporting other state employees. In addition,
she reviews legal and court documents for completeness,
accuracy, and compliance in accordance with applicable time
permits, court procedures, and appropriate steps for processing.
Robin was selected as an individual with congenital disabilities for temporary
employment with the State of Delaware through an initiative to hire persons with
disabilities, giving them an opportunity to learn job skills. Robin quickly learned the
necessary job knowledge and skills and was hired and retained for employment.
Robin has developed many positive and strong relationships with her colleagues
and coworkers. She is embraced by a system of natural supports, which in addition to
other state employees includes her siblings to retain and maintain her employment. She
exemplifies that diversity in the workplace can be achieved with good communication,
collaboration, mutual support with respect, and every employee makes a significant
contribution in the workplace.
Congratulations, Robin!
14
PROJECT SEARCH: DELAWARE’S AWARD-WINNING
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION PROGRAM
Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program for
students 18 to 21 years old with significant disability related
barriers to employment. Students enter the program with the
goal to gain valuable and transferable work skills to help
position them for meaningful employment within our
community upon graduation.
Great success of the program is attributed to the
combination of the classroom instruction and workplace
internship. Extensive training includes job skills, soft skills,
coaching, and career exploration and takes place within the
host business site. The interns’ experience real-life work situations which help them grow
and prepare for competitive employment.
Began as a national program in 1996, Program SEARCH has expanded the globe and is
now an international success. The core of the Project SEARCH program is
a partnership between education, business, Vocational Rehabilitation, and community
organizations focused on shared goals to help the intern(s) achieve program goals.
In Delaware, there are four Project SEARCH programs, at least one in each State
county. In 2011, Project SEARCH at Christiana Care Health System program was established
followed by Project SEARCH at BayHealth Medical Center in 2014. In 2017, two new
programs were added including Project SEARCH at Nanticoke and Project SEARCH at
Delaware Department of Transportation, the first partnership with a state agency. The
Project SEARCH at Christiana Care Health System and the Project SEARCH at BayHealth
Medical Center have been awarded the Superstars in Education award, a prestigious honor
from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
15
DVR VIDEO SHOWS
BENEFITS OF
WORKPLACE INCLUSION
It’s exciting to share
news that DVR is
creating a video
series highlighting
our programs and
successes.
Debuted at the 2017
DVR SRC Annual Awards
Recognition Luncheon,
the first video captures
the benefits of
workplace inclusion by
profiling DVR’s business
relationship with Dover
Downs Hotel.
Watch the video and
view a discussion about
hiring people with
disabilities between
Janie Libby, VP of
Human Resources at
Dover Downs, and
Andrea Guest, DVR
Director as well an
interview with Dover
Downs employee, Sam
Kanefsky.
Future video topics
include transition and
the Project SEARCH
program.
Sam received the
2017 DVR SRC Annual Recognition
Employee Award for Kent County
CLICK HERE
TO WATCH THE VIDEO
The YouTube URL is: https://youtu.be/esUbtFc7FkU?t=1s
16
0.00%
20.00%
40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
100.00%
0.00%
20.00%
40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
100.00%
77.50%
13.13%
4.38% 1.88% 3.13%
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
VeryDissatisfied
Job Satisfaction
0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%80.00%90.00%
100.00%
CONSUMER SATISFACTION RESULTS
The 2017 Consumer Satisfaction Survey gave
participants the option to provide feedback either
in writing or by phone. Both individuals who were
closed employed (n=162) and those closed not
employed (n=96) were interviewed.
On each of the satisfaction measures, individuals who
had successfully obtained employment rated DVR
more favorably than those who did not; however, 92%
of employed individuals and 59% of not employed
individuals rated overall satisfaction as very satisfied
or somewhat satisfied.
92% of employed individuals and 73% of not
employed individuals indicated that they were very
likely or somewhat likely to return to DVR for
additional services if needed.
91% of employed individuals indicated that they were
very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their jobs
while 5% indicated dissatisfaction.
Among individuals who did not achieve an
employment outcome, the top reasons were:
Disability-related: 46%
“Other” reasons: 25%
Relationship with DVR staff: 20%
Transportation: 17%
Specific feedback from participants:
“I can benefit from your services. I apologize for
wasted time and paper work. I sure would love to
return to DVR.”
“DVR went above and beyond the provided vocational
services.”
“During my training we spent to (sic) much time on the
interviews I was ready to move on to vocational
training to prepare me for a job. It just took too long
with my financial situation.”
“Unfortunately for me, I continue to have medical
issues that prevent me from seeking employment. I
need to have several additional medical procedures in
the future. Thank you very much for your services.”
“DVR is one of the best helpers to find jobs in
America.”
Employed
at closure
Not
employed
at closure
Overall
Satisfaction
with DVR
Satisfaction with
Ability to
Choose Goals
and Services
Employed
at closure
Not
employed at
closure
Likelihood of
Returning to DVR
if Employment
Services are
Required
Employed
at closure
Not
employed
at closure
17
2017 DVR PERFORMANCE REPORT
Successful Rehabilitations: 1,074 Most Significant Disabilities 292 (27%) 95% Significant Disabilities 733 (68%) Transition Youth Rehabilitated 334 Total Clients Served: 6,564
Clients with Most Significant Disabilities 1,942 (30%) 95%
Clients with Significant Disabilities 4,304 (65%) New Applicants in FY 2017: 2,335 Determined Eligible: 2,071 Acceptance Rate 90% New Transition Students: 837 Transition Students/Youth Served: 2,687 Average Hourly Wage for FY 2017 closures: All Closures $11.10
Transition Students $10.15 Supported Employment $9.31
Adults (not TR or SE) $11.99
Individuals in Delayed Status at the end of FY 2017: 67
18
COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
A committee made up of several members of the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) and the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Management Analyst developed the survey for the Comprehensive Statewide
Needs Assessment (CSNA) during FY 2017. As required by Federal regulations, the committee developed
questions, both open and closed-ended, that address the five topics that are required for the assessment. The
survey was created to be completed either using the Survey Monkey online system or via a paper copy. The
online survey was distributed through numerous disability listservs as well as through the DVR social media via
Facebook and Twitter. The paper surveys were available primarily through the DVR field offices. Over four
hundred individuals began the survey, while nearly 300 completed the entire survey. The respondents were
from New Castle County (44%), Kent County (24%), and Sussex County (27%). In addition, a small percentage
of respondents (5%) are from outside of the state. The pluralities of respondents were service providers
(42%), individuals with disabilities (29%), and parents/guardians/advocates (29%) were also represented.
Participants were provided with Likert scales that included “neutral” and “don’t know/no answer” as
possible responses. Although “don’t know/no answer” was a possible response for all questions that included
a Likert scale (e.g. Strongly Agree…Strongly Disagree), respondents were able to skip questions or topics on
which they did not wish to respond.
Topic I: Service to individuals with the most significant disabilities, including supported employment
Participants responded positively (67% agreement) to a statement indicating that DVR provides
services to individuals with the most employment challenges but 54% also agreed that DVR could improve
those services. When asked what services would be most needed, work readiness training, job coaching, job
placement, on-the-job training, and work experiences were all identified by at least 40% of the participants.
When asked about the availability of supported employment services, 60% agreed that they were
available to people with the most significant employment challenges. In response to an open-ended question
about improvements, participants indicated timeliness/speed of services, longer assessments, follow-along for
people with more types of disabilities, transportation, longer follow-along, more training for service providers,
and better communication as potential areas.
Topic II: Services to individuals who are minorities
While 65% of the participants agreed that individuals who are minorities had access to DVR services,
only 4% disagreed; however, when asked the open-ended question about how DVR could improve services to
people who are minorities, participants indicated that minorities should include Spanish and other non-English
speaking individuals, more outreach, resources in alternate languages and formats, greater hours of
operation, more staff and staff training, and establish a review team for when major requests are denied.
In response to a question about which individuals have the hardest time obtaining services,
participants indicated that some disability groups had more difficulty, people with language barriers or who
couldn’t advocate for themselves, people with criminal backgrounds, were homebound or homeless, lacking
transportation, looking for advancement or self-employment, or were students without good support systems.
To overcome those barriers, participants recommended greater and more varied outreach, increased staff
which language abilities or who have disabilities, services on college campuses, order of selection changes
(some indicating more restrictions while others indicating that people should not be lost on the waiting list),
19
getting people who are homeless into the system more rapidly, better transportation, not overlooking adults
in favor of students, and hiring a behavioral analyst.
Topic III: Accessing Services from Workforce Agencies
Participants were asked about which of the ten Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
partner programs they had requested services from and which they had actually received services. In almost
every case, except for one which had been requested by only 2% of the respondents, the number receiving
services was less than the number requesting them.
When asked about which reason services had not been received, 43% indicated no barriers, 42%
indicated problems with transportation, 24% were not aware of the programs, 14% indicated a language
barrier, 12% indicated a disability-related barrier, 7% indicated that the program was not available locally, and
3% indicate lack of physical accessibility. Among the other barriers indicated was a comment about being
referred back to DVR when trying to access a non-VR partner.
Topic IV: Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Transition Services
Although a description of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and Transition Services
preceded the survey questions, several questions in Topic IV received a plurality of “don’t know/no answer”
responses.
When asked about access to the Pre-ETS needed for employment, 43% agreed and 13% disagreed that
students have access. Respondents indicated 22% agreement and 23% disagreement to a statement that DVR
and schools coordinated Pre-ETS programs. When asked about services to prepare for employment for
transition youth (14-24), 33% agreed that the youth have access while 18% disagreed.
To an open-ended question about additional services needed for transition age youth, the
participant’s responses included training (e.g. specific vocational training, parent training, youth training about
their disabilities), work experiences, services in lower and western Sussex County, more counselors, more
outreach, and funding for specific services such as speech therapy and behavior supports. When asked how
transition and Pre-ETS services could be improved, responses included outreach to parents, students, and
counselors, more work experiences, more staff and staff support, greater availability of programs, more
services in Kent and Sussex counties, better integration with (Individual Education Plan) IEP’s, and placement
services for summer employment.
Topic V: Availability and Need for Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs)
In response to a statement that CRP services meet the needs of people in Delaware, 34% agreed and
20% disagreed. When asked about ways that services could be improved, 55% indicated location (including all
counties), 54% indicated the types of training (e.g. specific vocational programs, for individuals with specific
disabilities such as autism and traumatic brain injury), 35% indicated accessibility (e.g. need for paratransit, for
individuals with specific disabilities such as mental health and traumatic brain injury), and 35% had other
recommendations (e.g. more outreach, transportation, staff, better placement after training, incentives for
higher quality job placements, and faster follow-up after referral).
20
Conclusion
The above information indicates that the disability community in Delaware views some aspects of the
DVR’s services positively but clearly indicates that there are numerous ways in which the services could
improve. In many cases, the needs reflect either impressions or actual experiences. In some cases, the
respondents did not have full information about services that currently exist, but the lack of information itself
indicates a need for greater marketing and outreach. Having collected the data, the DVR will use the
information to identify better ways to serve the community.
21
DVR OFFICE LOCATIONS
New Castle County Wilmington TTY/Voice – (302) 761-8275 Newark TTY/Voice – (302) 368-6980 Middletown TTY/Voice – (302) 696-3180
Kent County Dover TTY/Voice – (302) 739-5478
Sussex County Georgetown TTY/Voice – (302) 856-5730
www.dvr.delawareworks.com