Commission Meeting Materials May 23, 2017 9:00 A.M. - Modification to the Combined State

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Vocational Rehabilitation Division

13 Combined State Plan Fiscal Year 2017–2020

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VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 1 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

3 Input of State Rehabilitation Council 4 5 The Rehabilitation Council of Texas (RCT), which is the state rehabilitation council for Texas, 6 met quarterly with the leadership of the state vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs and the 7 Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the state-designated agency, as a part of the RCT’s 8 regular meetings. During these meetings, VR and TWC provided quarterly updates and the RCT 9 provided input and made recommendations regarding the combining of the two designated state 10 units as well as other VR services program matters.

11 The RCT uses a committee structure to provide focused review and comment to VRD. These 12 committees are: the executive committee; the program planning and review committee which is 13 comprised of all RCT members; the policy, procedures and personnel development committee; 14 the consumer satisfaction and needs assessment committee; and the membership and education 15 committee. Much of the interaction included exchanges of information in order to achieve 16 greater clarity and understanding of the transition from legacy DARS to TWC. While the detail 17 work is done in the committee structure, all comments and recommendations are made from the 18 full RCT.

19 The following is a summary of the input and recommendations made regarding the changing of 20 the DSA from DARS to TWC and combining the two designated state units, Blind Services 21 Division and Rehab Services Division including the state plan materials to accomplish the 22 successful merging of the two VR programs.

23 Recommendation: With regard to the evaluation of progress toward meeting VR and Supported 24 Employment goals, the RCT recommends additional collaboration with the VRD to increase the 25 level of analysis of impediments and create strategies to address shortfalls.

26 Response: VRD welcomes additional opportunities for collaboration with RCT.

27 Recommendation: With regards to State Goals & Priorities, the RCT recommends more specific 28 language with regard to “increased coordination”, such as: specific entities on which 29 coordination efforts will focus, how coordination will be accomplished, and the results desired 30 from increased coordination.

31 Response: Following consultation with RCT, TWC adopted the final goals on December 20, 32 2016. VRD agrees that it is important to include specific strategies for increased coordination in 33 the plan, and believes that is addressed in other parts of the VR plan.

34 Recommendation: With regard to transition services to students, the VRD is proposing to 35 increase the transition age for students who are blind or visually impaired from age 10 to age 14 36 and lower the age for students with all other disabilities to age 14. The RCT is concerned about 37 the group of blind and visually impaired customers who are between age 10 and 14 when this 38 change is implemented. The RCT recommends that VRD work closely with Blind Children’s

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 2 1 Services and education officials to insure the needs of these students are met, and that close 2 relationships between Blind Children’s Services and VRD staff are maintained to insure a 3 smooth transition when students reach age 14.

4 Response: TWC’s three-member Commission (Commission) is considering a grandfather 5 provision for all students between the ages of 10–13 who are currently receiving services through 6 the Blind Services Division’s VR program. Establishing such a provision will ensure that 7 services to children are not disrupted. VRD agrees that collaboration with Blind Children’s 8 Services and the education system is essential to ensure a smooth transition for students younger 9 than age 14 who have visual impairments.

10 Recommendation: With regard to coordination with education officials, the RCT recommends 11 that VRD add language to define the school district’s role in providing Pre-Employment 12 Transition Services.

13 Response: The school district’s role in providing Pre-Employment Transition Services will be 14 defined in the pending memorandum of understanding (MOU) between TWC and the Texas 15 Education Agency (TEA), as referenced in the Coordination with Education Officials section of 16 the modified VR plan.

17 Recommendation: With regard to CSPD, the RCT is concerned that ethnic and disability 18 representation percentages of VRD staff does not reflect the population of the state. The RCT 19 recommends a focus on recruiting and hiring ethnically diverse individuals as well, as those with 20 disabilities, to better represent the population of Texas.

21 Response: This recommendation has been added to the CSPD content area.

22 Recommendation: With regard to the job application process for VR staff, the RCT 23 recommends increased distribution of job postings to attract a more diverse and qualified 24 applicant pool.

25 Response: This recommendation has been added to the CSPD content area. VRD management 26 and the agency’s Human Resources Department are also working together to identify additional 27 strategies to attract qualified candidates.

28 Recommendation: In an effort to gain a more diverse applicant pool for VR staff positions, the 29 RCT recommends an increased effort to resolve usability and accessibility issues within the 30 TWC application system.

31 Response: TWC is committed to full accessibility of the WorkInTexas.com application and has 32 taken proactive measures to resolve concerns as they arose, including engaging subject matter 33 experts and assistive technology users to test the system and provide feedback on enhancements.

34 Recommendation: The RCT strongly supports the maintenance of current CSPD standards for 35 qualified VR counselors to be consistent with the national certification for certified rehabilitation 36 counselors.

37 Response: VRD is committed to continued consultation with RCT regarding the effectiveness of 38 the current Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) standard and the

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 3 1 development of additional strategies, as needed, to ensure that Texas is able to recruit, train, and 2 retain the most qualified individuals for VR counselor positions.

3 Recommendation: The RCT recommends the maintenance of the vocational rehabilitation 4 career ladder as an incentive to retain a highly qualified counseling staff.

5 Response: VRD is committed to continued consultation with RCT regarding the VR career 6 ladder to ensure its effectiveness in retaining highly qualified counselors.

7 Recommendation: The RCT recommends maintaining a strong training system to sustain VR 8 staff expertise to meet the needs of VR consumers as well as meet the requirements of CSPD, 9 including training for specialized caseloads such as intensive training for direct service providers 10 of blind services and regional training staff that can address local VR staff training needs.

11 Response: VRD agrees that training in the area of specialized caseloads, such as those for 12 blindness and visual impairments, is necessary to provide quality services to VR customers. A 13 variety of training options are available to field staff including regional and unit training 14 conducted by local VR staff. As the combined division is implemented, VRD will review 15 available training and make improvements and additions as needed to ensure relevant, effective 16 and timely training for staff.

17 Recommendation: With regard to the timing of matters submitted to the RCT for review, the 18 RCT recommends that information be received in a timely way with adequate time for review in 19 order that the members of the Council can thoughtfully craft meaningful responses.

20 Response: VRD acknowledges that some of the content submitted to RCT for the modified VR 21 portion of the state plan was provided with a request for feedback on short turnaround. This was 22 the case due to the assertive timeline for development and submission of the combined VR 23 portions of the state plan. VRD will provide additional time for RCT review of future plan 24 modifications to the greatest degree possible. With regard to RCT input on policy changes, VRD 25 has developed and shared with RCT a timetable for VR policy changes that affords RCT 26 opportunities to comment in writing and during weekly teleconferences with VR policy staff.

27 Recommendation: The RCT recommends that when using the acronyms within documents 28 VRD be mindful to refer to who has the responsibility, the DSA or the DSU, to reduce the 29 possibility of confusion.

30 Response: Changes to acronyms referenced throughout the report have been made, as necessary.

31 Recommendation: The RCT strongly recommends that while combining the two DSU’s, 32 specialized services for customers who are blind or visually impaired be maintained and 33 considered for other disability specific populations consistent with the demands of customers 34 who have complex needs.

35 Response: VRD is committed to preserving specialized services for customers who are blind or 36 visually impaired, as well as for customers with other disability-specific needs.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 4 1 Cooperative Agreements with Agencies Not Carrying Out Activities under the 2 Statewide Workforce Development System 3

4 Federal, State, and Local Agencies and Programs 5 To ensure that individuals with disabilities receive appropriate services, VRD has the following 6 cooperative arrangements with various federal, state, and local agencies and programs to use 7 their services and facilities: 8  An MOU with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to provide VR 9 services to individuals eligible for home and community-based services under a Medicaid 10 waiver or Medicaid State Plan Amendment. HHSC is the state agency that provides services 11 to individuals with developmental disabilities. VRD also works collaboratively with the 12 Texas Department of State Health Services and is developing an MOU to provide 13 cooperative VR services to individuals receiving mental health services. 14  MOUs with education service centers, TEA, and independent school districts (ISDs) to 15 enhance coordination of services provided through programs like Project SEARCH and 16 Project HIRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment), and other community programs and 17 support available to improve and expand services for transition-age students with disabilities 18  Coordination with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to provide 19 specialized programs that prepare students for the transition to postsecondary life and the 20 workplace 21  A new MOU in 2016 with the Texas Department of Insurance’s Division of Workers’ 22 Compensation to enhance referrals for return-to-work efforts 23  Coordination with the Social Security Administration (SSA) on employment incentives and 24 support to maximize Social Security Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation (SSA/VR) 25 reimbursement activity through the Ticket to Work Program 26  An MOU with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to maximize case service funds 27 through better access to comparable benefits, and to enhance the case management process 28 while avoiding duplication of services. 29  Coordination with the Texas Veterans Commission to help identify veterans who need 30 additional support in securing benefits, gaining employment, and accessing advocacy 31 services. 32  Coordination with the Texas Coordinating Council for Veteran Services to help identify 33 trends that have an adverse effect on the veteran population, and create strategies to address 34 and resolve those issues at the state level 35  Coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance 36 Programs to create statewide symposiums and job fairs to meet the federal regulation that 37 requires federal contractors to ensure that no less than 7 percent of their workforce includes 38 individuals with disabilities 39  Coordination with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition for juveniles and adults to assist and 40 strengthen supports and employment goals by exploring career opportunities

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 5 1  Coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation on addressing the issue of 2 inadequate transportation, often a major factor in a customer’s ability to maintain 3 employment 4 Additionally, VRD uses TWC’s internal structure to: 5 1. verify for Texas businesses that job applicants under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit 6 program are receiving, or have received, VR services under an individualized plan for 7 employment; 8 2. access electronic wage data to verify employment history and income for customers for 9 the purpose of closure data and SSA/VR reimbursement submission; and 10 3. collaborate with Workforce Solutions Offices regarding customer training and support for 11 employment goals, including participation in symposiums, job fairs, and providing disability 12 awareness training.

13 State Programs Carried Out under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 §4 14 VRD works with organizations across the state to ensure that it meets customers’ assistive 15 technology needs, including transition services for students and youth with disabilities and pre- 16 employment transition services for students with disabilities. The organizations include 17 contracted assistive technology evaluation sites across the state and VRD’s own Assistive 18 Technology Unit. 19 Contract providers are required to participate in a thorough testing program to ensure that they 20 meet minimal standards of proficiency to become approved assistive technology providers. VRD 21 uses programs such as the Computer/Electronics Accommodations Program when a customer is 22 interested in employment with the federal government, the Specialized Telecommunications 23 Assistance Program (STAP) for obtaining telecommunication devices, and various assistive 24 technology programs for the deaf and hard of hearing. 25 Each Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) region 26 received an assistive technology kit containing some of the more popular assistive technology 27 items. Each TWS-VRS region has a staff member who maintains the kit and provides training on 28 the use of the technology to field staff. The items in the kit include technology used to increase 29 productivity at work, expand educational/vocational options that increase customers’ 30 opportunities for success, and improve quality of life. While these kits were specifically 31 purchased for legacy Division for Rehabilitative Services (DRS) regions, with the combination 32 of the two DSUs, assistive technology staff will be co-located and share knowledge and 33 resources so that updated technology purchases can address the needs of customers with various 34 disabilities, including blindness and visual impairments. 35 VRD will be entering into an MOU with the Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP), the 36 implementing entity designated by the governor under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 37 U.S.C. 3003) §4 to coordinate activities, including the referral of individuals with disabilities. 38 Currently, VRD refers customers to TTAP demonstration centers located throughout the state to 39 ensure that they have an informed choice of assistive technology and that equipment purchased 40 by VRD meets each customer’s needs. 41 VRD participates in annual joint presentations with TTAP at Ability Expo in Houston, which 42 provides opportunities for customers to learn about new adaptive equipment and assistive 43 technology that can assist them in maintaining competitive, integrated employment.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 6 1 Programs Carried Out by the Under Secretary for Rural Development of the United States 2 Department of Agriculture 3 VRD coordinates with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas AgrAbility to assist 4 customers with modifications of agricultural equipment and tools, allowing for agricultural 5 producers with disabilities to continue with farming and ranching. 6 7 Noneducational Agencies Serving Out-of-School Youth 8 VRD works with the following: 9  Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCGs), which are local interagency groups 10 composed of public and private providers that come together to develop individualized 11 service plans for children, youth, and adults whose needs can be met only through 12 interagency coordination and cooperation 13  Other private and public for-profit and nonprofit entities, such as corporations, partnerships, 14 and sole proprietorships, to provide a number of rehabilitation services purchased only from 15 entities that have been approved as Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providers. 16 Contracts with CRP providers reference the VRD Standards for Providers manual and 17 specify the terms and conditions of the relationship, including approved services, expected 18 outcomes, fees, staff qualifications, and required documentation 19 State Use Contracting Programs 20 VRD has a contract with Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped and the Texas State 21 Use Program to provide services in support of agency and divisional operations.

22 Coordination with Education Officials 23

24 1. DSU’s plans 25 The provision of quality VR services for Texas students with disabilities is a strategic priority for 26 the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Division (VRD). VRD policies and procedures have been 27 updated to align with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) §413(B)(F), 28 which sets forth that the individualized plan for employment (IPE) must be developed as soon as 29 possible, but not later than a deadline of 90 days after the date of the determination of eligibility, 30 unless the counselor and the eligible individual agree to an extension to a specific date. 31 Transition planning by VR counselors and school personnel facilitates the development and 32 implementation of a student’s individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with 33 Disabilities Education Act §614(d). The goals developed in the IEP are considered in the 34 development of the IPE. The development and approval of an IPE is initiated by a VR counselor. 35 Planning includes conversations about informed choice and program information so that students 36 understand the available options for additional education, training, service providers, and 37 employment. 38 2. Information on the formal interagency agreement with the state educational agency with 39 respect to the following: 40 A. Consultation and technical assistance to assist educational agencies in planning for the 41 transition of students with disabilities from school to post-school activities, including VR 42 services:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 7 1 VRD maintains collaborative working relationships with public education entities in Texas. VRD 2 services emphasize and provide a coordinated set of age-appropriate activities that enable 3 transition students, parents, education personnel, and others to actively plan for and assist the 4 student to prepare for life after leaving high school, including proactively developing 5 partnerships with communities, service providers, and businesses to create opportunities for 6 students to obtain postsecondary education, training, and competitive integrated employment. 7 State Education Agency Partnership 8 TWC VRD works closely with TEA to coordinate transition planning services for students 9 between ages 14–22 who receive special education services in Texas. As required in 34 C.F.R. 10 §361.22(b), TWC-VRD is collaborating with TEA to update the current MOU that outlines the 11 responsibilities of TWC’s VRD for the provision of transition planning services as well as the 12 financial responsibility of TEA for the provision of services as required by the Individuals with 13 Disabilities Education Act. 14 The MOU represents each agency’s commitment to collaborate and cooperatively facilitate the 15 successful transition of students with disabilities from high school to competitive integrated 16 employment through the use of VR services. The MOU will include the addition of pre- 17 employment transition services (Pre-ETS) as defined in C.F.R. §361.48, and other Workforce 18 Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements, operationalizing a referral process for 19 students with disabilities, and a process for inviting counselors to Admission, Review, and 20 Dismissal (ARD) meetings. 21 The current MOU provides for consultation and technical assistance in planning for the transition 22 of students with disabilities from school to post-school activities, including VR services; 23 transition planning for students with disabilities that facilitates the development and completion 24 of the IEP; clarification of the agencies’ respective roles and responsibilities, including financial 25 responsibilities for providing transition planning services to students with disabilities; and a 26 description of procedures for outreach to and identification of students with disabilities who are 27 in need of transition services. 28 Coordinated Planning and Service Provision 29 B. Transition planning by personnel of the designated state agency and educational agency that 30 facilitates the development and implementation of their individualized education programs: 31 VRD develops partnerships with schools and community organizations to help students with 32 disabilities make a smooth transition to adulthood and work. VRD’s counselors throughout the 33 state who are assigned to high schools have a role in preparing students with disabilities for entry 34 into the workplace. VR counselors coordinate closely with high schools to ensure that 35 appropriate students are referred to the VR program. They serve as information resources for 36 teachers and other educational staff, and provide resources and information about blindness and 37 other disabilities to parents and transitioning students. They work closely with parents, education 38 staff and community service providers to promote development of skills needed for students to 39 become as independent as possible, as well as competitive in terms of integrated employment. 40 Counselors work with schools to identify students receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 41 as early as possible in the process to address concerns regarding impact of employment on 42 benefits and to provide resources for benefits counseling. 43 VR counselors use various tools and strategies in their coordination with schools. The School 44 Plan is a tool available to counselors for planning with their assigned schools. It provides an

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 8 1 outline for open communication about each party’s expectations and goals for the school year. 2 Counselors are encouraged to develop a School Plan with each assigned school before that 3 school year begins, and update it as necessary throughout the year. School plans may be used to: 4  develop consistent schedules for time spent in schools; 5  arrange specific meeting times with students for planning, counseling, and guidance; 6  connect with school contacts and referral sources; 7  coordinate time for connecting students to community resources; and 8  facilitate communication between the VR counselor and the school. 9 Pre-ETS are provided to students with disabilities. Required Pre-ETS activities are job 10 exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling on opportunities for 11 enrollment in postsecondary educational programs, workplace readiness training, and instruction 12 in self-advocacy. 13 In an effort to provide transitioning students with more effective and comprehensive preparation 14 for work after high school, VRD is also increasing the number of summer work opportunities 15 with community partners around the state. TWC is launching the Pathways to Careers Initiative 16 (PCI), an initiative to expand Pre-ETS to Texas students with disabilities. The first strategy to be 17 launched under PCI is Summer Earn and Learn. VRD will partner with each of the 28 Local 18 Workforce Development Boards (Boards) and their employer partners to provide employability 19 skills training and work experience for students with disabilities. Another strategy is Charting the 20 Course: Planning for Life after High School. This strategy proposes to engage students with 21 disabilities and their families in a series of education, awareness, and planning events beginning 22 with the students’ eighth grade year. Engaging families earlier in preparing their children for 23 high school promotes better planning for student transition activities in high school, and supports 24 a successful transition to further education and employment after high school. 25 VRD counselors work with the high schools to provide consultation and technical assistance 26 regarding the VR process and appropriate services that may be available to customers. 27 Consultation and technical assistance includes attendance at ARDs and may be provided in 28 person or through alternative means, including videoconferencing or conference calls (based on 29 34 C.F.R. §361.22(b)(1)). 30 When necessary, VRD counselors and school personnel coordinate to satisfy documentation 31 requirements set forth in 34 C.F.R. §397.4(c) in reference to students and youth with disabilities 32 who are seeking subminimum wage employment. VRD does not pursue subminimum wage 33 employment for customers. When a customer chooses to pursue subminimum wage employment, 34 counseling on other employment options is provided. When, after counseling, subminimum wage 35 employment is still the customer’s choice, the VR case is closed. The counseling and guidance 36 required with regard to the subminimum wage employment chosen by the individual is then 37 carried out once every six months for the first year of the individual’s subminimum wage 38 employment and annually thereafter for the duration of such employment. 39 TWC has regional and state office transition specialists who provide support to VR counselors 40 and VRD field office managers in developing collaborative partnerships with and increasing 41 cooperation between VRD, local school districts, and other community organizations as 42 resources for students with disabilities. These transition specialists assist with the development 43 of policy, training, and strategies that lead to effective provision of transition services.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 9 1 C. Roles and responsibilities, including financial responsibilities of each agency, including 2 provisions for determining state lead agencies and qualified personnel responsible for transition 3 services 4 TEA and education service centers develop MOUs with ISDs to enhance coordination of joint 5 service provisions, continuing to develop services provided through such programs as Project 6 SEARCH and Project HIRE and other community programs, and to improve and expand services 7 for transition-age students. 8 VRD works in conjunction with TEA’s Special Education Division, Texas School for the Deaf, 9 education service centers, ISDs, and high schools to provide a wide variety of VR services, 10 including Pre-ETS. These services help strengthen the connections between the school, students, 11 parents, and community to promote a smooth transition to postsecondary education, training, the 12 workforce, and independent living. 13 Local education agencies maintain fiscal responsibility for transition services that are also 14 considered special education or related services, and that are necessary for ensuring a free, 15 appropriate public education to children with disabilities within Texas, including those outlined 16 in the IEP (34 C.F.R. §361.22(c)). 17 Additionally, House Bill 617, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2013), requires that each 18 ISD have an individual identified as the Transition and Employment Designee (TED). The TED 19 is responsible for providing information and resources about effective transition planning and 20 services. VRD has counselors throughout the state assigned to high schools to assist students 21 with disabilities in preparing for entry into the workplace. Nothing related to VRD’s 22 responsibilities and requirements under WIOA should be construed as a reduction in local 23 education agencies’ responsibility under IDEA to provide and pay for special education and 24 related services as a part of a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities (WIOA 25 §101(c)). 26 VR counselors (VRCs) coordinate closely with high schools to ensure appropriate students are 27 referred to the VR program. Transition specialists support the work of VRCs and VRD field 28 office managers in developing collaborative partnerships with and increasing cooperation 29 between VRD, local school districts, and other community organizations as resources for 30 students with disabilities. VRD has transition VRCs and VRCs who act as liaisons for high 31 schools and partner with the educational system to more appropriately serve transition-age 32 students seeking assistance to access adult vocational services. 33 VRD partnered with other health and human services agencies to assist TEA in developing the 34 Texas Transition and Employment Guide for students enrolled in special education programs and 35 their parents. The guide provides information on statewide services and programs that help 36 facilitate the transition to life outside of the public school system. 37 D. Procedures for outreaching to and identifying students with disabilities who need transition 38 services: 39 TWC is updating an MOU with TEA to include the addition of Pre-ETS, as defined in 34 C.F.R. 40 §361.48, and other WIOA requirements, operationalizing a consistent referral process for 41 students with disabilities, and a process for inviting counselors to attend ARD meetings. 42 Counselors work with schools to identify students receiving SSI as early as possible, to address 43 concerns regarding the impact of employment on benefits, and to provide resources for benefits 44 counseling.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 10 1 TWC’s VRD has specialty transition VRCs and VRCs who act as liaisons for high schools and 2 partner with the educational system to more appropriately serve transition-age students seeking 3 assistance to access adult VR services. Partnering with ISDs allows counselors to use office 4 space on campus and be available to students and school staff to discuss VR services, resources 5 available through the Texas workforce system, community, businesses, and other partners 6 necessary to build a network of support. Additionally, it allows counselors to provide relevant 7 seminars, workshops, camps, and summer work experiences throughout the state.

8 Cooperative Agreements with Private Nonprofit Organizations 9 10 Private Nonprofit Providers 11 VRD routinely works with private nonprofit organizations such as Goodwill and the Lighthouse 12 Industries for the Blind of Texas to purchase and arrange services that help customers prepare 13 for, obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. Private nonprofit providers of rehabilitation 14 services are an important part of the VR service delivery process for many customers. 15 16 Availability of Information on Service Providers 17 To assist customers in making informed choices regarding VR providers, TWC’s VRD maintains 18 ReHabWorks, an electronic case management system. ReHabWorks contains information 19 specific to each CRP vendor. Workforce Solutions Office staff has access to and shares provider 20 information regarding qualifications, services provided, location, and experience in working with 21 target populations, foreign languages, and other communication skills such as American Sign 22 Language. 23 24 Provider Contracting Process 25 VRD establishes contractual relationships with providers of VR services, including private 26 nonprofit providers. To expand opportunities and increase efficiency related to recruiting 27 providers, VRD posts notification of contracting opportunities on the Electronic State Business 28 Daily (ESBD), where organizations can complete an application to become a CRP provider if the 29 organization meets the requirements listed in the ESBD posting. 30 31 Service Provider Contracts 32 The VRD Standards for Providers (Standards) are published on the TWC website and specify the 33 scope of work for providing contracted goods and services. Contracted providers are required to 34 follow the Standards, which specify the terms and conditions of the contractual relationship, 35 approved services, expected outcomes, fees, staff qualifications, and required documentation. 36 Revisions to the Standards are made periodically. Notices of upcoming changes are published on 37 the TWC website at least 30 days in advance of the effective date of the changes. Each provider 38 is contractually responsible for maintaining compliance with the most recent standards and their 39 individual contract. Services include: 40  orientation and mobility; 41  job readiness; 42  on-the-job training; 43  trial work;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 11 1  specialized training programs; 2  job coaching; 3  job placement; 4  personal social adjustment training; 5  post-acute brain injury services; 6  room, board, and supervised living; 7  supported employment services; 8  vehicle modification; 9  vocational adjustment training; 10  vocational evaluation and assessment; 11  work adjustment training; and 12  work experience. 13 Oversight and Monitoring of Contracted Service Providers 14 TWC purchases services only from providers that are in compliance with the Standards. TWC 15 contractors and providers are subject to both ongoing and periodic programmatic and financial 16 monitoring. Risk assessment tools are used at the state and the regional level to identify 17 providers to be monitored. On-site monitoring visits may be scheduled or unscheduled. 18 Additionally, providers not identified through the risk assessment tools may also be monitored. 19 A monitoring team includes representatives from TWC VRD, VR Contract Oversight, and 20 Subrecipient Monitoring. CRPs found in noncompliance with VRD standards may be placed on a 21 corrective action plan. Sanctions vary and may include financial restitution where appropriate. 22 All CRPs are provided ongoing technical assistance. In addition to monitoring, the Standards 23 also specify requirements for ongoing self-evaluation by each CRP. 24 25 Employment Provider Credentialing Requirements 26 Each CRP must have one individual designated as the CRP Director for VRD communication 27 and accountability purposes. To ensure that CRP providers in Texas are fully equipped to 28 provide the highest quality services to Texans with disabilities, VRD has partnered with the 29 University of North Texas to develop a training and credentialing process for CRPs in providing 30 job coaching, vocational adjustment training, job placement, and supported employment services 31 to VRD customers. VRD also has partnered with the Center for Social Capital to develop the 32 training and credentialing process for CRPs that provide supported self-employment services to 33 VRD customers. 34 CRP directors who supervise staff providing direct job coaching, job placement, supported 35 employment (including job skills training), or supported self-employment services to TWC 36 customers must possess director credentials from the University of North Texas; there is no 37 “grandfathering” for this requirement. A Supported Self-Employment Specialist must meet the 38 qualifications of a Supported Employment Specialist and be certified by the Center for Social 39 Capital as a Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultant (CBTAC). 40 Legacy DARS added premium payments for providers of job skills training, job placement, 41 supported employment, work experience, and vocational adjustment training services to

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 12 1 individuals who are deaf and individuals who have autism to encourage development of higher 2 skills among the provider community. The premium payments for customers who are deaf 3 became effective in December 2014 and in August 2015 for customers who have autism. Staff 4 members who serve deaf customers must prove proficiency in American Sign Language by 5 evidence of either holding a certification from the Board for Evaluation for Interpreters, a 6 Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf certification, or an American Sign Language Proficiency 7 Interview rating of intermediate or higher. For CRPs to earn the premium when working with 8 individuals with autism, they must show proof that they have retained staff possessing one of the 9 following credentials: Certified Special Education Teacher or Licensed Specialist in School 10 Psychology, verified Autism Specialization from the University of North Texas, or a Registered 11 Behavior Technician or Autism Specialization Certificate from the University of North Texas. 12 Approved providers also receive training in the field from VRCs, state office program 13 specialists, employment assistance specialists, University of North Texas online courses, and 14 Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center staff. Training may include: 15  disability awareness, including blindness, to give providers a better understanding of the 16 challenges and limitations faced by customers; 17  education on Americans with Disabilities Act requirements to ensure that providers 18 understand the guidelines and law governing provision of accommodations to customers; 19  education on other employment-related laws and recruitment, job matching, job 20 customization, work accommodations, and retention; 21  Texas Confidence Builders training, which provides the philosophy TWC VRD has adopted 22 to help customers gain personal independence, acceptance, and adjustment to blindness, and 23 find meaningful work; and 24  accessible writing courses, which promote awareness and education related to the importance 25 of accessibility in documents. 26 Identifying and Developing Vendors 27 Designated Regional Program Specialists are responsible for identifying and developing entities 28 that are interested in providing CRP services. Program specialists provide technical assistance 29 and guidance as new providers are approved and as existing providers add new services.

30 Quality, Scope, and Extent of Supported Employment Services 31

32 TWC’s VRD is committed to providing quality services to customers with the most significant 33 disabilities, including youth between ages 14–24 with the most significant disabilities. VRD uses 34 supported employment and supported self-employment services, which are outcome-based 35 services. 36 VRD-supported employment (SE) offers competitive integrated employment in the community 37 for customers with the most significant disabilities who need individualized assistance finding 38 the most appropriate job match and require extended services, also known as long-term support 39 within the work, community, and home environment, to maintain employment after VRD closes 40 the VR case. Customers who benefit from VRD SE are those for whom traditional VR 41 approaches have not been effective. Although some customers in SE have the ability to compete

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 13 1 in the open job market, they often require assistance learning how to interact with potential 2 employers and obtain, perform, or retain job tasks and responsibilities. They also require 3 extended services (long-term support) not funded by VR to maintain long-term employment once 4 VRD closes their case. Common resources that provide extended services for customers include 5 nonprofits, as well as other county, state, and federal programs, as well as family and friends. 6 Customers receiving VRD SE often have no or very limited work history in competitive 7 integrated employment have been excluded from community services through 8 institutionalization, or have only participated in day habilitation programs or facility-based 9 workshops funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). 10 VRD SE services offer the best possible match between customer skills, interests, abilities, 11 support needs, and an employer’s unmet needs. VRD uses the “place, then train” concept, a two- 12 part process to describe SE. The first step is to place customers with the most significant 13 disabilities into a competitive integrated job based on their preferences, interests, assets, and 14 abilities, as identified during a community-based assessment and an SE planning meeting. The 15 second step is to provide training and support to the customer directly related to the job and then 16 coordinate and train the designated extended service providers, or natural supports, to ensure a 17 smooth transition with no interruption in service delivery prior to VRD case closure. 18 VRD works in partnership with public and private nonprofit organizations, employers, and other 19 appropriate resources for training, employment, and other time-limited services related to SE. 20 Nearly 71 percent of the 8,098,819 Texans who received services under the VRD SE program 21 during Federal Fiscal Year 2016 (FFY’16) were identified as having the most significant 22 disabilities. Approximately 57 percent of customers who received VRD SE services achieved an 23 employment outcome. 24 To achieve a smooth transition from VR SE services to HHSC SE services (extended long-term 25 supports and services), TWC has a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with HHSC outlining 26 each agency’s responsibilities and timelines for the provision of services. VRD counselors are 27 encouraged to invite HHSC providers and staff to planning meetings and maintain contact with 28 the service coordinator, case manager, or other long-term support and services staff throughout 29 the process. Additionally, VRD participated with HHSC in crafting the 1915(c) Medicaid home- 30 and community-based waivers employment services definitions to ensure that the transition from 31 VR to HHSC SE is as seamless as possible, without interruption in service delivery. With 32 appropriate customer releases, HHSC shares the customer’s individual-directed plan and plan of 33 care with VRD, and VRD provides HHSC with the Individualized Plan for Employment. VRD 34 will provide SE services for a period not to exceed 24 months. Extended services will be 35 provided to youth with the most significant disabilities for a period not to exceed four years or 36 when they reach 25 years of age; the extended services are provided by the designated state unit 37 with the funds reserved under 34 C.F.R. §363.22 and §363.4(a)(2). 38 VRCs work with Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) SE specialists, HHSC providers, or 39 service coordinators/case managers, and customers’ natural support networks to develop short- 40 and long-term support strategies based on individual needs. This ensures the appropriate amount 41 of support is available and provided so that employment can be maintained. Extended services, 42 known in Texas as long-term support and services, can be publicly funded, “natural” or “in- 43 kind,” or paid by the customer through SSI, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or 44 another Social Security Administration Title II work incentive program. Examples of extended 45 services include, but are not limited to, consulting with a customer’s job supervisor regarding

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 14 1 areas of concern or training needs; creating supports and strategies to improve work performance 2 through job coaching; providing services such as medication management or hygiene; and 3 identifying and training on transportation options. 4 VRD offers supported SE services as an alternative employment option for customers with the 5 most significant disabilities who choose to own their own business within their community. 6 Supported SE is competitive employment whereby the customer owns, manages, and operates a 7 business and is not considered an employee of another person, business, or organization. 8 Supported SE businesses are typically small and require a team approach for planning and 9 support. The business team is led by a supported self-employment specialist who assists with 10 exploration, feasibility determination, development of a business plan, business launch, and 11 addressing the customer’s extended service needs. In supported self-employment, extended 12 services help the customer effectively and efficiently run his or her business for a profit and can 13 include long-term job skills training support, peer support, natural support, family support, or 14 ongoing paid professional services required for the business. The supported self-employment 15 specialist is required to be certified by the Center for Social Capital as a CBTAC. 16 Transition to Extended Services 17 SE cases remain open for a 90-day period after being identified as “stable,” with stable defined 18 as the customer: 19  performing in a competitive, integrated job to the employer’s satisfaction; 20  satisfied with the job placement; 21  having the necessary modifications and accommodations at the worksite; 22  having reliable transportation to and from work; and 23  having extended services in place and support needs met, and working without intervention 24 from SE or supported SE providers. 25 Additionally, during the 90-day period between “Job Stability” and “Service Closure” for 26 supported employment, CRPs do not provide services to customers. 27 In supported SE, “stability” is defined as: 28  the business is in operation with all supports necessary to run the business for at least eight 29 weeks; and 30  the customer is working without support from the VRD-funded CRP. 31 32 The customer’s business must operate for an additional 90-day period with no support from the 33 CRP to reach case closure. 34 If VRD-supported providers, for either SE or supported SE, provide direct services to customers 35 between stability and closure of the service, another “stability” period must be achieved before 36 final outcomes are achieved for service closure. Once customers successfully maintain stability 37 with extended services from by non-VRD resources only, the VRD SE or supported SE case is 38 closed. 39 A customer’s extended services are documented, including the identified extended service 40 provider, for both SE and supported SE services in the customer’s Individualized Plan for 41 Employment. 42 Establishing Funding

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 15 1 Collaboration with community organizations and other state and federal agencies to identify, 2 develop, and implement cooperative agreements and partnerships is essential to achieving 3 successful employment outcomes for customers, particularly those with the most significant 4 disabilities. 5 TWC VRD identifies and makes arrangements, including entering into cooperative agreements 6 with other state agencies and other appropriate entities, to assist in the provision of SE and 7 supported self-employment services. With respect to the provision of extended services, VRD 8 makes arrangements with other public or nonprofit agencies or organizations within the state, 9 employers, natural supports, and other entities. 10 Funding through WIOA Title VI and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 §110, as amended, is 11 available statewide to all VRCs to serve Texans with the most significant disabilities. At case 12 closure, or at the conclusion of any time-limited post-employment services, the services paid for 13 by Title VI, Part B and/or §110 funds are terminated. 14 Additional potential funding sources include other Texas Workforce Solutions programs, the 15 Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program, Texas Department of State Health 16 Services (DSHS—the state agency for mental health), Centers for Independent Living (CILs), 17 and HHSC Medicaid/CHIP, the administrative authority for all Medicaid waivers and state plan 18 services. Additionally, HHSC is the operating authority for: 19  the majority of 1915(c) state Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Medicaid 20 waivers; 21  1915(k) Community First Choice; 22  Title XX social services; and 23  employment services provided through state general revenue funds.

24 Arrangements and Cooperative Agreements for the Provision of Supported 25 Employment Services 26 27 Evidence of Collaboration, Contracts, and Agreements 28 In order to provide seamless service delivery to customers and ensure effective use of resources, 29 TWC VRD maintains the following collaborations with community partners and other state 30 agencies: 31  VRD Program Specialists provide information and technical assistance to the appropriate 32 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medical and Social Service 33 Divisions when changes to VR employment services occur. 34  VRD works with the appropriate HHSC Medical and Social Service Divisions to ensure that 35 service definitions in the 1915(c) home- and community-based waivers accurately reflect 36 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Rehabilitation Services Administration 37 regulations. This partnership allows services that result in competitive integrated 38 employment to be delivered efficiently and timely through the payer of first resort. 39  VRD offers free intensive training and technical assistance to HHSC’s Medical and Social 40 Services Divisions’ Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) 41 Services Departments Special Projects Unit and community providers to become Benefits 42 Subject Matter Resource staff.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 16 1  VRD partners with HHSC’s Medical and Social Services Divisions’ Behavioral Health and 2 IDD Services Departments Special Projects Unit to provide cross training on the VR Long- 3 Term Supports and Services System; 4  VRD uses its current partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to encourage 5 CRP providers to become employment networks (ENs) under the SSA Ticket to Work 6 Program. VRD offers incentive payments to CRP-ENs that provide: 7  supported employment or job placement services during the provision of VR services; 8 and 9  extended support to Ticket to Work customers after VR case closure in order to 10 advance employment or increase customer earnings. 11  VRD partners with school districts that provide transition services to youth, and considers all 12 aspects of the cooperative agreements in place to ensure continuity and timeliness of services 13 for those school districts that initiate supported employment services before or after a student 14 graduates. 15  A VRD representative cochairs and participates in the legislatively mandated Employment 16 First Task Force, which is charged with writing and making recommendations to implement 17 an Employment First statewide policy, and with providing information and/or training to 18 providers, stakeholders, and the general public on employment as the first option for any 19 publicly funded service. 20  VRD maintains membership and participation in the Association of People Supporting 21 Employment First (APSE). 22  VRD has representation in the following: 23  The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 24  The Council for Advising and Planning for the Prevention and Treatment of Mental 25 and Substance Use Disorders 26  Texas Clubhouse Coalition 27  Texas Alliance for the Mentally Ill 28  Texas Coordinating Council for Veteran Services 29  Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council 30  HHSC Office of Acquired Brain Injury 31  State Independent Living Council 32  Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless 33  HHSC Medicaid/CHIP Community Resources Coordination Group 34  Texas Technology Access Program Advisory Council 35  Texas Council on Consumer Direction 36  HHSC Statewide Advisory Coalition Addressing Disproportionality and Disparities 37  The Promoting Independence Advisory Council 38 39 Contracts 40 VRD has bilateral service contracts with CRPs to provide specific employment services, which 41 include supported employment services. VRD counselors may refer customers with all 42 disabilities, including blindness and visual impairments, to CRPs with contracts for supported 43 employment services. The terms and conditions of CRP service contracts are provided in the 44 VRD Standards for Providers manual.

45 Coordination with Employers

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 17 1 2 1. VR Services 3 TWC VRD continually seeks ways to increase the number of Texans with disabilities who 4 successfully train for, obtain, and retain competitive employment. In 2015, legacy DARS 5 implemented a significant series of strategies to contribute to this goal by establishing a cross- 6 divisional Business Relations Team, created to improve services to local businesses and help 7 them achieve a diversified workforce by hiring qualified individuals with disabilities. 8 Throughout 2015, team members successfully partnered to provide a coordinated array of 9 outreach, consultation, and technical assistance services to Texas businesses. 10 The Business Relations Team developed a coordinated portfolio of services available to 11 businesses, organized by three main service categories: outreach and disability awareness; 12 consultation, support, and training; and job placement and retention assistance. Today, VRD 13 provides a range of services to business partners, and staff has developed specialized training to 14 address each of these service areas. 15 The Business Relations Team developed a tool to facilitate the consolidation of business 16 services. The resulting tool, called the business tracking tool, helps provide services to existing 17 partnerships, expand partnerships to new businesses, coordinate services, and assess the 18 effectiveness of all services delivered to business partners. As part of the enhanced coordination 19 in business outreach and service delivery, legacy DARS honored Texas business partners with 20 awards for their commitment to, and success in establishing, a diverse and productive workforce. 21 The Business Relations Team also developed and disseminated additional resources to Texas 22 businesses, including a new Business Services website, 23 http://www.twc.state.tx.us/businesses/vocational-rehabilitation-business-relations. This website 24 provides information about the benefits of partnering with VRD, including available services, 25 resources such as the Guide for Hiring People with Disabilities, and helpful websites. 26 The Business Relations Team is increasing coordination with other state and federal entities that 27 administer employment training programs, and is also working jointly with TWC’s Business 28 Services Unit. The result of this coordination is a growth in the number of jointly held business 29 symposia and job fairs in communities across Texas. VRD partnerships with Boards and the U.S. 30 Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will help ensure that 31 local businesses and Texans with disabilities seeking competitive employment have the greatest 32 level of support, resources, and services available to help them succeed. 33 2. Transition Services, including Pre-Employment Transition Services, for Students and Youth 34 with Disabilities 35 TWC is launching the Pathways to Careers Initiative (PCI), which is an initiative to expand pre- 36 employment transitions services (Pre-ETS) to Texas students with disabilities. PCI will ensure 37 that Texas is effectively preparing students with disabilities to achieve competitive, integrated 38 employment through participation in employability skills and work-readiness training, career 39 exploration activities, work experience, and postsecondary education. Summer Earn and Learn is 40 the first PCI strategy and involves employability skills training and paid work experience for 41 students with disabilities. It will be offered in each local workforce development area (workforce 42 area) during the summer months, when students are out of school. Boards will develop work 43 experience opportunities with employers in their workforce areas in high-growth occupations, 44 skilled trades and crafts, and other high-demand occupations.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 18 1 Additionally, TWC leadership hosted the Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities Forum in 2 January 2017. This event was for business owners, human resources professionals, and hiring 3 managers interested in key topics related to hiring employees with disabilities. VRD state office 4 program specialists participated on a panel presentation during the event. 5 Project HIRE 6 VRD is in the fourth year of implementing Project HIRE, a unique supported education model 7 that includes collaboration between VRD and community partners and is funded by the Texas 8 Council for Developmental Disabilities. Project HIRE services supplement the VR program with 9 wraparound services, including: 10  one-on-one support from educational coaches available both inside and outside of the 11 classroom; 12  individual and family support through participant support groups and monthly support team 13 meetings; 14  work experience opportunities and business mentoring days provided by Lower Rio Grande 15 Valley Workforce Solutions for Project Hire students; 16  six-week summer bridge college-readiness program to prepare participants for college and 17 employment; 18  individual participant-centered plans to help identify and achieve goals; and 19  individual business mentoring to help participants acquire the soft skills necessary for 20 employment. 21 Employers are engaged with Project HIRE through the project’s business mentoring component. 22 A fulltime Business Mentoring Coordinator sets up student internships with employers based on 23 the student’s current employment goal, and works with the student and employer to ensure 24 success at the worksite. 25 The program will assist at least 50 students (ages 18–25) with developmental disabilities in 26 Hidalgo County to complete a certificate-level degree at South Texas College and find 27 employment. A total of 28 students from all four cohorts are currently participating in the 28 program. Fifteen students have completed their academic certificate at South Texas College in 29 their chosen field of study, eleven students have secured employment, and an additional eight 30 students are working part time while participating in the program. 31 Project HIGHER 32 Project HIGHER is a sister site to Project HIRE and follows the same model. It was developed 33 through a partnership among legacy DARS, the University of Texas–El Paso, El Paso 34 Community College, and the Volar Center for Independent Living. Workforce Solutions 35 Borderplex and area businesses are also partners in this project. The first cohort of six students 36 started in August 2015 and the project is now in the second cohort with seven students 37 participating, and recruitment is beginning for the third cohort. 38 39 Project SEARCH 40 The Project SEARCH business-led pre-employment training program is a one-year school-to- 41 work program that takes place entirely at the workplace. The program includes a combination of 42 classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. 43 Project SEARCH serves students with various disabilities, including significant intellectual and

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 19 1 developmental disabilities. Typically, these are students who are on an IEP and in their last year 2 of high school eligibility. The goal for these customers is competitive integrated employment 3 within the business community or the business where the worksite rotations occur. 4 5 Project SEARCH has expanded from one original program site established in 1996 at Cincinnati 6 Children’s Hospital in Ohio, to over 400 sites internationally. Project SEARCH in Texas began 7 in 2007 with Seton Healthcare Family in Austin. As of fall 2016, Texas has 22 Project SEARCH 8 sites. Each site is led by a host business and includes key partners, including VRD, ISDs, CRPs, 9 and local authorities. The expansion of this program in Texas is due in part to a five-year grant 10 awarded by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. The grant pays for the onetime 11 technical assistance fee to the Project SEARCH staff in Ohio, which is required to start any new 12 sites. In its first year, the grant started three sites in the 2013–2014 school year, in addition to the 13 three sites that already existed in Austin. Since that time, eight additional sites were added under 14 the grant and the other eleven started with funding from ISDs or business partners. Each Project 15 SEARCH site typically has 8–12 participants per year. The total number of customers 16 participating in Project SEARCH for the 2016–2017 school year is 220. 17 18 Texas Project SEARCH Locations and Partners Number of Partner Name Location Interns Atlas Copco Drilling Garland ISD, VRD, Quest 1 7 Interns Solutions, Garland, TX Employment Baylor Scott & White Garland ISD, VRD, Quest 2 10 Interns Hospital, Garland, TX Employment

Medical Center of Lewisville ISD, VRD, Quest 3 8 Interns Lewisville, Lewisville, TX Employment

The City of Lewisville Lewisville ISD, VRD, Quest 4 9 Interns Offices, Lewisville, TX Employment

Fort Worth ISD, VRD, Goodwill Texas Wesleyan University, 5 Industries of Ft. Worth, MHMR of 9 Interns Fort Worth, TX Tarrant County

Seton Dell Children’s Austin ISD, VRD, Goodwill 6Medical Center of Central Industries of Central TX, Austin 6 Interns Texas, Austin, TX Integral Care

Hays Consolidated ISD, VRD, Seton Medical Center Hays, 7 Goodwill Industries of Central TX, 7 Interns Kyle, TX Hill Country MHMR

Seton Medical Center Round Rock ISD, VRD, Goodwill 8Williamson, Round Rock, Industries of Central TX, Bluebonnet 9 Interns TX MHMR

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 20 Number of Partner Name Location Interns Leander & Georgetown ISDs, Seton Northwest, Austin, Rehabilitation Services, Goodwill 9 12 Interns TX Industries of Central TX, Bluebonnet MHMR

Baylor Scott & White College Station ISD, VRD, Brazos 10Hospital, College Station, Valley Center for Independent Living, 5 Interns TX MHMR of Brazos County

Baylor Scott & White Brenham ISD, VRD, The Whole 11 6 Interns Hospital, Brenham, TX Solution, MHMR of Brazos County

United Healthcare, 12 Fort Bend ISD, VRD, SCI, Texana 8 Interns Sugarland, TX

Irving ISD, VRD, Dallas Metrocare 13SanMar, Inc., Irving, TX 9 Interns Services

University Medical Center Austin ISD, VRD, Goodwill of 14 8 Interns Brackenridge, Austin, TX Central TX, Austin Integral Care

Embassy Suites Dallas 15Frisco Conference Center, Frisco ISD, DARS, Lifepath 12 Interns Frisco, TX

Trinity Mother Frances Tyler ISD, VRD, Winning Edge 16Hospital and Clinics, Tyler, 8 Interns Employment, Andrews Center TX

La Cantera Hill Country San Antonio North ISD, VRD, PCSI, 17 11 Interns Resort, San Antonio, TX Alamo Local Authority

18Lakeway Regional Medical Lake Travis & Eanes ISD, VRD, 10 Interns Center, Austin, TX Easter Seal, Austin Integral Care

19Texas Children’s Health Houston ISD, VRD, SCI, MHMR 11 Interns Plan, Houston, TX

20Baylor Scott & White Plano ISD, VRD, LifePath 12 Interns Plano, Plano, TX

21Palo Alto Community Somerset and South Side ISDs, VRD, 9 Interns College, San Antonio, TX River City Group, Alamo Local Authority

22Christus Santa Rosa San Antonio ISD, VRD, PCSI, Alamo 11 Interns

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 21 Number of Partner Name Location Interns Children’s Hospital Local Authority 1 2 Summer Earn and Learn 3 TWC’s Pathways to Careers Initiative (PCI) is an initiative to expand Pre-ETS to students with 4 disabilities, during summer of 2017. The first of five strategies, Summer Earn and Learn, is a 5 work-based learning program conducted in partnership with Boards and their employer partners. 6 This statewide strategy includes employability skills training and paid work experience for 7 students with disabilities. 8 9 S.W.E.A.T. Program 10 In collaboration with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, VRD holds a five- 11 week summer work program called S.W.E.A.T. (Summer Work Experience in Austin, Texas) in 12 which up to 15 students who are blind or visually impaired are trained in job-readiness training, 13 independent living skills, and mobility training, and gain four weeks of work experience with 14 businesses in the Austin area. It is a program designed to prepare students for success in the 15 world of work and adult living through increased independence, competence, and self- 16 confidence. 17 18 W.A.C.O. @ TX A&M Program 19 VRD collaborates with the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living and Texas A&M Center 20 on Disability and Development to hold the W.A.C.O. (Work and College Opportunities) @ 21 Texas A&M summer work program. Participants receive development and instruction in 22 professionalism, self-determination, and teamwork. They experience and learn about college 23 opportunities and work in the community16–20 hours a week while living on campus. 24 25 Project SWEEP 26 In collaboration with West Texas Education Service Centers, Project SWEEP is a five-week 27 summer work program for teenagers with disabilities. The first week of the program focuses on 28 job-readiness training, followed by four weeks of real work experience. Students are housed at 29 Texas Tech University. The program covers daily living skills, orientation and mobility skills, 30 job-seeking skills, on-the-job skills, and social/recreational skills. 31 32 Additional Strategies 33 VRD updated transition policy and began providing training to staff members to increase their 34 awareness of WIOA and its requirements for coordination with employers. Best practices are 35 being developed based on successful strategies that existed before WIOA and the requirements 36 that have been put in place as a result of WIOA. In addition to providing training and guidance to 37 staff, VRD continues to enhance and expand quality assurance processes to ensure that all staff 38 members use consistent practices and processes. 39 VRD will also leverage existing business partnerships to identify additional opportunities to 40 better prepare students for the workplace and help them obtain jobs. VRD will pursue additional 41 partnerships with businesses that have an interest in preemployment training for high school

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 22 1 students to ensure that students entering the workforce are appropriately equipped with the 2 technology and skills to adapt to work in the 21st century.

3 Interagency Cooperation 4

5 Texas Health and Human Services Commission 6 TWC VRD will continue to collaborate with HHSC, the state agency responsible for providing 7 services to individuals with developmental disabilities and administering the state Medicaid plan 8 under Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.). 9 10 Collaboration occurs in the delivery of VR services, including extended services, for individuals 11 with the most significant disabilities who have been determined to be eligible for home and 12 community-based services under a Medicaid waiver, Medicaid state plan amendment, or other 13 authority related to a state Medicaid program. VRCs provide information to mutually served 14 customers to assist them in understanding how to navigate the long-term support and services 15 system.

16 17 Additionally, VRD works with HHSC Medicaid/CHIP to resolve individual and system issues 18 involving mutually served customers, particularly those transferring from Supplemental Security 19 Income (SSI) to Title II Childhood Disability Beneficiaries to ensure continuation of Medicaid 20 1915(c) waiver services. 21 22 Social Security Administration 23 TWC VRD coordinates with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to encourage CRP 24 providers to become employment networks (ENs) under SSA’s Ticket to Work Program. TWC 25 VRD offers incentive payments to CRP-ENs that provide: 26  supported employment or job placement services during the provision of VR services; and 27  extended supports to Ticket to Work customers after VR case closure in order to advance 28 employment or increase customer earnings. 29 30 TWC VRD and select CRPs participate in the Partnership Plus program. Additionally, VRD is 31 participating in the Promoting Opportunity Demonstration (POD) pilot that will test a benefit 32 offset in the Social Security Disability Insurance program to determine its effects on outcomes 33 such as earnings, employment, and benefit payments. 34 35 SSA and HHSC have a data exchange agreement that allows HHSC to access SSA data. Through 36 a third-party agreement (State Verification and Exchange System), VRD is able to obtain SSA 37 data regarding cost reimbursement from HHSC.

38 Mental Health 39 VRD promotes mental health evidence-based practices and other evidence-informed models of 40 service that will improve competitive integrated employment outcomes for customers. 41 Other examples of collaboration include:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 23 1  increasing coordination and developing new partnerships with other state and 2 community organizations—mental health organizations, local authorities, DSHS, and 3 universities—that serve individuals with developmental or intellectual impairments and 4 mental health disorders to develop resources, expand knowledge, and implement best 5 practices; 6  working with the HHSC Office of Mental Health to identify and implement best 7 practices, engage potential community partners, and facilitate service coordination; and 8  participating in the Mental Health First Aid training conducted by local mental health 9 authorities, which teaches VRCs and other professionals how to assist someone experiencing 10 a mental health crisis. 11 12 Training is another area that emphasizes interagency cooperation. VRD program specialists 13 provide the following training: 14  Annual training on the VR and Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are 15 Blind programs to the Home and Community–Based Services (HCS) waiver utilization 16 review nurses, Private Provider Association of Texas members, community center staff, 17 including consumer benefits officers, and the Statewide Intellectual and Developmental 18 Disabilities Consortium; 19  Training on VR services and benefits and work incentives to HHSC Managed Care 20 Organization service coordinators and management, STAR+PLUS, and other service 21 providers and Medicaid waiver case managers; 22  Training on TWC employment services, benefits, and work incentives to members of the 23 seven statewide mental health peer-operated support groups; 24  Training on benefits and work incentives every six months for TWC VRD staff, long-term 25 support and services providers involved in the Texas Money Follows the Person pilot, and 26 HHSC and DSHS central office staff; 27  A four-hour benefits overview to CRPs statewide, with the University of North Texas 28 currently planning to provide the overview via webinar; 29  Overview of benefits and work incentives to HHSC staff, providers, and other community 30 stakeholders throughout the year; 31  Overview of TWC VR services and best practices for mutually served consumers for HHSC 32 service coordinators, case managers, private providers, and other staff; 33  Overview of Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for community partners; 34  Training to CRPs statewide on best practices in the provision of employment services to 35 individuals with the most significant disabilities; and 36  Training on assistive technology for community partners. 37

38 Plans for Improving Supported Employment Services 39 TWC VRD will continue to strengthen the numerous supported employment service 40 improvements implemented by legacy DARS in 2017, including the following: 41  Assisting CRPs in using the Supported Employment Assessment that focuses on 42 discovery and person-centered techniques, vocational theme development, and providing 43 worksite observations; 44  Working with VRCs on applying the supported employment planning and service 45 provision to improve customer participation and informed choice by requiring review and 46 signatures at each benchmark;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 24 1  Providing ongoing training to TWC’s VRD subject matter experts, who provide technical 2 assistance to VRCs on identifying and coordinating extended service/long-term support 3 before beginning the benchmark process; 4  Ensuring that all criteria for determining job stability to ensure extended service/long- 5 term support after VR case closure are being applied; and 6  Continuing to provide specific employment services to people with autism to improve 7 their success in obtaining and maintaining employment.

8 Comprehensive System of Personnel Development and Data System 9 Describe the designated state agency’s procedures and activities to establish and maintain a 10 comprehensive system of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of 11 qualified State rehabilitation professional and paraprofessional personnel for the designated 12 State unit, including the following: 13 1. Data System on Personnel and Personnel Development 14 A. Qualified Personnel Needs. 15 Describe the development and maintenance of a system for collecting and analyzing on an 16 annual basis data on qualified personnel needs with respect to: 17 i. The number of personnel who are employed by the state agency in the provision of VR services 18 in relation to the number of individuals served, broken down by personnel category; 19 VRD is committed to ensuring that consumers receive services from qualified rehabilitation 20 professionals as set forth in §101(a)(7) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by WIOA 21 and 34 C.F.R. §361.18. VRD has established procedures to support the Comprehensive System 22 of Personnel Development (CSPD). RCT provides input to VRD in addressing issues related to 23 personnel development. The Policy, Procedures, and Personnel Development Committee of RCT 24 meets quarterly to discuss the development and maintenance of policies and procedures in 25 support of the CSPD standard. 26 27 Qualified Personnel Needs 28 As of September 30, 2016, Blind Services had 222 full-time employment (FTE) staff positions to 29 provide direct services to VR customers, broken down by the following: 30  VRCs 31  VR Coordinators 32  Transition Counselors (TC) 33  Rehabilitation Assistants 34  VR Teachers 35 36 As of September 30, 2016, the Rehabilitation Services Division had 955 FTE staff positions to 37 provide direct services to VR customers, broken down into the following: 38  VRCs 39  Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (TVRCs) 40  Unit Program Specialists (UPSs)

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 25 1  Rehabilitation Services Technicians (RSTs) 2 ii. The number of personnel currently needed by the state agency to provide VR services, broken 3 down by personnel category 4 As of September 30, 2015, the average size of a Blind Services VRC’s caseload was 64 5 customers while the average size of a TC’s caseload was 72. Projections for number of 6 employees needed are based on historical numbers of eligible customers served, historical 7 turnover rates for each position, and projected turnover. 8 The following table identifies the number of Blind Services staff needed to provide direct 9 customer services, with projections of numbers needed over five years based on estimates of the 10 Texas total population projections from the Texas State Data Center, released November 2014, 11 and the number of Blind Services staff expected to leave their positions. 12 Table 1: Projected Blind Services Personnel Needs through FFY’20 Job Title Total Vacancies Attrition FFY’16 FFY’17 FFY’18 FFY’19 FFY’20 Total Positions FFY’15 Rate FFY’15 FY’15 VRCs, TCs, VR 104.5 3 4.49 2 2 2 2 210 Coordinators VR Teachers 39 3 4.12 1 1 0 1 14

Regional Administrative Assistants & 93.5 5 10.83 1.5 2 2 2 29.5 Rehabilitation Assistants

Criss Cole Rehabilitation 97 0 12.57 2 2 2 2 210 Center Staff 13 14 Based on the 2014 Texas population of 27,695,284, Blind Services had a ratio of one VRC/TC to 15 293,072 people at the beginning of FFY’15. As the population continues to grow and age, VRD 16 anticipates increased demand for VR services, which may require additional counselors to serve 17 eligible customers with significant and most significant disabilities. 18 19 Each biennium, legacy DARS prepared and submitted a Legislative Appropriations Request, 20 which included requests for additional FTEs needed to address population growth and other 21 factors requiring additional staffing levels. The legislature considers these requests during the 22 appropriations process in each legislative session. Staffing levels are sufficient to support 23 program operations for the current biennium. VRD will monitor staffing levels and reevaluate 24 these projections on an annual basis. TWC will request additional FTEs, as needed, in 25 Legislative Appropriations Requests for future biennia. 26 Rehabilitation Services projects the need for additional FTEs to support the rehabilitation 27 program during the next five years as follows: 76 additional counselor FTEs needed between 28 2017 and 2022, 43 additional rehabilitation services technician (RST) FTEs needed between

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 26 1 2017 and 2022, and five additional unit program specialist (UPS) FTEs needed between 2017 2 and 2022. (See Table 2.) Staffing levels are sufficient to support program operations for the 3 current biennium. 4 Table 2: Projected Rehabilitation Services Personnel Needs 2017 to 2022 Projected Needs Total Current Total Job Positions Vacancies 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022Need over Title FY’15 FY’15 Five Years

VRC 494 21 10 10 10 11 11 1163

TVRC 100 2 2 2 2 2 2 313

UPS 38 1 1 0 1 1 1 15

RST 342 13 7 7 7 7 8 743 5 6 Table 3: Rehabilitation Services Attrition Rate as of September 30, 2015 Vol Job Average Total YTD Volun InVol Retire YTD title Strength Separations Rate Rate VRC 583.5 77 49 11 17 13.20%8.4%

TVRC 97.75 13 10 2 1 13.30%10.23%

UPS 37 2 2 0 0 5.41%5.41%

RST 346.75 41 22 8 11 11.82%6.34%

7 VRD anticipates the increase in individuals applying for VR services will level out by 2017, 8 leading to a more gradual rate of increase in 2017–2018. Year Number of Applications Percent Change from Prior Year 2012 38,104

2013 36,606 -3.93%

2014 41,030 +12.09%

2015 40,624 -0.99%

2016 42,736 +5.20%

9 For FFY’16, VRD’s application levels were up from 2015 levels. VRD expects applications will 10 continue to trend slightly upward in 2017–2018. The predicted trend in applications is attributed

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 27 1 to a continued effort by VRD to increase outreach, referrals, and partnerships with other state 2 agencies. 3 Eligibility Determinations 4 The number of individuals determined eligible is expected to follow the trend of applications. 5 Therefore, VRD expects to see an increase in the number of eligibility determinations for 6 FFY’17–2018. The number of eligibility determinations trend is as follows: Year Eligibility Percent Change from Determinations Prior Year 2012 27,197

2013 26,352 -3.11%

2014 30,568 16.00%

2015 34,128 11.65%

2016 35,908 5.22%

7 For FFY’16, VRD determined eligibility for nearly 36,000 individuals. This is an increase of 5.2 8 percent from FFY’15. VRD expects the number of eligibility determinations made through 2018 9 will continue to remain in proportion to the projection for applications. 10 Outreach activities will be conducted to broaden the population of individuals with disabilities 11 being served by VRD. Outreach, education, and awareness efforts will be targeted to 12 underserved and unserved populations such as transition students, veterans, and individuals with 13 neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism), and psychological disorders such as bipolar 14 disorder or schizophrenia. Year IPEs Carried Over Percent Change from From Prior Year Prior Year 2012 45,192

2013 43,618 -3.48%

2014 41,226 -5.48%

2015 43,463 5.43%

2016 47,441 9.15%

15 B. Personnel Development 16 Describe the development and maintenance of a system for collecting and analyzing on an 17 annual basis data on personnel development with respect to the following: 18 i. A list of the institutions of higher education in the state that are preparing VR professionals, 19 by type of program: 20 21 Texas had a total of six university rehabilitation programs available at the master’s degree level 22 during the 2015–2016 school year:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 28 1  Stephen F. Austin University 2  University of North Texas 3  University of Texas at Austin 4  University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley 5  Texas Tech University 6  University of Texas at El Paso 7 ii. The number of students enrolled at each of those institutions, broken down by type of 8 program: 9 10 A total of 80 students graduated 2015–2016 from the in-state universities listed in Table 4 with 11 credentials consistent with academic preparedness to meet national rehabilitation counselor 12 certification requirements. Texas has also developed partnerships with out-of-state university 13 distance-learning programs. These universities include: 14  George Washington University 15  University of Kentucky 16  Southern University at Baton Rouge Current University Type of Program Enrollments George Washington University Master’s Rehab. Counseling 0

University of Kentucky Master’s Rehab. Counseling 4

Southern University at Baton Rouge Master’s Rehab. Counseling 0

17 iii. The number of students who graduated during the prior year from each of these institutions 18 with certification or licensure, or with the credentials for certification or licensure, broken down 19 by the personnel category for which they have received, or have the credentials to receive, 20 certification or licensure: 21 Table 4: FFY’16 Students Enrolled and Previous-Year Graduates Institution University Students University Graduates from the Previous Enrolled Year Texas Tech University 104 32

University of North Texas 185 31

University of Texas at Rio 170 46 Grande Valley

University of Texas at 11 4 Austin

Stephen F. Austin University 12 1

University of Texas at El 29 12

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 29 Institution University Students University Graduates from the Previous Enrolled Year Paso

TOTAL 511 126

1 2 2. Plan for Recruitment, Preparation, and Retention of Qualified Personnel 3 Describe the development and implementation of a plan to address the current and projected 4 needs for qualified personnel including, the coordination and facilitation of efforts between the 5 designated state unit and institutions of higher education and professional associations to 6 recruit, prepare, and retain personnel who are qualified, including personnel from minority 7 backgrounds and personnel who are individuals with disabilities. 8 Plan for Recruitment, Preparation, and Retention of Qualified Personnel 9 VRD has forged productive, proactive working relationships with Texas universities that train 10 rehabilitation professionals. Involvement with Texas universities results in student requests for 11 practicum and internship placements within VRD. Internships have been offered since 1999 for 12 students completing master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling or Rehabilitation. In FY’16, 13 VRD hosted 20 internships. Evaluations of student interns come directly from certified, licensed, 14 or Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (QVRC) internship supervisors and department 15 advisors from the intern’s university. 16 Job vacancy notices are routinely posted on WorkInTexas.com, TWC’s statewide online jobsite. 17 Hiring supervisors can also request a broader distribution of vacancy notices by having TWC 18 Human Resources post them to additional sites such as Indeed.com, Monster.com, and others. 19 Recruitment continues for bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking candidates to fill positions 20 located in areas with high Spanish-speaking populations. Opportunities to promote employment 21 to all community sectors are achieved by sharing job postings with universities. 22 VRD encourages the hiring of qualified people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that staff 23 represents ethnic diversity and thereby reflects the population of Texas and the customers we 24 serve. Ethnic distribution of VRD employees is: 25  50.85 percent Caucasian 26  29.94 percent Hispanic 27  17.70 percent African American 28  1.51 percent other (including Asian American and American Indian) 29 Additionally, approximately 7.24 percent of Blind Services employees have a reported blindness 30 or visual impairment disability. 31 Legacy DARS Program Reporting and Analysis (PRA) calculated turnover by dividing the 32 number of employee losses by the average number of employees for the reporting period and 33 multiplying by 100 to determine the percent turnover. For the purpose of calculating the agency 34 turnover, losses are counted only when an individual terminates employment with the agency. 35 Losses do not include vacancies created as a result of employee promotions, reclassifications, 36 demotions, or transfers within the agency.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 30 1 2 The overall Blind Services State Fiscal Year 2015 (SFY’15) turnover rate was 8.75 percent, 3 while the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) and Transition Counselor (TC) turnover 4 rate was 4.49 percent. 5 The overall Rehabilitation Services SFY’15 turnover rate was 9.32 percent, while the VRC was 6 8.4 percent, and Transition Counselor (TVRC) turnover rate was 10.23 percent. 7 VRD has established a number of strategies for recruitment, preparation, and retention of 8 qualified personnel. Plans reflect continued annual needs assessment, quarterly review of 9 strategies and interventions for recruitment, and updated review of the QVRC program following 10 each semester to ensure satisfactory progress. 11 Recruitment of Qualified Personnel 12 VRD has a recruitment plan that identifies in-state and out-of-state entities from which qualified 13 personnel may be hired. VRD also has designated recruitment coordinators who work closely 14 with each of these organizations. For each identified organization, the coordinator makes contact 15 to establish specific recruitment strategies for each program. The recruitment plan coordinator 16 regularly reviews and updates the plan. Depending on location, size, and nature of the class, and 17 need of the institution, VRD employs the following approaches to recruitment: 18  Participates in advisory committees for partnering universities allowing access and 19 contribution to program improvement processes and to students for on-site visits; 20  Conducts classroom orientations and distributes recruitment information for graduating 21 students; 22  Collaborates with the administration of distance-learning programs to determine effective 23 processes for recruiting distance-learning students; 24  Sends job postings regularly to VR graduate programs of more than 90 U.S. universities; 25  Coordinates with universities for graduate VR internships to recruit rehabilitation counselors; 26 and 27  Participates in job fairs and employment conferences to recruit individuals from minority 28 backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. 29 Preparation of Qualified Personnel 30 VRD has a system to recruit and hire individuals as VRCs who have master’s degrees in 31 Rehabilitation Counseling. The QVRC database is maintained to monitor counselors who are 32 required to meet CSPD qualifications. Monitoring also includes the number of counselors with 33 master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related fields, as well as the number 34 who are Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) or Licensed Professional Counselors 35 (LPCs). As of September 30, 2014, there were 102 positions required to meet the CSPD 36 standard. Of those 102, 70 counselors met the standard and 24 had not yet met it; the other eight 37 were vacant positions. A status report is provided to management on a quarterly basis. 38 Applicants who meet the CSPD standard are preferred for counselor positions. The hiring 39 manager must obtain a transcript for any candidate for a counselor position who has a bachelor’s 40 degree or higher prior to making a salary offer. For counselor candidates with a master’s degree 41 or a current CRC or LPC certification, the manager must provide the transcript or license 42 certificate to the CSPD coordinator for review. The CSPD coordinator will verify whether an

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 31 1 applicant meets the educational requirements or CSPD standard. The verification must be 2 completed before the hiring manager makes a salary offer. 3 If a candidate is hired who does not meet the CSPD standard, he or she must participate in the 4 QVRC program and complete the required coursework within seven years after completing the 5 initial training year. 6 Counselors are required to sign the QVRC Acknowledgment form within 30 days of hire. By 7 signing this required form, the counselor agrees that in order to hold a counselor position, they 8 must meet the CSPD standard at the time of employment or by completing the educational 9 requirements within the established CSPD timeline. Counselors not achieving the standard 10 within the prescribed time are not allowed to continue functioning in this capacity. VRD 11 provides funding for master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling, if alternate funding sources 12 are not available. 13 Growth and development for all levels of staff is essential. VRD staff attend external trainings 14 provided by such agencies as the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the Texas 15 Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Association 16 for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Assistive Technology 17 Industry Association, the Council of State Administrators for Vocational Rehabilitation, the 18 National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, and the University of Arkansas CURRENTS. 19 Staff are encouraged to attend national, state, and local conferences related to VR, including the 20 Association of People Supporting Employment First National Conference, Texas Association of 21 Vocational Adjustment Coordinators, Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness training, 22 Assistive Technology Industry Association International Conference, and the Capacity Building 23 Institute regarding building capacity for postsecondary transition of students with disabilities. In 24 so doing, they have the opportunity to receive training as well as to network. 25 Additionally, trainings are conducted within the regions by designated training staff, and within 26 the field offices by senior counselors, unit program specialists, managers, and others. 27 Staff also participates in training modules developed by TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation 28 Training Department. Training needs and priorities are identified on an ongoing basis. Past 29 training has been in the areas of diabetes, substance abuse, caseload management, employment 30 assistance, worker’s compensation, criminal background checks, mental health first aid, 31 counseling and adjustment to blindness, career choice counseling, autism, and self-employment. 32 During their first year of employment, counselors attend internal training conducted by TWC’s 33 Vocational Rehabilitation Training Department to enhance skills and develop a basic 34 understanding of policy and how to implement caseload management processes. 35 Mississippi State University (MSU) has a graduate certificate program for Vision Specialists in 36 Vocational Rehabilitation. This program provides specialized training for VRCs/TCs from 37 around the country. The program consists of four graduate courses designed to train VRCs/TCs 38 to become more effective in their work with customers who are blind or visually impaired. These 39 increased professional skills enable graduates to help customers with vision loss learn 40 independent living skills and assist them in becoming employed. At the end of the program, they 41 receive the Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation Certificate. In FY’15, MSU provided a 42 full stipend for one VRC to attend this program January 2015 through August 2015. 43 Retention of Qualified Personnel

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 32 1 The Texas legislature sets the state’s classification schedule, which determines pay grades for 2 counselors and other classified positions as well as the salary schedule for the pay range agencies 3 must use for compensation. VRD supports a wide range of learning activities for all 4 classifications of employees. Staff views professional growth and development activities as a 5 benefit that enhances retention. All staff has professional development plans created in 6 coordination with managers as part of the performance management process. Other retention 7 strategies are as follows: 8  Flexible work schedules allow for four- or four-and-a-half-day workweeks, as well as 9 teleworking opportunities, when feasible; 10  A career ladder for counselors ranging from VRC I–IV, with respective salary 11 compensation; 12  A variety of training opportunities in leadership skills development; 13  VRD will cover the cost of the CRC exam and in-state travel to achieve the examination; 14  A recognition award program is in place to highlight staff achievement; 15  Access to training to support credential maintenance is available at no cost to the 16 employee; and 17  An educational reimbursement program is in place for support staff working toward 18 attainment of a bachelor’s degree. 19 20 3. Personnel Standards 21 Describe the state agency’s policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of 22 personnel standards consistent with §101(a)(7)(B) and §34 C.F.R. §361.18(c) to ensure that 23 designated state unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are adequately trained and 24 prepared, including the following: 25 A. Standards that are consistent with any national or state-approved or -recognized 26 certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the 27 profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing VR services. 28 Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors 29 VRD is committed to ensuring its workforce is highly skilled, professionally trained, and duly 30 prepared to serve Texans with disabilities with the highest quality service delivery. Toward this 31 goal, VRD has a plan to achieve standards for counseling staff in compliance with §101(a)(7) of 32 the Rehabilitation Act as amended by WIOA and 34 C.F.R. §361.18. 33 There are no state-approved certifications or licensing requirements for VR counselors in Texas. 34 Therefore, VRD has established standards for academic preparedness consistent with the national 35 requirements of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) for Certified 36 Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification. 37 B. The establishment and maintenance of education and experience requirements, in accordance 38 with §101(a)(7)(B)(ii) of the Rehabilitation Act, to ensure that the personnel have a 21st 39 century–understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. 40 VRD ensures that staff is well-qualified to assist individuals with disabilities. There is emphasis 41 of educational requirements at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels in fields related to

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 33 1 rehabilitation. However, the degree field may include other degrees that prepare individuals to 2 work with customers and employers. For example, bachelor degrees might include not only VR 3 counseling, but also social work, psychology, disability studies, human resources, special 4 education, or another field that reasonably prepares individuals to work with customers and 5 employers. For individuals hired at the bachelor’s level, there is a requirement for at least one 6 year of paid or unpaid experience related to direct work with individuals with disabilities. 7 VRD recognizes master’s or doctoral degrees in fields of specific study, such as VR counseling, 8 clinical rehabilitation counseling, behavioral health, behavioral science, disability studies, human 9 relations, human services, marriage and family therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, 10 psychometrics, rehabilitation administration/services, social work, special education, vocational 11 assessment/evaluation, or another field that reasonably provides competence in the employment 12 sector in a disability field or rehabilitation-related fields. 13 A counselor meets the CSPD standard by holding a master’s degree in VR counseling; master’s 14 degree in “counseling or counseling-related field” with specific coursework; master’s, specialist, 15 or doctoral degree in specific majors with specific coursework; current CRC certificate from 16 CRCC; or current LPC licensure. 17 Therefore, a counselor with a master’s degree in counseling or a counseling-related field must, at 18 a minimum, complete a graduate course in the Theories and Techniques of Counseling and 19 successfully complete six graduate courses with a primary focus in the following areas: 20  one course on assessment; 21  one course on occupational information or job placement; 22  one course on case management and rehabilitation services; 23  one course on medical aspects of disabilities; 24  one course on psychosocial aspects of disabilities; and 25  one course on multicultural issues. 26 A counselor with a master’s or doctoral degree in one of the listed specific fields of study must 27 complete a graduate course on the Theories and Techniques of Counseling, and successfully 28 complete six graduate courses each with a primary focus in the areas listed, plus one course on 29 Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling. 30 Although VRD has taken steps to hire rehabilitation counselors with master’s degrees in VR 31 counseling, a number of factors pose challenges to this undertaking. A significant barrier to 32 hiring counselors with master’s degrees in rehabilitation counseling is the expanse of Texas that 33 must be served. VRD affords rehabilitation assistants (RAs) and rehabilitation services 34 technicians (RSTs) who attain an undergraduate degree the opportunity for employment in VRD 35 as VRCs. If they choose to attain their undergraduate degree and pursue employment as a VRC, 36 RAs and RSTs may apply for financial assistance through the educational leave and financial 37 assistance program. The years of knowledge and experience on a caseload coupled with their 38 undergraduate degree have proven beneficial to VRD. 39 4. Staff Development 40 Describe the state agency’s policies, procedures, and activities to ensure that, consistent with 41 §101(a)(7)(C) of the Rehabilitation Act, all personnel employed by the designated state unit 42 receive appropriate and adequate training in terms of the following:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 34 1 A. System of Staff Development 2 A system of staff development for professionals and paraprofessionals within the designated 3 state unit, particularly with respect to assessment, vocational counseling, job placement, and 4 rehabilitation technology, including training implemented in coordination with entities carrying 5 out state programs under §4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998: 6 Staff Development 7 VRD is committed to ensuring that its diverse workforce is highly skilled, professionally trained, 8 and thoroughly prepared to provide the highest quality service to Texans who are disabled. 9 Additionally, VRD strongly supports specialized training and maintaining specialty caseloads in 10 the areas of blindness and visual impairments, deafness and hard of hearing, and transition, to 11 name a few. Our training curriculum is designed to help staff gain a 21st century understanding 12 of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities. 13 All staff has access to internal and external training designed to develop the knowledge and skills 14 necessary to achieve success in their positions, provide developmental activities for new and 15 emerging leaders, and enhance service delivery for customers. Trainings are delivered through 16 classroom, webinar, and teleconference. 17 Orientation to Rehabilitation and Blindness training is a one-week program attended by all newly 18 hired Blind Services staff members, except for part-time employees. Participants develop an 19 awareness of the nature of blindness and the impact it has on all aspects of a person’s life. 20 Introduction to Blindness training is a two-week program that introduces participants to the 21 nonvisual blindfold training strategy. Under blindfold, staff members experience the key 22 emotional factors and learn alternative techniques in the adjustment to blindness process, 23 discovering that blindness does not preclude an individual from living an independent and 24 successful life. 25 Immersion Training is a four- to six-week program. Application of the Texas Confidence Builder 26 philosophy, using the least restrictive adaptation model, structured discovery, problem solving, 27 and adult learning theory includes techniques to facilitate emotional adjustment to blindness. The 28 Orientation and Mobility portion of Immersion Training allows for individualized training and 29 opportunity for immediate feedback. 30 Eye Medical is a three-day training designed to provide staff members with a basic 31 understanding of the anatomy of the eye, familiarize them with pathological conditions causing 32 vision loss, and develop a referential body of knowledge related to diagnostics, treatment, 33 training, and long-term vocational implications. 34 Staff is encouraged to be aware of current research by using the Internet Resources link available 35 on TWC’s Intranet. Information disseminated by the National Institute on Disability and 36 Rehabilitation Research and a variety of other government and university research centers can be 37 reached from this link. Many Blind Services staff members are leaders or active members of the 38 Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. 39 ReHabWorks (RHW) is an automated statewide caseload management system that serves VRD. 40 Five staff members were chosen to test RHW regularly to ensure the functionality of the system 41 and that the VR process continues to be properly followed. This group also assists in developing 42 training materials.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 35 1 Individual training plans are developed for all new counselors. Training plans for new employees 2 foster competencies in skills required for different job categories. TWC’s Training and 3 Development provides or coordinates more formal, extensive trainings for caseload carrying 4 staff. 5 Many of the courses in the Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling degree provide opportunities 6 for practical application on actual caseloads. Counselors and other staff learn about assistive 7 technology, including screen readers, voice-activated software, special keyboards, braille 8 devices, closed circuit televisions, portable note takers, etc., as part of the intensive Employment 9 Assistance Training program. VR Teachers (VRTs) are provided with a three-year individual 10 training plan that includes the following: 11  Four weeks wearing a blindfold at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center participating in 12 classes with customers; 13  Three weeks of training in teaching, process, procedures, and employment assistance training 14 for VRTs; 15  Extensive braille training—all VRTs must demonstrate competency annually by completing 16 The Annual Braille Project and submitting it for review by the VRT Program Specialist; and 17  Training transcripts, letters of recommendation from a certified VRT, and funding to help 18 interested teachers become academy certified. 19 All staff members participate with their supervisors in planning annual goals and identifying 20 training needs and goals. Combined with input received from VRD managers and administrators, 21 this process assesses training needs and determines annual training calendar offerings. 22 The TACE 6 CURRENTS–sponsored assessment compiled for Blind Services for 2014 and 23 2015, which identifies the various level of training needs of Blind Services counselors and 24 management, provided the following summary: 25  Demographics: All positions, statewide 26  Respondents: 266 Blind Services employees 27  Training Needs Identified: The following are the top five Blind Services training needs as 28 well as the specific issues that were identified in the survey: 29  Specific Disabilities: Blindness and Vision Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury and 30 other Brain Injuries, Hearing Loss and Deafness, and Psych Disorders 31  Counseling: Individual Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Psychosocial and Cultural 32 Issues in Counseling 33  Foundations Question: Managing Time & Priorities; Medical, Functional, and 34 Environmental Aspects of Disabilities; Problem-Solving Skills; and Technology Skills 35  Leadership and Management: Leadership development at all levels and Building the VR 36 team 37  Employment Outcomes: Job Development and Business Development 38  Tenure: 39  Time in Position: 13.5 percent of Blind Services staff members have been in their 40 position for less than a year, 34.2 percent for 1 to 5 years, 18.1 percent for 5 to 10 years, 41 and 34.2 percent for more than 10 years. 42  Time in Agency: Blind Services employees who have been with the agency for 43 more than 10 years make up the largest percentage, at 43.7 percent; those who have been

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 36 1 with the agency between 5 to 10 years is 21.5 percent,1 to 5 years is 24.1 percent, and 2 less than one year is 10.7 percent. 3  Specialty Areas: In correlation with the job categories addressed, 128 respondents (48.7 4 percent) considered themselves to be working in a “Specialty Area.” This is consistent with 5 the number of VRC/TC, VR Teacher, Orientation and Mobility Instructor, and Employment 6 Assistance Specialist employees who completed the survey. 7  Certification and Licenses: 8 Sixty (26.4 percent) of the Blind Services respondents must maintain certification in the 9 following: 10  CRC: 30 respondents (50 percent) 11  Social Work–Related: five respondents (8.3 percent) 12  LPC: 11 respondents (18.3 percent) 13  Braille Transcription: one respondent (1.7 percent) 14  Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist: 10 respondents (16.70 percent) 15  National Orientation and Mobility Certification: one respondent (1.70 percent) 16  Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist: two respondents (3.30 percent) 17 Blind Services meets adaptive communication needs. For example, with the Limited English 18 Proficiency (LEP) Language Line, staff members can establish communication with customers in 19 numerous languages, including those commonly found in Texas. 20 Many customers and staff members who are blind or visually impaired need alternative formats 21 for printed communications. A full-time employee in the Blind Services Braille Unit prepares 22 documents in braille, large print, or electronic format. Dedicated computers with braille 23 translation software and braille embossers are available in each field office. Staff uses these to 24 produce documents, such as letters to customers or meeting agendas. 25 Blind Services employs Assistive Technology Specialists to support staff using assistive 26 programs with standard agency software to complete their job duties. The specialists assess staff 27 skill levels, recommend and implement training approaches, and coordinate service delivery 28 statewide. 29 The Deafblind Unit serves customers who are deafblind. Specialists fluent in sign language 30 consult with caseload-carrying staff, customers, and community resources to develop and 31 implement plans and services. VRD also purchases state-certified interpreter services as needed. 32 VRD works closely with the education system in transitioning students with disabilities from 33 high school to postsecondary training or employment. TCs participate in training covering the 34 Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process as well as the IEP. When conducting 35 seminars or workshops for the ARD and IEP process, trainers may also include parents and 36 professionals from: 37  TEA’s Special Education Division 38  Regional education service centers and local education agencies (LEAs) 39  Disability Rights Texas 40  Partners Resource Network, Inc. 41  Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 37 1 Additionally, Blind Services staff participates in cross-trainings with other entities involved in 2 education for students with visual loss, such as the Texas Association for Education and 3 Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and sponsors and participates in workshops 4 and seminars to help education staff members develop expertise in working with these students. 5 6 VRD is committed to maintaining support for in-service and academic training that ensures all 7 staff receives the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful and that provides 8 developmental activities for new and emerging leaders. VRD has a needs assessment system to 9 develop internal and external training initiatives to address programmatic needs, and also 10 participates in the University of Arkansas CURRENTS’ biennial survey. While there are a 11 number of positions within VRD that support field operations, the focus of statewide training is 12 typically programmatic to enhance direct service delivery to customers. All staff has access to 13 training opportunities through the professional development plan created through the 14 management chain’s professional development process. Training content for field staff is 15 typically developed within the system of statewide training product modules disseminated 16 through field management staff. Content learning includes topics that directly relate to the 17 knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to perform jobs as expected by management 18 and as detailed in job descriptions. Content training strategies include the following: 19  Continued focus on the foundations of the VR process for counselors, RAs, and RSTs, 20 including accurate eligibility determination, inclusion of customers in planning for service 21 delivery, thorough assessment and planning practices, models for VR counseling, informed 22 customer choice, service to culturally diverse populations, purchasing practices, supported 23 employment, customized employment, and other strategies for quality employment 24 assistance, service delivery, and effective case note documentation; 25  Training in working with employers and customers to increase knowledge of the 26 Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, the Olmstead 27 decision, available independence initiatives, and WIOA to enhance employment options and 28 employment knowledge; 29  Training in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, appropriate options and 30 alternatives for effective transition services and Social Security work incentive programs, 31 including programs under the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999; 32  Training in assessing appropriate rehabilitation technology interventions; 33  Extending opportunities to take advantage of training available from external sources for 34 ongoing dissemination of timely trends related to disability and treatment modalities within 35 the field of rehabilitation; 36  Coordinating with the Texas Administrators of Continuing Education and other entities 37 as appropriate to develop localized training in targeted disability areas; and 38  Implementation of training for new counselors that focuses on critical thinking and sound 39 decision making. 40 B. Acquisition and dissemination of significant knowledge: 41 Procedures for the acquisition and dissemination of significant knowledge from research and 42 other sources to designated State unit professionals and paraprofessionals.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 38 1 VRD staff is encouraged to be aware of current research by using the Internet Resources link 2 available on TWC’s Intranet. Information disseminated by the National Institute on Disability 3 and Rehabilitation Research and a variety of other government and university research centers 4 can be reached from this link. Blind Services works closely with the Mississippi State University 5 Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision and other research and training 6 centers to stay current in the field of blindness. Many Blind Services staff members are leaders 7 or active members of the Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually 8 Impaired. 9 VRD will initiate outreach and increase staff knowledge and skills in effective rehabilitation 10 strategies for serving such customers by: 11  researching and implementing best practices; 12  building staff capacity and expertise to serve individuals who are blind and have 13 additional disabilities (e.g., through the implementation of the Mental Health First Aid 14 training, a full-day course that should be taken by all staff members who have direct contact 15 with customers); and 16  increasing coordination and developing new partnerships with other state and community 17 organizations, including mental health organizations, HHSC’s Office of Mental Health 18 Coordination, and the Helen Keller National Center for deafblind youth and adults. 19 VRD managers receive training on a variety of management issues, including ethics, 20 communication, leadership, monitoring for quality service delivery and compliance, and 21 management information system tools. 22 VRD has also developed partnerships with organizations such as the National Council on 23 Rehabilitation Education to ensure the active dissemination of research development for the field 24 of rehabilitation. Additionally, VRD uses studies from the Institute on Rehabilitation Issues to 25 assist in the development of practices for service delivery. 26 New Counselors 27 All new counselors are trained using a sequence of learning events. The sequence includes an 28 assigned coach who uses a published quick start guide, which includes a learning plan for on-the- 29 job training and required and optional courses. The learning plan guides the new counselor’s 30 learning activities during the initial probationary period. Based on the learning plan, training is 31 provided throughout the initial year through a series of required courses, peer training, and 32 coaching sessions that focus on learning to guide each customer to successful achievement of his 33 or her employment and/or independent living goals. Training covers VR policies and procedures 34 as well as values-based decision making, informed customer choice, employment assistance, and 35 successful closures. Additionally, new counselors learn effective strategies for caseload 36 management, working with CRP providers, assessing employment trends, matching employer 37 needs to qualified consumers, and building successful partnerships with customers, businesses, 38 schools, and other community resources. Following completion of the probationary period, the 39 counselor and supervisor create a professional development plan, which addresses the required 40 educational standards of their position. The professional development plan is updated annually 41 regarding training activities and progress toward meeting educational requirements. 42 43 New RAs and RSTs

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 39 1 All new RAs and RSTs are trained using a sequence of learning activities. The sequence includes 2 an assigned coach and a quick start guide, which includes a learning plan for on-the-job training 3 and required and optional courses. Training is provided throughout the initial year through 4 attendance at a required course on RA and RST fundamentals, other courses as assigned by the 5 RA’s and RST’s supervisor, peer training, and coaching sessions. The fundamentals course 6 focuses on the roles of the RA and RST in facilitating successful employment outcomes for 7 customers. The required course addresses both internal and external customer service, 8 purchasing, disability etiquette, and an overview of values-based decision making and the RA’s 9 and RST’s role in the VR process. Following completion of the initial training period, the RA or 10 RST and supervisor develop a professional development plan that identifies additional training 11 and development activities to support the RA’s and RST’s successful performance. The plan is 12 then updated annually and designed to enhance the growth of RAs and RSTs throughout their 13 tenure with the agency. 14 15 New Field Directors and Area Managers 16 New field directors and area managers also participate in a sequence of learning activities to 17 develop their skills and competencies. This sequence includes a regional orientation followed by 18 a series of self-directed activities guided by a comprehensive orientation outline. These activities 19 provide training for new managers in VR program management, effective coaching, and values- 20 based decision making. Following completion of the initial learning activities, the new manager 21 receives professional development training in management courses through the Governor’s 22 Center for Management Development and other available resources. A director of program 23 management or regional director and a mentor field director or area manager guide the new 24 manager through this process. VRD managers comply with TWC’s performance planning and 25 review policy for evaluating the performance of VR staff within the division. This system 26 requires that supervisory personnel formally evaluate an employee’s performance in the essential 27 functions of the employee’s position as per TWC Human Resources policies. 28 This system promotes clear understanding between the supervisor and the employee of the 29 priorities and objectives for the upcoming period. In reviewing performance against 30 expectations, emphasis is placed on results achieved through service delivery, identification of 31 reasons for variance from expected results, and establishment of appropriate development plans 32 that serve to deliver skill-enhancing, practical learning opportunities. 33 RCT has the opportunity to review and comment on the policies, procedures, and programmatic 34 direction of VRD. RCT representatives are invited to fully participate in development and review 35 of policies and procedures. VRD’s director meets regularly with RCT to present updates and 36 share input regarding knowledge, skills, and abilities of VR staff and overall VR program 37 outcomes. 38 In summary, a comprehensive and overarching training design is in place to meet the learning 39 needs of all VRD staff. While these activities are provided in a myriad of venues and through 40 multiple modalities, all opportunities for training are specifically directed toward skill 41 enhancement and credential building to form the most qualified staff possible to deliver services 42 to customers in Texas. Although all staff does not have direct customer contact, all staff has a 43 direct impact on the success of the VR program in providing vocational and independence 44 opportunities to the community of individuals with disabilities that VRD serves. 45 5. Personnel to Address Individual Communication Needs

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 40 1 Describe how the designated state unit has personnel or obtains the services of other individuals 2 who are able to communicate in appropriate modes of communication with or in the native 3 language of applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English-speaking ability. 4 Personnel to Address Individual Communication Needs 5 One manner in which VRD meets adaptive communication needs is by using the LEP Language 6 Line. This allows staff to communicate with customers in numerous languages, including those 7 commonly found in Texas. 8 Many customers and staff members who are blind or visually impaired need alternative formats 9 for printed communications. A full-time employee in the Blind Services Braille Unit prepares 10 documents in braille, large print, or electronic format. Dedicated computers with braille 11 translation software and braille embossers are available in each field office. Staff uses these to 12 produce documents, such as letters to customers or meeting agendas. 13 VRD employs Assistive Technology specialists to support staff using assistive programs with 14 standard agency software to complete their job duties. Specialists assess staff skill levels, 15 recommend and implement training approaches, and coordinate service delivery statewide. 16 The Deafblind Unit serves customers who are deafblind. Specialists fluent in sign language 17 consult with caseload carrying staff, consumers, and community resources to develop and 18 implement plans and services. VRD also purchases state-certified interpreter services as needed. 19 Additionally, VRD staff participates in cross-trainings with other entities involved in education 20 for students with visual loss, such as the Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of 21 the Blind and Visually Impaired, and sponsors and participates in workshops and seminars to 22 help education staff members develop expertise in working with these students. 23 In an effort to provide quality resources to assist customers in making an informed choice 24 regarding VR providers, legacy DARS developed and maintains ReHabWorks (RHW), an 25 electronic case management system. RHW contains information specific to each CRP vendor. 26 VRD staff has access to and shares provider information regarding qualifications, services 27 provided, location, experience in working with target populations, foreign languages, and other 28 communication skills (for example, braille). 29 VRD continues to provide effective modes of communication for staff, applicants, eligible 30 individuals with disabilities, and its community partners and stakeholders based on 31 individualized needs. Alternative formats include, but are not limited to, American Sign 32 Language interpreters, Spanish interpreters, and AT&T Language Line interpreters for languages 33 such as Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese dialects, etc. Also available are captioning, braille 34 through the Blind Services Braille Unit, large print, reader services, and electronic formatting 35 and screen readers. VRD also recruits bilingual staff for caseloads with high concentrations of 36 customers who speak languages other than English. 37 Some unit management decisions lead to the development of specialty caseloads in which a 38 concentration of customers is in need of services requiring additional counselor skills. For 39 example, counselors, RAs, and RSTs who are hired to serve caseloads with a concentration of 40 deaf and hard-of-hearing customers are preferred to have manual communication skills at the 41 time of hire. These counselors, RAs, and RSTs receive ongoing professional development 42 specific to this target population. The professional development plan created for these 43 individuals includes specific skills maintenance or enhancement activities that may be accessed 44 through external training providers, in addition to traditional training opportunities within VRD.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 41 1 6. Coordination of Personnel Development Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education 2 Act 3 As appropriate, describe the procedures and activities to coordinate the designated state unit’s 4 comprehensive system of personnel development with personnel development under the 5 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 6 Coordination of Personnel Development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education 7 Act 8 VRD is committed to ensuring that its diverse workforce is highly skilled, professionally trained, 9 and thoroughly prepared to provide the highest quality service to Texans who are blind or 10 visually impaired and/or have other disabilities. Our training curriculum is designed to help staff 11 gain a 21st century understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with 12 disabilities, and all procedures and activities related to personnel development described are 13 responsive to WIOA and the amendments made to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans 14 with Disabilities Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. VRD develops 15 partnerships with high schools, education service centers, and TEA to assist with professional 16 development for personnel who work with students with disabilities. 17 VRD has specialty TCs and VRCs who act as liaisons for high schools and partner with the 18 educational system to serve transition-age students seeking assistance to access adult vocational 19 services. Partnering with ISDs allows counselors to use office space on campus to ensure that 20 student customers have access to resources available through the workforce investment system, 21 community, businesses, and other partners necessary to build a network of support. The increase 22 in the number of students with autism, physical and neurodevelopment disabilities, and 23 psychiatric or dual diagnoses reinforces the need to continue best practices components of IDEA. 24 Staff works closely with TEA, centers for independent living, communities, and businesses to 25 achieve collaboration, effective programming, and customer satisfaction. As a result, these 26 efforts improve the effectiveness of VR services for transition customers. Such collaborations 27 take on many different forms in training VRD and educational staff, as well as in impacting 28 families. VRD staff will continue to collaborate with ISDs in the provision of Pre-ETS as 29 specified in WIOA. Additionally, counselors are often invited to education service centers to 30 participate in educator training and to present training, particularly for more effective transition 31 planning for students. VRD staff works with schools in creating job fairs that allow students to 32 meet with employers and gather information about the labor market. Family nights are hosted in 33 some areas to invite interested members of the public to VRD offices to share resource 34 information, discuss service delivery issues, and give input regarding best practices that would 35 better support students and their families. 36 In some areas, community partners such as churches, Workforce Solutions Offices, and 37 community centers assist in providing training to school personnel on understanding cultural 38 diversity in Texas. Training objectives that include sensitivity to cultural issues are integrated in 39 the provision of the principles of ethics in service delivery. Given the cultural diversity within 40 the expanse of Texas, this is an issue often addressed in external conferences with presentations 41 to ensure that staff is sensitive to and aware of the manner in which the VR process is applied. 42 VRD continues to enhance partnerships with TEA, high schools, community colleges, 43 stakeholders, and businesses to leverage relations that better prepare students to transition to 44 postsecondary education and the workforce.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 42 1 Statewide Needs Assessment 2 Requirement for a Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment 3 Sec. 101(a)(15)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act), and §34 C.F.R. 4 §361.29(a) require that the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan include 5 the results of a comprehensive statewide needs assessment (CSNA), jointly conducted by the 6 Designated State Unit and the State Rehabilitation Council every three years. 7 CSNA must describe the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the 8 state, particularly the VR service needs: 9  of individuals with the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported 10 employment services; 11  of individuals with disabilities who are minorities and individuals with disabilities who have 12 been unserved or underserved; 13  of individuals with disabilities served through other components of the statewide workforce 14 development system; 15  of youth with disabilities and students with disabilities, including their need for pre- 16 employment transition services or other transition services; and an assessment of the needs 17 of individuals with disabilities for transition services and pre-employment transition 18 services, and the extent to which such services provided under the Act are coordinated with 19 transition services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in order to 20 meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. 21  to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation programs within the State. 22 Legacy DARS collaborated with the University of Texas Child and Family Research Institute to 23 conduct a broad-based CSNA in FY’14 and followed up with a second CSNA in FY’15 that 24 focused specifically on students and youth with disabilities, responding to requirements of 25 WIOA. The FY’14 CSNA included a focus on assessing the need to establish, develop, or 26 improve CRP providers within the state, particularly the VR service needs of individuals with the 27 most significant disabilities, including their need for supported employment services, and of 28 individuals with disabilities who are served through other components of the Texas workforce 29 system. 30 Frequency of CSNA 31 CSNA is conducted at least every three years. The most recent broad-based CSNA occurred 32 during the fall and winter of 2013–2014. That was followed with a CSNA conducted in 2015, 33 and reported in 2016, which focused on the needs of students and youth with disabilities. 34 35 CSNA Methodology FY’14 36 The methodology to complete the CSNA is outlined in the VR Needs Assessment Guide, 37 provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration to help state agencies conduct 38 assessments with an approach that satisfies WIOA requirements and produces useful and timely 39 information. 40 41 The FY’14 CSNA was accomplished through a range of data collection techniques to ensure 42 broad representation from the public. Elements of the CSNA included: 43  customer satisfaction surveys;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 43 1  staff surveys; 2  stakeholder surveys; 3  town hall meetings; 4  demographic research; and 5  customer data analysis. 6 7 Customer Satisfaction Surveys 8 Ongoing customer satisfaction surveys are conducted to assess how VR customers feel about the 9 services they have received or are receiving. Customers in the eligibility, in-plan, and closed 10 phases of services were surveyed separately. Approximately 7,500 legacy DARS Rehabilitation 11 Services customers and 1,024 Blind Services customers completed the extensive customer 12 satisfaction surveys. The reports from the 2013 surveys were submitted to RCT in January 2014. 13 While including all of the results from the customer satisfaction surveys does not fit the scope of 14 this CSNA, several of the questions were particularly relevant and helped inform it. 15 16 Staff Survey 17 An online survey was distributed to Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services staff through 18 supervisors and administrators. Reminder e-mails were sent to encourage staff to complete the 19 survey. After the survey had been distributed, it was discovered that screen reader users were not 20 able to access the survey. Participants who had any issues with accessibility were asked to call 21 the research team to complete the survey by phone. The telephone survey was completed by 571 22 Rehabilitation Services employees and 150 Blind Services employees. The survey asked for 23 basic demographic information, the frequency with which customer needs are met, barriers to 24 employment, internal barriers to working with customers, and the importance of various services 25 for customers. Descriptive statistics were produced for the report. 26 27 Stakeholder Survey 28 An online survey was distributed to stakeholders through multiple state agency, stakeholder, and 29 community list serves. Participants were recruited through agency-identified stakeholder groups. 30 E-mails were sent by the research team to ask groups to share the online survey with their list 31 serves. Individuals were directed to a study-developed website that contained additional 32 information about the CSNA, the research team, and the survey. As with the staff survey, after 33 the stakeholder survey had been distributed, it was discovered that screen reader users were not 34 able to access the survey. Participants who had any issues with accessibility were asked to call 35 the research team to complete the survey by phone. The survey asked for basic demographic 36 information, the frequency with which consumer needs are met, barriers to employment, internal 37 barriers to working with consumers, and the importance of various services for consumers. 38 Descriptive statistics were produced for the report. 39 40 Town Hall Meetings 41 Nine town hall meetings were conducted in cities across Texas including Austin, Beaumont, 42 Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, Laredo, McAllen, Midland, and San Antonio. Town hall 43 meetings were generally held at DARS offices, were open to all community members, and were 44 advertised specifically to the disability community by e-mail list serves. Over 60 participants 45 attended town hall meetings. The exact number and demographic information of participants are 46 unknown.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 44 1 The town hall meetings were conducted by RCT members who facilitated the meetings using a 2 guide developed by the research team. Town hall meetings were recorded by CART transcribers, 3 and transcriptions were coded by the research team using content analysis. Responses were first 4 grouped by the primary question they intended to address. A different member of the research 5 team coded and grouped together responses under each research question. A third member of the 6 research team consulted on the final themes that emerged from each question. 7 Demographic Research and Consumer Data Analyses 8 National- and state-level data were taken from the 2008–2012 American Community Survey 9 (ACS) five-year Public Use Microdata sample. The ACS is an annual survey conducted by the 10 U.S. Census Bureau that collects household-level information about demographics and social, 11 economic, and housing-related topics. The five-year sample was used because the five-year 12 estimates are the most reliable estimates as they rely on 60 months of data collection and contain 13 a larger sample. Data were analyzed using the pivot table feature of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 14 online data analysis tool, DataFerret. Data are weighted. 15 Disability information is collected by the ACS and, since 2008, is defined as a positive response 16 to one or more of six questions about whether or not the individual in question identifies as 17 having a vision, hearing, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, or independent living difficulty. 18 Data from the Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services programs cover State Fiscal Year 19 2011–2013 (SFY’11–’13). Rehabilitation Services data contains records of VR cases closed in 20 SFY’11 or SFY’12 and cases in open or closed status from application through closure for 21 SFY’13. There are duplicate records across SFYs, because a case closed in one SFY may be 22 reinstated in the same or different status in a subsequent SFY. Blind Services data contains 23 records of VR or VR Transition cases closed in SFY’11 or SFY’12 and cases in open or closed 24 status from application through closure for SFY’13. 25 Limitations 26 While the CSNA provides insight into the needs of individuals with disabilities, there are 27 multiple limitations in the methodology that should be considered when using the findings. First, 28 the samples used were convenience samples that cannot represent the views of any group. 29 Second, it is unknown how technology issues impacted the completion of online surveys by 30 screen reader users. Several individuals did call to complete phone surveys, but others may have 31 refrained due to concerns over confidentiality. Also, given the constraints of the data collection 32 methods used, assessment findings related to the geographical location of unserved and 33 underserved populations in the state are limited. VRD plans to expand the capacity and use of 34 various data collection methods, which are expected to yield valuable information in subsequent 35 years. 36 37 CSNA Methodology FFY’15 38 Youth and students with disabilities were identified as an underserved population in the global 39 CSNA conducted in 2014. The focus of the follow-up FFY’15 CSNA was to understand the 40 experiences of youth and students with disabilities as they transition into postsecondary school 41 activities such as work and higher education. Multiple methods were used to gather and analyze 42 information. Data collection began in May 2015 and concluded in October 2015. Initial 43 interviews were conducted with nine stakeholders to gather basic information to guide focus 44 groups. Fourteen focus groups were held across the state with legacy DARS staff, education 45 professionals, and community stakeholders. Community stakeholders included anyone in a

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 45 1 community other than legacy DARS staff and educators who has a vested interest in students 2 with disabilities. Thus, community stakeholder groups included many parents, youth, and 3 professionals in the community. Special effort was made to contact parents whose children may 4 not attend public school. Based on the initial themes from these focus groups, online surveys 5 were developed. Surveys were completed by 844 legacy DARS staff, educators, and other 6 community professionals, as well as youth and parents. Data from the focus groups and 7 interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Data from the surveys was consolidated to 8 produce descriptive statistics. Both sets of data were then analyzed together through an iterative 9 process to develop the main findings of this needs assessment. 10 Findings for FY 2014 and FY 2015 11 Provide an assessment of the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within 12 the State, particularly the VR services needs of: 13 A. Individuals with the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported 14 employment services 15 The majority of participants in the FFY’14 broad-based CSNA who responded to questions in 16 this focus area indicated that there were not enough opportunities for those with the most 17 significant disabilities. Assessment results indicate the following: 18  More VR agency participation with schools for students with most significant 19 disabilities is needed. 20  There are gaps in services related to mental illness. 21  The number of placement opportunities for individuals with the most significant 22 disabilities should be expanded, particularly challenging supported employment placement 23 opportunities. 24  Strengthening of partnerships and collaborations with community partners such as 25 Texas community centers and Centers for Independent Living was recommended. 26  More individuals with the most significant disabilities could benefit from trial work 27 experiences and situational assessments. 28  Services for individuals with most significant disabilities continue to be an issue and 29 could benefit from expanded community outreach. 30 B. Individuals with Mental Health, Developmental, Intellectual, or Neurodevelopmental 31 Impairments 32 Individuals with mental health disorders have specifically been identified as an underserved 33 population of individuals who are not served as effectively as other customers. Additionally, 34 feedback from stakeholders during the CSNA process identified the need to more effectively 35 serve customers who have developmental, intellectual, or neurodevelopmental impairments. 36 While these groups constitute about a third of customers, the need focuses on those most difficult 37 to serve in these groups. Data shows that the rehabilitation rate for these groups over the three 38 years prior to the needs assessment was lower than the rest of the population served by up to 14 39 percent. 40 VR agencies across the nation are experiencing similar challenges with effectively serving these 41 underserved customer populations, and discussions at both the state and national levels are 42 focused on improving outcomes for these individuals. The challenges exist, in part, because for

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 46 1 many decades, the VR program was focused more on serving individuals with physical 2 disabilities. As a result, VR programs developed expertise and capacity to effectively serve 3 customers with a wide range of physical disabilities. Individuals with intellectual, 4 developmental, and mental health disabilities were present in the customer population, but in 5 lower numbers. However, the number of VR customers in these underserved populations has 6 grown steadily in recent years. This growth has occurred for a number of reasons, including but 7 not limited to, greater societal awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities, more 8 individuals being diagnosed and/or diagnosed properly, advances in assistive and adaptive 9 technologies, and public policy initiatives focused on ensuring that more individuals with 10 disabilities are integrated into their communities rather than being institutionalized. Particularly 11 related to these populations, the rehabilitation and educational communities and agencies have 12 become more aware of abilities (rather than disabilities) and the possibilities for employment. 13 Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services plan to focus on increasing staff knowledge and skills 14 with effective VR strategies for serving customers who have mental health, developmental, 15 intellectual, or neurodevelopmental impairments. Planned actions include the following: 16  Researching and implementing best practices in serving customers in these underserved 17 populations and seeking stakeholder feedback on solutions and strategies for improving 18 services; and 19  Increasing coordination and developing new partnerships with other state and community 20 organizations that serve individuals with developmental or intellectual impairments and 21 mental health challenges by: 22  partnering with organizations serving these individuals (for example, mental health 23 organizations, local authorities serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, 24 universities that offer treatment) to develop resources and expand knowledge about best 25 practices; 26  partnering with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Mental 27 Health Coordination to identify best practices, potential community partners, and 28 facilitate service coordination; and 29  building staff capacity and expertise to serve these populations through 30 implementation of best practices, coordination with state and community organizations, 31 and use of internal and external subject matter experts to provide staff training. 32 C. Individuals with disabilities served through other components of the statewide workforce 33 development system; and Strategies for Assisting other Components of the Statewide Workforce 34 Investment System to Benefit Individuals with Disabilities: 35 The 2015 needs assessment pointed out that there is a movement throughout the components of 36 the Texas workforce system for collaboration between systems to be established as a practice and 37 for resources to be committed to overcome barriers for individuals with disabilities. The 38 assessment observed that there are changes that can be made across systems to improve 39 collaboration and experiences for individuals with disabilities, such as providing models and 40 support for regular collaborations between schools, Rehabilitation Services, and Blind Services. 41 Additionally, the needs assessment expressed optimism that the legislative move of 42 Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services VR programs to TWC (effective September 1, 2016) 43 and the merger of Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services into one DSU by October 1, 2017, 44 will create opportunities to leverage resources and increase coordination with other components 45 of the state workforce system to enhance services to individuals with disabilities in Texas.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 47 1 D. Youth with disabilities and students with disabilities, including their need for pre-employment 2 transition services or other transition services; and an assessment of the needs of individuals 3 with disabilities for transition services and pre-employment transition services, and the extent to 4 which such services provided under WIOA are coordinated with transition services provided 5 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in order to meet the needs of individuals 6 with disabilities. 7 The FFY’15 needs assessment focused on youth and students with disabilities. This population 8 was specifically identified as underserved in the FY’14 needs assessment. Among the findings 9 was the belief that Rehabilitation Services should begin to serve this population earlier, with 9th 10 grade targeted as a good starting point. Certain populations may be underserved based on focus 11 group and survey results, specifically “504” students who are often not referred to Rehabilitation 12 Services—students with emotional problems, students with autism spectrum disorders, youth 13 who are homeless and/or in foster care, and students and youth who have substance abuse issues 14 and/or criminal histories. The needs assessment found that more specialized pre-employment 15 transition services are needed to help students with disabilities maximize occupational outcomes, 16 including career exploration, job skills training, and social skills training. Additionally, the 17 provision of ongoing support at a job, self-advocacy training, and supported employment 18 services were highlighted services that need enhancement. Providing skills training at schools 19 and access to community skills training classes while still in school were identified as a top 20 priority. 21 The FFY’15 needs assessment highlighted an inconsistent relationship between Rehabilitation 22 Services, Blind Services, and schools at the local level. Putting this in perspective, Texas has 23 over 1,200 school districts and over 398,000 students identified as having a disability under the 24 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Given these large numbers and the size of the state, 25 coordination between schools and Rehabilitation Services/Blind Services varies. The needs 26 assessment noted that some school districts coordinate well with Rehabilitation Services and 27 Blind Services counselors, while others cannot identify the counselor who is assigned to their 28 school. The needs assessment stressed that more counselors are needed in order to increase 29 coordination with schools throughout the state, especially considering the finding that 30 Rehabilitation Services should begin engaging with students at an earlier age. The needs 31 assessment also reports the need for more specialized pre-employment transition services and 32 enhanced coordination with schools. 33 The methods used to identify students and youth with disabilities in the most recent CSNA 34 included: 35  Obtaining demographics from the American Community Survey regarding the number of 36 students with disabilities in the state of Texas; 37  Collaborating with TEA to determine the number of students in the public education 38 system in Texas that were identified as having disabilities; and 39  Contacting the home-schooled network in Texas with regard to students with disabilities 40 who are not served by the public education system 41  The methods used for assessing the needs of students with disabilities for Pre-ETS and 42 transition services included obtaining feedback through: 43 o Surveys of staff, educators, community professionals, students and parents;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 48 1 o Demographic research; 2 o Focus groups; 3 o Customer data analysis; and 4 o Interviews with stakeholders 5 Services for Students with Disabilities 6 Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services will develop and implement strategies to achieve 7 consistency, increase coordination, and improve outcomes in the delivery of transition services. 8 Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services will leverage use of partnerships and business 9 relations to better prepare students for work and to obtain jobs. Counselors will receive training 10 and gain skills needed to develop stronger partnerships with ISDs. 11 Transition students can be on VR caseloads for long periods of time. Developing a work ethic is 12 critical for these individuals to succeed in VR and in work. Rehabilitation Services and Blind 13 Services need to ensure that each transition student has an experience in the work world, which 14 will help inform the student of career options, job expectations, labor market trends, and the soft 15 skills required to work. 16 Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services plan to focus on improving the effectiveness of 17 transition services by expanding partnerships with schools, community colleges, and technical 18 colleges, and increasing the availability of work-based learning experiences for transition 19 students. Planned actions include the following: 20  Evaluating and revising policy, procedures, and staffing strategies to improve consistency 21 and increase the effectiveness of transition services across the state; 22  Increasing staff knowledge and competencies to more effectively assist students with 23 disabilities to transition to postsecondary education and achieve employment goals, with a 24 particular focus on strategies to assist students with developmental or intellectual 25 impairments, autism, mental health challenges, and multiple disabilities; 26  Improving partnerships with TEA, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, high 27 schools, community colleges, stakeholders, and businesses to leverage relations that better 28 prepare students to transition to postsecondary education and the workforce; and 29  Expanding the availability of pre-employment transition services for students with 30 disabilities by developing opportunities for work-based learning experience programs to 31 include internships, job shadowing, pre-apprenticeships, volunteer placements, and on-the- 32 job training opportunities, to name a few, which will be based on the customer’s interests and 33 vocational goals; enhancing career guidance; and increasing the number of career mentor and 34 peer-to-peer mentor programs. 35 As of FY 2017, VRD and the RCT are collaborating to conduct the CSNA for the next three 36 fiscal years. In addition, VRD continues to assess the population of students with disabilities in 37 Texas in order to develop strategies to ensure that the five required Pre-Employment Transition 38 Services (Pre-ETS) are available to students. Pre-ETS required activities include: 39  Career Exploration; 40  Work-based Learning, including internships; 41  Counseling on post-secondary training opportunities;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 49 1  Work readiness, including skill related to independent living and social skills; and 2  Self-Advocacy. 3 In addition to these, Pre-ETS funds may be spent on the following additional authorized services: 4  implementing effective strategies to increase the likelihood of independent living and 5 inclusion in communities and competitive integrated workplaces; 6  developing and improving strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or 7 significant disabilities to live independently, participate in postsecondary educational 8 experiences, and obtain and retain competitive integrated employment; 9  providing instruction to vocational rehabilitation counselors, school transition personnel, 10 and other persons supporting students with disabilities; 11  disseminating information about innovative, effective, and efficient approaches to 12 achieve the goals of the WIOA; 13  coordinating activities with transition services provided by local educational agencies 14 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.); 15  applying evidence-based findings to improve policy, procedure, practice and the 16 preparation of personnel, in order to better achieve the goals of the WIOA; 17  developing model transition demonstration projects; 18  establishing or supporting multistate or regional partnerships involving states, local 19 educational agencies, designated state units, developmental disabilities agencies, private 20 businesses, or other participants to achieve the goals of the WIOA; and 21  disseminating information and strategies to improve the transition to postsecondary 22 activities of individuals who are members of traditionally un-served populations. 23 VRD views several of the additional authorized services as critical mechanisms to assist with the 24 implementation of the five required Pre-ETS; however, before a state may use Pre-ETS funds on 25 the additional authorized activities, the state must first conduct an assessment of needs for 26 students with disabilities. 27 VRD is employing multiple strategies to assess the needs of students with disabilities, beginning 28 with the CSNA conducted in FY 2015 and continuing with the CSNA currently underway. In 29 addition, the memorandum of agreement with the Texas Education Agency will be completed by 30 fall 2017 and will enable a greater degree of data sharing to more accurately assess the number 31 of students with disabilities who may be eligible or potentially eligible to receive Pre-ETS. VRD 32 is conducting active outreach and recruitment to ensure that SEA and LEA personnel, 33 community partners, and students are aware of the availability of Pre-ETS and the ways in which 34 VRD can partner with schools to provide Pre-ETS services that complement services available 35 under IDEA. 36 In FY 2017, TWC also launched Pathways to Careers (PCI), an $12.4M initiative to expand the 37 availability of Pre-ETS to Texas students with disabilities. PCI will ensure that Texas is 38 effectively preparing students with disabilities to achieve competitive, integrated employment 39 through participation in employability skills and work readiness training, career exploration 40 activities, work experience, and postsecondary education. PCI includes five new strategies that 41 build on the existing Pre-ETS activities already underway. They are:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 50 1  Summer Earn and Learn: a paid work experience program conducted in partnership with 2 Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards) and their employer partners; 3  Charting the Course: Planning for Life and Careers after High School: a series of 13 4 education, awareness and planning events for families, over five years, where students 5 beginning in 8th grade and their families learn about resources for career exploration, 6 information about postsecondary education and training opportunities, predictors for 7 successful employment/or postsecondary education completion, and accessing vocational 8 rehabilitation services as well as other public and community services to ensure the 9 student with a disability has the supports and services needed to maintain employment 10 and live independently in the community; 11  Career Pathways Academies: year-round programs in which cohorts of students would 12 receive intensive Pre-ETS services and instruction to prepare them for successful 13 transition to life after high school. These cohorts will include training in job readiness, 14 self-advocacy skills, independent living skills, career exploration, and work-based 15 learning opportunities, to name a few; 16  Explore STEM!: a strategy to inform and provide opportunities for students with 17 disabilities to learn about STEM occupations and training pathways to prepare them for 18 STEM-related employment; and 19  Transition Planning for Students in Private and Home Schools: a program which will 20 grow and foster partnerships that advance the participation and engagement of students 21 with disabilities enrolled in private or homeschool education in Pre-ETS activities across 22 Texas. The activities will be geared to ensure that students educated in private or 23 homeschool education settings are provided with opportunities to discover, explore, and 24 begin to develop career interests, talents and abilities that will be critical to building their 25 future career success. 26 E. Identify the need to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation programs within 27 the state: 28 Community Rehabilitation Programs 29 One of the improvements identified in the CSNA was the need to address the shortage of and 30 quality of CRPs in some areas of the state. Planned actions include the following: 31  Requiring CRP staff who provide job coaching, job placement, supported employment 32 services, and supported self-employment services to be credentialed in order to serve 33 Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services customers (to help ensure that all CRP staff 34 working with customers have and maintain, through the continuing education process, the 35 foundational skills necessary to effectively provide individualized, customized, goal-directed 36 services); 37  Initiating the use of “nontraditional” job coaching and job placement services to leverage the 38 experience of individuals in the local community (to allow non-CRP staff to work with a 39 customer when a CRP is not available; nontraditional providers can work with up to three 40 customers without becoming a credentialed, contracted CRP); 41  Helping support the provision of CRP services in rural areas, review potential travel mileage 42 reimbursement options for CRPs and formalize policy for this process in alignment with 43 agency practices and state statute;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 51 1  Using both the state-level and regional program specialist assigned to CRP services to work 2 with local Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services staff to recruit potential CRPs; 3  Facilitating “Think Tank” sessions that help staff better serve special population customers 4 such as those with autism and significant mental illness (SMI) by providing training, 5 education, and other resources; and 6  Continuing to work with other state agencies in the delivery of extended services (sometimes 7 referred to as long-term support) to customers. 8 Barriers 9 There were several barriers identified consistently across data sources. Some barriers such as 10 housing and transportation are outside the scope of VR programs, but they are significant 11 barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment. 12 Another barrier consistently noted is the lack of availability of appropriate jobs. Suggestions for 13 improving availability of jobs were noted in the town hall meetings. Participants suggested 14 outreach to employers to address attitudes and perceptions; better relationships between 15 Rehabilitation Services, Blind Services, and potential employers; and better opportunities for 16 self-employment. 17 Other barriers identified were lack of awareness of VR services among customers, parents, 18 doctors, and other medical professionals, as well as inadequate funding for services. 19 Concern over loss of benefits is a barrier identified through multiple surveys. Staff reported low 20 levels of knowledge of how work impacts Social Security benefits. Both staff and stakeholders 21 expressed that concern over loss of benefits is a disincentive to work. 22 Areas for Improvement 23 While the customer satisfaction surveys reported that customers were satisfied with their jobs 24 and wages, the stakeholder survey indicated dissatisfaction that was echoed in the town hall 25 meetings. Customer service issues such as responsiveness were noted as issues. The lack of and 26 quality of service providers (CRP providers) in some areas of the state was also a stated concern. 27 In general, there appears to be a perception that there is too much bureaucracy impeding the 28 rehabilitation process, particularly related to the eligibility process. 29 30 Ongoing Process for 2017 Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment 31 The next CSNA will be a full assessment conducted in 2017. Rehabilitation Services and Blind 32 Services will engage in a continuous process of collecting and analyzing data for a robust and 33 effective assessment of the needs of Texans with disabilities. In recognition of WIOA’s focus on 34 students with disabilities and youth, pre-employment transition services, and supported 35 employment, and in addition to the methodology used in the most recent CSNA, efforts going 36 forward will be enhanced to include surveys and/or focus groups throughout the state with staff, 37 transition-age customers, families, TEA representatives, home-school networks, and other 38 stakeholders. 39 TWC and the RCT will implement the following approach to the FFY’17–19 CSNA: 40 Year 1 - FFY’17 41  Conduct full CSNA, including demographic data and feedback from customers, stakeholder 42 groups and others as determined 43

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 52 1 Year 2 - FFY’18 2  Submit the full CSNA in March 2018 as part of the mid-point modification to the Combined 3 State Plan 4  Update demographic data 5  Conduct a targeted, in-depth assessment of one or more areas identified in the full CSNA 6 Year 3 - FFY’19 7  Update demographic data and evaluate progress 8 9 10 11 Annual Estimates

12 13 1. The number of individuals in the state who are eligible for services: 14 15 The 2014 Disability Status Report published by the Cornell University Employment and 16 Disability Institute estimates the percentage of noninstitutionalized working-age (ages 16 to 64) 17 Texans with disabilities, using data from the 2014 American Community Survey, at 9.7 percent 18 of the total population of 26.9 million, or 2,609,300 individuals potentially eligible for services. 19 VRD anticipates the number of individuals applying for VR services will gradually increase in 20 2017–2018. The following table shows the actual number of VR applications for FFY’12–’16, 21 and projections for FFY’17–’18. The projected trend in applications is attributable to a continued 22 effort by VRD to increase outreach, referrals, and partnerships with other state agencies.

23 Table 1: Actual and Projected Applications for VR Services FFY’12–’18 Year Number of Percent Change Number of Customers Percent Applications From Prior Year Determined Eligible Change from Prior Year 2012 38,104 27,197 2013 36,606 -3.93% 26,352 -3.11% 2014 41,030 12.09% 30,568 16.00% 2015 40,624 -0.99% 34,128 11.65% 2016 42,736 5.20% 35,908 5.22% 2017 43,805 2.50% 36,806 2.50% 2018 44,900 2.50% 37,726 2.50% 24 25 2. The number of eligible individuals who will receive services under: 26 27 The following table shows the actual number of eligible VR customers served FFY’13–’16, and 28 projections for FFY’17–’18. “Customers served” for this purpose is defined as customers 29 receiving purchased or staff-provided services. Customers who have “supported employment” 30 marked “yes” on their IPE are classified as Title VI; otherwise they are classified as Title I.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 53 1 2 Table 2: Actual and Projected Number of VR Customers Served by Title I and VI Funds 3 FFY’13–’18 Number Percent Change from Year Program Served Prior Year 2013 Vocational Rehabilitation - Title I 69,492

2014 Vocational Rehabilitation - Title I 70,612 1.61%

2013 Supported Employment - Title VI 8,114

2014 Supported Employment - Title VI 8,222 1.33%

5 3. The number of individuals who are eligible for VR services, but are not receiving such 6 services due to an order of selection: 7 Texas is not under an order of selection. 8 9 4. The cost of services for the number of individuals estimated to be eligible for services. 10 If under an order of selection, identify the cost of services for each priority 11 category. 12 13 VRD does not anticipate a significant change in the average cost of services. This average 14 considers the total costs of a case from application to closure for all cases closed with an 15 employment outcome during the federal fiscal year. 16 17 The following chart details the estimated funds for purchased services and customers served by 18 Title I and VI funds. “Customers served” for this purpose is defined as customers with a 19 purchased service during the fiscal year in order to more accurately represent average and total 20 cost. Estimates are based on a number of factors, including: 21  a review of the number of individuals applying for VR services in previous years;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 54 1  a review of the number of eligible individuals served in previous years; 2  the anticipated population growth in Texas; and 3  other variables that may impact the number of eligible individuals in the state. 4 5 Table 3: Estimated Caseloads and Costs (FFY’17–’18) Estimated Average Cost Estimated Total Year Program Number to of Services Funds be Served Vocational Rehabilitation - 2017 63,697 $ 2,441 $ 155,484,377 Title I

Vocational Rehabilitation - 2018 65,817 $ 2,441 $ 160,659,297 Title I

Supported Employment - Title 2017 793 $ 1,530 $ 1,213,290 VI

Supported Employment - Title 2018 771 $ 1,530 $ 1,179,630 VI

7 Assuming current trends continue, VRD believes there are funds available to serve all 8 individuals currently eligible for VR services and individuals in plan status. VRD anticipates 9 having the necessary funds to cover the cost of expected eligibility determinations and planned 10 services.

11 Factors that could change the VRD estimates include: 12  changes in federal and state appropriations; and 13  changes in state statutes. 14 Should further information become available about the impacts of these changes on VR 15 programs, projections will be updated.

16 State’s Goals and Priorities 17 1. Identify if the goals and priorities were jointly developed: 18 Identify if the goals and priorities were jointly developed and agreed to by the State VR agency 19 and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the State has a Council, and jointly agreed to any 20 revisions. 21 TWC VRD and RCT collaborated to establish goals and priorities to advance the continued 22 provision of high-quality VR services to eligible customers. Both agree that the following 23 priorities are critical to the successful accomplishment of these goals: 24  Enhance the quality and scope of services through appropriate coordination with other 25 agencies and organizations; and

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 55 1  Maximize funding for the program by identifying and using available comparable services 2 and benefits. 3 4 2. Identify the goals and priorities in carrying out the VR and Supported Employment programs. 5 6 Goal Area 1: Target Populations 7 Priorities: 8  Improve customer employment outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities to 9 include individuals who are blind or significantly visually impaired, individuals who are 10 from minority backgrounds, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (including 11 autism, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities), individuals with mental health 12 disorders, and veterans with disabilities. 13  Increase counselors’ knowledge of work incentives and the effect of earnings on Social 14 Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income to improve counselors’ 15 provision of vocational counseling on decisions impacting employment. 16  Provide a customer service delivery system that makes information available to customers on 17 their options for services, providers, careers, and other areas, to (1) enable informed customer 18 choice and (2) deliver quality and timely services. 19 Goal Area 2: Services to Students and Youth with Disabilities 20 Priorities 21  Expand and improve vocational rehabilitation services, including pre-employment transition 22 services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to 23 postsecondary education and/or employment, and improve coordination with state and local 24 secondary and postsecondary educational entities. 25  Provide supported employment services to youth and other individuals with the most 26 significant disabilities who require extended support in order to achieve and maintain an 27 employment outcome. 28 Goal Area 3: Partnerships 29 Priorities: 30  Enhance collaboration and coordination with Boards, employers, and other stakeholders to 31 increase competitive integrated employment outcomes and work-based learning experiences, 32 which may include in-school or after-school opportunities such as internships, volunteer 33 positions, and summer and year-round work experience programs. 34 3. Ensure that the goals and priorities are based on an analysis of the following areas: 35 A. The most recent comprehensive statewide assessment, including any updates: 36 Data from the latest CSNA was used to establish the VRD goals and priorities. 37 38 The FFY’15 CSNA focused on youth and students with disabilities. This population was 39 specifically identified as underserved in the FY’14 CSNA. Among the findings was the belief 40 that Rehabilitation Services should begin to serve this population earlier, with ninth grade 41 targeted as a good starting point. Based on focus group and survey results, certain populations 42 may be underserved, specifically “504” students who are often not referred to Rehabilitation 43 Services—students with emotional problems, students with autism spectrum disorders, youth

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 56 1 who are homeless and/or in foster care, and students and youth who have substance abuse issues 2 and/or criminal histories. 3 4 The CSNA found that more specialized pre-employment transition services are needed to help 5 students with disabilities maximize occupational outcomes, including career exploration; job 6 placement services; job skills training; and social skills training. Additionally, the provision of 7 ongoing support at a job, self-advocacy training, and supported employment services were 8 highlighted as needing enhancement. Providing skills training at schools and access to 9 community skills training classes while still in school were identified as a top priority. 10 11 The FY’15 CSNA highlighted an inconsistent relationship between Rehabilitation Services, 12 Blind Services, and schools at the local level. Putting this in perspective, Texas has over 1,200 13 school districts and over 398,000 students identified as having a disability under the Individuals 14 with Disabilities Education Act. Given these large numbers and the size of the state, coordination 15 between schools and Rehabilitation Services/Blind Services varies. The CSNA noted that some 16 school districts coordinate well with Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services counselors, 17 while others cannot identify the counselor who is assigned to their school. The CSNA stressed 18 that more counselors are needed in order to increase coordination with schools throughout the 19 state, especially considering the finding that Rehabilitation Services should begin engaging with 20 students at an earlier age. The CSNA reports the need for more specialized pre-employment 21 transition services and enhanced coordination with schools. 22 23 Based on these findings, VRD is developing and implementing strategies to achieve consistency, 24 increase coordination, and improve outcomes in the delivery of transition services. VRD is 25 leveraging use of partnerships and business relations to better prepare students for work and to 26 obtain jobs. Counselors are receiving training to gain the skills needed to develop stronger 27 partnerships with ISDs. 28 29 VRD is focusing on improving the effectiveness of transition services by expanding partnerships 30 with schools, community colleges, and technical colleges, and increasing the availability of work 31 experience for transition students. Actions in progress include: 32  evaluating and revising policy, procedures, and staffing strategies to improve consistency and 33 increase the effectiveness of transition services across the state; 34  increasing staff knowledge and competencies to more effectively assist students with 35 disabilities to transition to postsecondary education and achieve employment goals, with a 36 particular focus on strategies to assist students with developmental or intellectual 37 impairments, autism, mental health challenges, and multiple disabilities; 38  improving partnerships with TEA, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, high 39 schools, community colleges, stakeholders, and businesses to leverage relations that better 40 prepare students to transition to postsecondary education and the workforce; 41  expanding the availability of services for students with disabilities by developing 42 opportunities for work experience programs to include internships, job shadowing, 43 apprenticeships, volunteer placements, and on-the-job training opportunities, to name a few, 44 based on the customer’s interests and vocational goals; 45  enhancing career guidance; and

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 57 1  increasing the number of career mentor and peer-to-peer mentor programs. 2 B. The state’s performance under the performance accountability measures of §116 of WIOA: 3 The U.S. Departments of Labor and Education acknowledge that due to insufficient historical 4 data to establish levels of performance and targets, they will use a phased-in approach to set 5 levels of performance. Therefore it is not possible at this time to project VRD performance on 6 the new WIOA performance accountability measures. For Program Year 2016 (PY’16) and 7 PY’17, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has authorized VR nationwide to 8 develop baseline statistics from which future projections can be made. As a result of these 9 considerations, the historical standards and indicators are included in this plan to evaluate past 10 performance, and as a proxy for performance accountability measures for purposes of this plan. 11 VRD will use the combined performance and accountability measures with negotiated targets in 12 future years covered by this plan. 13 C. Other available information on the operation and effectiveness of the VR program, including 14 any reports received from the State Rehabilitation Council and finding and recommendations 15 from monitoring activities conducted under §107: 16 Information obtained from the following sources was used to establish VRD’s goals and 17 priorities: 18  WIOA Joint Rule for Unified and Combined State Plans, Performance Accountability, 19 and the One-Stop System Joint Provisions Final Rule published August 19, 2016; 20  RCT Annual Report; 21  Texas Workforce Investment Council plan; 22  State and Legislative Budget Board measures; 23  Reports to RCT on the DSU’s progress in implementing strategies and priorities in the 24 VR state plan, etc.; 25  Legacy DARS performance on RSA Evaluation Standards and Performance Indicators; 26 and 27  Input from customers, advocacy organizations, and providers.

28 Goals and Plans for Distribution of Title VI Supported Employment Funds 29 TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division (VRD) provides supported employment services for 30 customers with the most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant 31 disabilities, through the use of funds received under Title VI, Part B §622 (also known as the 32 supported employment program) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. 33 VR customers with the most significant disabilities may have multiple disabilities or functional 34 limitations that result in the requirement for extended support services in order to retain 35 competitive integrated employment. 36 Texas’ goals and priorities for funds received under §603 of the Rehabilitation Act for the 37 provision of supported employment services are integral to the state’s overall plan to provide 38 supported employment services that result in a competitive integrated employment outcome for 39 VRD customers. 40 Goal Area 1: Target Populations

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 58 1 The goals for Goal Area 1 are as follows: 2  Improve customer employment outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities, 3 including but not limited to individuals who are blind or significantly visually impaired; 4 individuals who are from minority backgrounds; individuals with neurodevelopmental 5 disorders (including autism, intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities); individuals 6 with mental health disorders; and veterans with disabilities. 7  Increase counselors’ knowledge of work incentives and the effect of earnings on Social 8 Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income to improve counselors’ 9 ability to provide vocational counseling on decisions impacting employment. 10  Provide a customer service delivery system that makes information available to customers on 11 their options for services, providers, careers, and other areas, to enable them to make 12 informed choices and to provide them with quality services that are delivered in a timely 13 manner. 14 Goal Area 2: Services to Students and Youth with Disabilities 15 The goals for Goal Area 2 are as follows: 16  Expand and improve vocational rehabilitation services, including pre-employment transition 17 services for students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to 18 postsecondary education and/or employment, and improve coordination with state and local 19 secondary and postsecondary educational entities. 20  Provide supported employment services for youth and other individuals with the most 21 significant disabilities who require extended support to achieve and maintain employment. 22 Goal Area 3: Partnerships 23 The goal for Goal Area 3 is to enhance collaboration and coordination with local workforce 24 development boards, employers, and other stakeholders to increase competitive integrated 25 employment outcomes and work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or 26 after-school opportunities such as internships, volunteer positions, and summer and year-round 27 work experience programs. 28 In addition to the above goals, priorities for funds received under the Rehabilitation Act §603 are 29 to increase the number of customers receiving supported employment services who achieve 30 employment outcomes and the number of supported employment services providers statewide, 31 and maintain the number of customers receiving supported employment services within their 32 home communities. 33 Funding 34 WIOA Title VI, Part B and/or §110 funding is available statewide to VR counselors to serve 35 Texans with the most significant disabilities. Services leading to supported employment are 36 integrated into the VR service delivery system. At case closure, or at the conclusion of any time- 37 limited post-employment services, the services paid for by Title VI, Part B and/or §110 funds are 38 concluded. Title I funds are used to provide services leading to supported employment when 39 Title VI, Part B funds are not available. This creates an opportunity for more customers with the 40 most significant disabilities, including youth with the most significant disabilities, to have access 41 to supported employment services. VRD is reserving 50 percent of supported employment funds 42 for youth with the most significant disabilities as mandated by WIOA.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 59 1 Extended services and support may be necessary to maintain the employment outcome after a 2 customer’s case has been closed. Extended services and support involve either on- or off-site 3 monitoring (as requested by the customer or legal representative) for as long as needed to ensure 4 the customer’s job stability. Extended services and support are provided and funded by sources 5 other than VRD and may include the employer. Both natural supports and paid supports, 6 including long-term supports and services provided by other state and federal programs, can be 7 used to facilitate extended services. Extended services may be provided for up to four years, if 8 needed. 9 Timing of Transition to Extended Services 10 Extended services are provided to the VR customer when he or she reaches job stability, defined 11 as: 12  performing in a competitive, integrated job to the employer’s satisfaction; 13  satisfied with the job placement; 14  having the necessary modifications and accommodations at the worksite; 15  having reliable transportation to and from work; and 16  having extended services and support needs in place. 17 As a customer progresses through the supported employment process, VRD uses naturally 18 occurring work supports as extended services. As appropriate, paid support is administered 19 through other state agencies or community resources not funded by VRD. Documentation 20 requirements for supported employment services require the CRP to identify strategies for using 21 the naturally occurring work or social supports (including ongoing natural and paid supports) for 22 extended services. A customer’s extended services are identified and documented in the 23 customer’s Individualized Plan for Employment. VRD providers do not provide services to 24 customers during the 90-day period between “Job Stability” and “Service Closure.” If VRD 25 providers do provide direct services to customers during this period, job stability is interrupted 26 and the 90-day stability period starts over. Once customers successfully maintain job stability for 27 90 days with extended services being provided by non-vocational rehabilitation resources only, 28 the VRD-supported employment case is closed. 29 VRD identifies and makes arrangements, including entering into cooperative agreements, with 30 other state agencies and other appropriate entities to assist in the provision of supported 31 employment services. VRD coordinates with other public or non-profit agencies or organizations 32 within the state, employers, natural supports, and other entities with respect to the provision of 33 extended services. Collaboration with community organizations and other state agencies, to 34 identify, develop, and implement cooperative agreements and partnerships, is essential to 35 achieving successful employment outcomes for customers, particularly those with the most 36 significant disabilities. 37 Other Funding Sources 38 Potential funding sources include the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program, 39 DSHS, the state mental health agency, CILs, Medicaid/CHIP—the administrative authority for 40 all Medicaid waivers and state plan services. Additionally, HHSC, the intellectual and 41 developmental disabilities state agency, is a potential funding source and is the operating 42 authority for the following: 43  The majority of 1915(c) state Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Medicaid 44 waivers;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 60 1  1915(k) Community First Choice; 2  Title XX community services; and 3  Employment services provided through state general revenue funds.

4 State’s Strategies and Use of Title I Funds for Innovation and Expansion 5 Activities 6 1. The methods to be used to expand and improve services to individuals with disabilities: 7 In an effort to expand and improve services to all individuals with disabilities, VRD will: 8  increase coordination with mental health organizations, local school districts, postsecondary 9 education institutions, and HHSC’s Office of Mental Health Coordination; 10  build staff capacity and expertise through the use of internal and external subject matter 11 experts to provide training to counselors working in specialized areas including autism;

12  continue to refine the VRD quality assurance process, and quality improvement program, to 13 evaluate and monitor performance; and

14  increase VRD usage of labor market and career information and data available for the 15 purpose of identifying target occupations, and placement and/or advancement opportunities 16 for program participants. 17 18 2. How a broad range of assistive technology services and devices will be provided to 19 individuals with disabilities at each stage of the rehabilitation process and on a statewide basis: 20 21 A broad range of assistive technology services and devices may be provided at each stage of the 22 rehabilitation process. During FFY’14 and FFY’15, DARS reserved and used funds for 23 Innovation and Expansion (I&E) activities to implement strategies. 24 25 Assistive technology services and tools are parts of a technology-based approach used to 26 maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities as part 27 of the rehabilitation process. It is a primary goal of VRD to expand the knowledge, access, and 28 use of assistive technology for all customers, staff, employers, and community partners. 29 Examples of VRD strategies include: 30  consultation on and assistance with vehicle modifications, work place modifications, and 31 residential modifications; 32  research regarding new and emerging technologies; and 33  exploring ways in which assistive technology can be more efficiently applied as a part of VR 34 services to students with disabilities and VRD services to employers. 35 Assistive technology from the University of Texas’ Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP) 36 is a viable resource for customers. This program has updated equipment, and VRD will enhance 37 its partnership with the University of Texas’ TTAP. 38 VRD will be entering into an MOA with TTAP, the implementing entity designated by the state 39 governor under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 §4 (29 U.S.C. 3003), to coordinate 40 activities, including the referral of individuals with disabilities. Currently VRD refers customers 41 to TTAP demonstration centers located throughout the state to ensure that customers have an

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 61 1 informed choice of assistive technology and that equipment purchased by VRD meets customer 2 needs. 3 VRD participates in annual joint presentations with TTAP at Ability Expo in Houston, which 4 provides opportunities for customers to learn about new adaptive equipment and assistive 5 technology that can assist them in maintaining competitive integrated employment. 6 In FY’13, legacy DARS assembled and provided each of the five regions with an assistive 7 technology kit that contained the technology most frequently requested by VR customers. In 8 May 2016, updated assistive technology kits were provided to each of the regions. The kits 9 included items such as iPads, Live Scribe Smart Pens, Adesso Bluetooth Mini Keyboard, etc. 10 The Regional Assistive Technology Toolkits enable customers to use a “try it before you buy it” 11 approach to help validate the appropriateness of the assistive solution; and to ensure customers’ 12 satisfaction with a device and need for training on use of the technology. 13 The assistive technology needs of VR customers are assessed on an individual basis. When 14 assistive technology needs are identified, counselors consult with the state office program 15 specialist for assistive technology to determine the available assistive technology options that can 16 meet the customers’ needs to reduce impediments to employment and training. Additionally, 17 VRD contracts with private vendors to provide assistive technology evaluations. Through these 18 evaluations, customers and counselors are presented with assistive technology options that can 19 best meet the customers’ needs. 20 VRD also is expanding capacity of staff in the area of assistive technology by training regional 21 teams to become subject matter experts in assistive technology. By having more assistive 22 technology subject matter experts, VRD will ensure appropriate equipment is loaned to 23 customers and/or purchased. 24 3. The outreach procedures that will be used to identify and serve individuals with disabilities 25 who are minorities, including those with the most significant disabilities, as well as those who 26 have been unserved or underserved by the VR program: 27 VRD employs several strategies to identify underserved populations, including minorities, those 28 with significant, neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism), psychological disorders (such 29 as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), and veterans with disabilities. 30 Outreach to Individuals with Disabilities Who Are Minorities 31 VRD engages in numerous programs and activities designed to inform and make available VR 32 and supported employment services to minorities and those who have the most significant 33 disabilities. Examples of these activities include: 34  required training in language services for individuals with LEP for all VRD staff (this 35 training provides guidance on best practices and specific resources for effectively 36 communicating with our unique population of LEP customers; it also includes web-based 37 instruction and desk references for quick access to information); 38  ongoing outreach initiatives with colleges and universities that have historically served 39 African American students; 40  collaboration with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of East Texas to make services available to 41 Native Americans with disabilities; 42  customer access to the Language Line as a resource for those who are not fluent in English;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 62 1  VRD staff attendance at community job fairs held for the Hispanic population and meeting 2 with groups, such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Casa de Amigos, the League of 3 United Latin American Citizens, and Catholic Charities (for example, VRD has targeted 4 outreach activities with Catholic Charities of Lubbock and the Guadalupe-Parkway 5 Neighborhood Centers); 6  outreach activities with African American groups such as the local Sickle Cell Anemia 7 Association, Minority Business Alliance, African American Family Conference, and NAACP 8 (for example, the Abilene office has an ongoing relationship with the International Rescue 9 Committee, which works with a high percentage of African refugees); 10  collaboration with the American G.I. Forum that targets the needs of Hispanic veterans and 11 has assigned bilingual counselors who have completed the Social Security work incentive 12 training to work with veterans with significant disabilities receiving SSDI benefits and 13 wanting to work; 14  counselor participation in training to learn to speak other languages and to learn sign 15 language; 16  specialized caseloads for certain disabilities to help develop the expertise needed to most 17 benefit the customers served; 18  active recruitment of Spanish-speaking VR counselors; 19  development of relationships with local referral sources that serve individuals who are 20 minorities who have the most significant disabilities; 21  knowledge of issues impacting minorities is encouraged, including trainings and health 22 summits conducted by the Center for the Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities, 23 which many staff members have attended; and 24  engagement with the faith-based community to educate and inform minority and other allied 25 congregations about VRD services (for example, VRD staff participates in the Texas Annual 26 Conference of the United Methodist Church). 27 Outreach to Serve Individuals with Disabilities Who Have Been Unserved or Underserved 28 by Vocational Rehabilitation 29 Texas veterans with disabilities are an underserved VR customer group. To better serve this 30 population of customers, VRD will increase VR services to veterans with disabilities and 31 improve coordination with other federal and state entities providing veterans’ services by: 32  evaluating policies, procedures, and rules specific to veterans to provide seamless and 33 efficient access to services for veterans with disabilities; 34  ensuring staff is aware of the existing MOU between legacy DARS and the U.S. Department 35 of Veterans Affairs, which details the referral process between the two entities and 36 coordination of services on behalf of eligible veterans; 37  enhancing coordination with other entities serving veterans with disabilities, to help veterans 38 more easily navigate available programs and services; 39  expanding the Veterans Think Tank, which consists of internal and external subject matter 40 experts who share knowledge, resources, and strategies to more efficiently and effectively 41 coordinate services and case management activities; and

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 63 1  increasing collaboration with veterans’ stakeholder organizations and service providers to 2 include: 3  TWC’s Texas Veterans Leadership Program 4  Texas Veterans Commission 5  HHSC 6  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 7 The CSNA identified other underserved populations such as youth transitioning from high school 8 and individuals with mental illness. These results are consistent with the priority areas identified 9 in early 2014 during the legacy DARS strategic planning process for FY’15– 19. Additionally, 10 the CSNA identified several opportunities for continued improvement of service delivery 11 processes, including increasing customer engagement, improving customer service, streamlining 12 eligibility, and increasing staff and customer knowledge of work incentives and how work 13 impacts Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income. These 14 opportunities for improvement are further addressed in section “j. Statewide Needs Assessment” 15 of this plan. 16 State Rehabilitation Council Support 17 RCT partners with VRD in fulfilling the requirements of the federal Rehabilitation Act for the 18 delivery of quality, customer-responsive VR services. Its stated mission is to partner with TWC 19 to advocate for Texans with disabilities in the VR process. 20 21 RCT is a valued and active partner in the development of VR goals, priorities, and policies; 22 funds are allocated by TWC for the operation of RCT to meet its mandate and obligations. RCT 23 reviews, analyzes, and advises TWC on: 24  performance related to eligibility; 25  the extent, scope, and effectiveness of VR services; and 26  functions performed by TWC. 27 RCT also reviews findings from annual customer satisfaction surveys and assists with the VRD 28 VR state plan and the comprehensive statewide needs assessment. 29 4. The methods to be used to improve and expand VR services for students with disabilities, 30 including the coordination of services designed to facilitate the transition of such students from 31 school to postsecondary life (including the receipt of VR services, postsecondary education, 32 employment, and pre-employment transition services). 33 VRD developed a formalized method of reviewing proposed ideas and initiatives for Pre-ETS. 34 This method includes the establishment of a core group of staff that reviews proposed ideas for 35 Pre-ETS on a weekly basis. A Pre-ETS mailbox was developed so field staff can ask questions 36 and obtain consistent responses from the state transition program specialists leading up to 37 implementation of Pre-ETS. 38 The following strategies will expand and improve VR services for students and youth with 39 disabilities who are transitioning from high school to postsecondary education and/or 40 employment, and improve coordination with state and local secondary and postsecondary 41 educational entities by:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 64 1  providing supported employment services to youth with the most significant disabilities, and 2 enhanced coordination to ensure extended support is in place for customers to achieve and 3 maintain employment outcomes; 4  evaluating, revising, and developing policy, procedures, and staffing strategies to improve 5 consistency and increase effectiveness in the provision of transition services; 6  expanding and increasing partnerships with schools to facilitate the coordination and 7 provision of Pre-ETS to students with disabilities; 8  expanding and increasing partnerships with state and local secondary and postsecondary 9 educational institutions and organizations to facilitate the identification of best practices, 10 leveraged resources, and improved coordination; 11  continuing Project HIRE and Project SEARCH programs that assist students and youth with 12 developmental disabilities to successfully transition to postsecondary training and 13 competitive, integrated employment, respectively; 14  developing and delivering a transition training module on best practices pertaining to 15 provision of transition services, guidance and career exploration, postsecondary options, job 16 readiness, and encouragement of customer self-advocacy; 17  collaborating with TEA, education service centers, TWC, LEAs, and community and 18 technical colleges to improve access and transition for students moving from secondary to 19 postsecondary education and training; 20  developing additional work experience options such as part-time, summer, and volunteer 21 work experiences and other work-based learning opportunities; and 22  enhancing existing Pre-ETS initiated in 2016: summer work experience, transition nights, 23 transition academies, and STEM career awareness and exploration. These activities leverage 24 partnerships with Boards, secondary and postsecondary education institutions, and 25 employers. 26 5. If applicable, plans for establishing, developing, or improving community rehabilitation 27 programs within the state: 28 VRD staff work with a network of CRPs across the state and continue to operate an outcome- 29 based payment system for supported employment and job placement services. To increase the 30 competencies of these CRP partners, VRD: 31  requires contracted CRPs to obtain training and credentialing to ensure that CRP job coaches, 32 job skills trainers, job placement specialists, supported employment specialists, supported 33 self-employment, and CRP directors who oversee those positions meet basic criteria to 34 effectively deliver employment services; 35  continually assesses the need to change or modify CRP services based on the emerging needs 36 of customers and businesses; 37  has implemented new Work Experience services to allow customers to participate in 38 volunteer, internship, or paid temporary work settings—these services help customers learn 39 or enhance soft and hard skills in areas of interest and can also help customers validate a 40 potential or planned vocational goal for placement; Work Experience services can also be 41 used for trial work evaluations as a means of providing information necessary to determine 42 eligibility;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 65 1  continually explores opportunities to add innovative programs supportive of WIOA Pre-ETS 2 requirements and other services to prepare and support customers in their long-term 3 employment placement; 4  continues to review the need for revising the outcome-based payment method for supported 5 employment and job placement to better serve (1) transition of employment for people with 6 persistent and serious mental illness, (2) supported self-employment, and (3) individuals with 7 autism. In 2014, legacy DARS added the employment premium service to reward providers 8 who maintain training and skills necessary to work with specific populations to increase 9 successful outcomes; the services eligible for the premium are criminal background, wage, 10 professional placement, deaf and hard of hearing, and Autism Spectrum Disorder; 11  has implemented the use of transition educator providers. The transition educator service 12 provider is an individual who is not currently a contracted provider; has a master’s degree or 13 a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, counseling and guidance, psychology, education, or a 14 related field; and is or has been an employee of a school system or a Texas education service 15 center within the past fiscal year. These providers were added to better meet the needs of 16 transition age students; and 17  requires CRPs to identify strategies for using the naturally occurring work and social 18 supports (including ongoing natural and paid supports) for extended services. 19 6. Strategies to improve the performance of the state with respect to the performance 20 accountability measures under §116 of WIOA: 21 VRD maintains a quality assurance and quality improvement framework. This framework 22 includes the concept of continuous quality assurance and quality improvement through the use of 23 mission and strategic planning, leadership, communication, customer satisfaction results, data 24 analysis, monitoring, and performance evaluation. This involves strategies to improve 25 performance with respect to WIOA §116 performance accountability measures and includes the 26 following actions: 27  VRD, in cooperation TWC Operational Insight, will collect, monitor, and evaluate data 28 for the WIOA core measures, and develop strategies to address gaps in performance that are 29 identified through routine reports, quarterly performance reports through on-site budget and 30 performance reviews, and the quality assurance program. 31  VRD will assess and identify staff training needs and opportunities to build competency 32 and increase capacity to assist program participants with identification of an employment 33 goal and development of the Individualized Plan for Employment. 34  VRD will implement training courses and develop new community partnerships to focus 35 on postsecondary education as a means to increase employment in high-skill, high-wage 36 occupations by increasing the number of customers receiving postsecondary education and 37 training. 38  VRD will replicate initiatives such as Project HIRE and Project SEARCH to provide 39 training and certificates as well as on-the-job skills gains and/or credentials for employment. 40  VRD has consolidated its General and Blind Business Relations Teams into one unit. It is 41 composed of Business Relations Coordinators (BRCs) from each division who work with 42 regional and field management and staff to provide a variety of services to employers. VRD 43 will continue to enhance its system to assess and monitor effectiveness in serving employers.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 66 1 The VR BRCs will coordinate more closely with Boards, and work in partnership and as 2 team members in the Business Services Units. 3 7. Strategies for assisting other components of the statewide workforce development system in 4 assisting individuals with disabilities: 5 As a division of TWC, VRD participates in the planning for and evaluation of the Texas 6 workforce system conducted by the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC), which serves 7 as the state workforce investment board. These activities include: 8  participating in the development and implementation of the state-mandated strategic plan for 9 the Texas workforce system; 10  participating in TWIC meetings and serving on the TWIC Apprenticeship and Training 11 Advisory Committee; and 12  reporting quarterly and annually as requested by TWIC on the division’s activities to 13 implement goals and objectives in the Texas workforce system strategic plan. 14 VRD works closely with other TWC staff to provide information, partner on community 15 initiatives, and enhance customer referral processes. Across the state, VRD counselors have 16 strong relationships with the 15 Disability Navigators located at Workforce Solutions Offices to 17 provide consultation on disability issues to workforce system staff, and provide direct assistance 18 to customers with disabilities as needed. 19 Ongoing collaborative efforts between VRD and each of the 28 Boards have resulted in projects, 20 initiatives, and processes such as joint community outreach and awareness events, summer youth 21 initiatives, employer symposia and job fairs, customer referrals, coordination of services, and 22 cross-training for staff. 23 8. How TWC’s strategies will be used to: 24 A. Achieve goals and priorities by the state, consistent with the comprehensive needs 25 assessment: 26 Goal Area 1: Target Populations 27 Priorities 28  Improve customer employment outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities, 29 including but not limited to individuals who are blind or significantly visually impaired; 30 individuals who are from minority backgrounds; individuals with neurodevelopmental 31 disorders (including autism, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities); individuals 32 with mental health disorders, and veterans with disabilities. 33  Increase counselors’ knowledge of work incentives and the effect of earnings on Social 34 Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income to improve counselors’ 35 ability to provide vocational counseling on decisions impacting employment. 36  Provide a customer service delivery system that makes information available to customers on 37 their options for services, providers, careers, and other areas, to enable them to make 38 informed choices and to provide them with quality services that are delivered in a timely 39 manner. 40 Strategies 41  Strengthening and expanding collaboration, outreach, and education with various partners 42 to efficiently and effectively use existing resources.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 67 1  Assessing business processes, policy, training, and organizational capacity on an ongoing 2 basis to make consistent improvements in employment outcomes. 3  Increasing employer knowledge and awareness regarding the benefits of hiring 4 individuals with disabilities. 5  Increasing customer knowledge and awareness of VRD services and benefits offered to 6 individuals with disabilities, and other state and federal assistance programs. 7  Promoting the use of the Language Line as a resource for those who are not fluent in 8 English. 9  Actively recruiting VR counselors who are Spanish speakers to better serve the Hispanic 10 population. 11  Strengthening and developing relationships with local referral sources that serve 12 individuals who are minorities who have the most significant disabilities. 13  Providing eye exams to Hispanic individuals in south Texas who lack other medical 14 resources. 15 Success will be measured by: 16  an increase in the number of individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, 17 neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism), or mental health disorders, and veterans 18 served; 19  an increase in the number of successful employment outcomes for target populations; and 20  enhanced consumer satisfaction results indicated by the consumer satisfaction survey. 21 Goal Area 2: Services to Students and Youth with Disabilities 22 Priorities 23  Expand and improve VR services, including Pre-ETS for students with disabilities who are 24 transitioning from high school to postsecondary education and/or employment, and improve 25 coordination with state and local secondary and postsecondary educational entities. 26  Provide supported employment services to youth and other individuals with the most 27 significant disabilities who require extended support in order to achieve and maintain an 28 employment outcome. 29 Strategies 30 VRD developed a formalized method of reviewing proposed ideas and initiatives for Pre-ETS. 31 This method includes the establishment of a core group of staff who reviews proposed ideas for 32 Pre-ETS on a weekly basis. Additionally, a Pre-ETS mailbox was developed so field staff can 33 ask questions and obtain consistent responses from the state transition program specialists 34 leading up to implementation of Pre-ETS. The following strategies will expand and improve VR 35 services for students and youth with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to 36 postsecondary education and/or employment, and improve coordination with state and local 37 secondary and postsecondary educational entities: 38  Providing supported employment services for youth with the most significant disabilities, and 39 enhanced coordination to ensure extended supports are in place for customers to achieve and 40 maintain employment outcomes.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 68 1  Evaluate, revise, and develop policy, procedures, and staffing strategies to improve 2 consistency and increase effectiveness in the provision of transition services. 3  Develop a transition training module, which will provide guidance and best practices 4 pertaining to provision of transition services. 5  Expand and increase partnerships with state and local secondary and postsecondary 6 educational institutions and organizations to facilitate the identification of best practices, 7 leveraged resources, and improved coordination. 8  Launch the Pathways to Careers Initiative (PCI), an $12.4M multi-strategy initiative to 9 expand Pre-ETS to Texas students with disabilities. PCI includes five new strategies: 10 Summer Earn and Learn, Charting the Course: Planning for Life after High School, Career 11 Pathways Academies, Explore STEM!, and Transition Planning for Students in Private and 12 Home Schools. The first PCI strategy to be implemented is the Summer Earn and Learn 13 which is a work-based learning program conducted in partnership with Boards and their 14 employer partners. Summer Earn and Learn is a statewide strategy that includes 15 employability skills training and paid work experience for students with disabilities. It will be 16 offered in each workforce area during the summer months when students are out of school. 17 Boards will be encouraged to develop work experience opportunities with workforce areas 18 employers in high-growth occupations, skilled trades and crafts, and other high-demand 19 occupations. Through the PCI initiative, students with disabilities will be better prepared to 20 achieve competitive integrated employment through participation in employability skills and 21 work readiness training, career exploration activities, work experience, and postsecondary 22 education. 23 Success will be measured by: 24  an increase in successful outcomes for students with disabilities and youth; and 25  an increase in consumer satisfaction of students and youth with disabilities as measured 26 by the consumer satisfaction survey. 27 Goal Area 3: Partnerships 28 Priorities 29 Enhance collaboration and coordination with Boards, employers, and other stakeholders to 30 increase competitive integrated employment outcomes and work-based learning experiences, 31 which may include in-school or after-school opportunities such as internships, volunteer 32 positions, and summer and year-round work experience programs. 33 34 Strategies 35 VRD will do the following to strengthen partnerships with Boards and enhance strategies to 36 develop and maintain employer relationships that result in competitive integrated employment 37 outcomes and work-based learning experiences: 38  Continuing to collaborate on special initiatives and activities for youth, veterans, and 39 other persons with disabilities; 40  Developing and implementing summer work experience programs with the Boards; 41  Increased participation in Board committees; 42  Increased coordination with Board contractor BSUs and with other business intermediaries 43 such as local Chambers of Commerce;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 69 1  Providing information to VR partners pertaining to various disabilities, assistive technology, 2 and suggestions for reasonable accommodations; 3  Developing and implementing agency-wide business relationships strategies with a regional 4 focus that creates a unified, comprehensive approach to serving businesses; 5  Providing Employment Assistance Training to staff, to instruct on how to best contact and 6 meet the needs of our business partners; and 7  Aligning counseling critical thinking processes around employment opportunities and data to 8 engage customers in defining their optimal vocational opportunities. 9 Success will be measured by: 10  an increase in sustained business relationships leading to successful outcomes for our 11 consumers; 12  an increase in work-based learning experiences; and 13  an increase in the number of partnerships for special initiatives and ongoing coordination of 14 services to businesses. 15 B. Support innovation and expansion activities: 16 Technology 17 Computer assistive technology services and assistive technology devices are provided for 18 customers at each stage of the rehabilitation process. 19 The VRD Rehabilitation Technology Resource Center (RTRC) began as a lab that was staffed by 20 employees to offer a centralized location where customers could learn about and have hands-on 21 experience with the latest technology. To reach a wider customer base, VRD is providing 22 continuous education and resources to field staff through a variety of mechanisms. Rather than 23 having a centralized equipment location, assistive technology kits composed of nearly 40 of the 24 most popular assistive technology devices were assembled and provided to each of the regions. 25 Additionally, state office program specialists provide resources such as online video trainings, 26 webinars, and workshops on available assistive technology, and will offer hands-on training and 27 education throughout the state. State office program specialists are trained subject matter experts 28 across the state in the areas of assistive technology and vehicle modifications. With program 29 specialists, field staffs are better equipped to provide individualized services that support and 30 facilitate customer participation in education, rehabilitation, and accomplishment of employment 31 goals. Services may also include assistance with accessible transportation and independent living 32 needs. 33 To meet the assistive technology needs of VR customers with visual impairments, VRD works 34 with organizations across the state to support Pre-ETS for students with disabilities, including: 35  contracted assistive technology evaluation sites; and 36  the VRD Assistive Technology Unit. 37 Contract providers are required to complete a thorough testing program to ensure they meet 38 minimal standards of proficiency to become approved assistive technology providers. VRD 39 coordinates with other programs when assistive technologies are needed that are not vision 40 related. VRD also uses programs such as the Computer/Electronics Accommodations Program 41 when a customer is interested in employment with the federal government, the Specialized 42 Telecommunications Assistance Program to obtain telecommunication devices, and various 43 assistive technology programs for the deaf and hard of hearing.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 70 1 Diabetes Services 2 When customers seek VR services, diabetes is sometimes the underlying cause of the disability. 3 Diabetes is often a contributing factor for customers with amputations, end stage renal disease, 4 cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hearing loss. Additionally, customers with a secondary 5 condition of diabetes sometimes comprise as much as 70 percent of blind services caseloads. 6 Addressing the diabetes is often necessary in order for the customer to receive the full benefit of 7 medical services and to address potential job implications. 8 The Diabetes Program Specialist provides training and consultation to vocational rehabilitation 9 counselors, other agency staff, and diabetes educators regarding the physical and vocational 10 implications of diabetes, its complications, and needed accommodations. Critical to a customer’s 11 success is an understanding of how diabetes impacts the ability to work (sick days, lost time, 12 increased health care costs), and adaptive techniques and equipment to manage the disease. 13 Specifically, the Diabetes Program Specialist delivers training on the impact of diabetes on 14 businesses and the functional and vocational implications of diabetes and its complications 15 through internal training of staff and diabetes educators via the Texas Confidence Builder 16 training. The Diabetes Program Specialist develops innovative ways to educate providers of 17 diabetes education on the abilities of customers with disabilities to self-manage their diabetes, 18 the adaptive techniques for, equipment and supplies, and the challenges of managing diabetes at 19 work. 20 System of Quality Assurance 21 In 2014, legacy DARS convened the Quality Assurance and Improvement Workgroup to ensure 22 a coordinated and comprehensive approach to quality improvement. One of the group’s tasks 23 was to propose a Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement Framework. The 24 framework includes the concept of continuous quality assurance and quality improvement 25 through the use of mission and strategic planning, leadership, communication, customer 26 satisfaction results, data analysis, monitoring, and performance evaluation. 27 28 Monitoring and performance management includes having a robust system of case review. 29 Statistically valid sampling methodology is used to determine the unit specific goals based on 30 customers served. Consideration also is given to actual cases that meet the risk criteria and other 31 trends observed during case reviews and data analysis. The quarterly unit case review plan has 32 specific focus area goals to be performed at the unit level. Ultimately, the goal is to review a 33 minimum of 10 percent of all cases, with a focus on cases that are at the most risk due to case 34 cost, case length, lack of engagement, or failure to render timely services within federally 35 mandated parameters. Review information and detailed data analysis is used to develop, 36 enhance, or modify current training, policy, and/or coaching needs at all levels.

37 Figure 1 - Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement Framework

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 71 1 2 Increased Emphasis on Braille Literacy 3 A braille training program for new Vocational Rehabilitation Teachers (VRTs) and Independent 4 Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (ILS-OIB) workers that incorporates the 5 Simply Braille curriculum was designed and is now being delivered by the VRD Braille Field 6 Specialist. 7 In FFY’15, participation in Simply Braille curriculum training increased to six new VRTs and 8 three ILS-OIB workers. The average time to complete the training was 25 weeks for 9 uncontracted and 20 weeks for contracted Braille. Simply Braille is being used as the primary 10 training curriculum for all VRT and ILS-OIB workers. 11 Strategy: Transition all VRTs and ILS-OIB workers from English Braille American Edition to 12 Unified English Braille (UEB) through training and support from VRD’s Braille Field Specialist. 13 Measure: All VRTs and ILS-OIB workers will transition to UEB by FFY’18. 14 C. Overcome identified barriers relating to equitable access to and participation of individuals 15 with disabilities in the state VR Services Program and the state-supported Employment Services 16 Program: 17 Barriers to serving unserved and underserved populations identified in the CSNA included: 18  lack of awareness of the impact of receiving services on Social Security benefits, 19 highlighting the disincentive to work from the fear of losing benefits; 20  lack of awareness of VRD services among customers and/or parents; 21  lack of awareness of VRD services among doctors and other medical professionals; 22  growing need for services that will require partners to leverage available funding and 23 may require increased funding; and 24  scarcity of available transportation that creates challenges for potential customers, 25 especially in rural areas, to access VRD offices, providers, and jobs. 26 Strategies

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 72 1 The following VRD strategies address the barrier created by not understanding the impact of 2 service receipt on Social Security benefits: 3  Work closely with community partners such as the local Social Security Administration 4 (SSA) offices and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance programs to dispel inaccurate 5 perceptions regarding loss of benefits and attempt to work efforts. 6  Provide statewide training for all VRCs on basic benefits and work incentives support and 7 services. 8  Expand training for additional VRD staff to be Benefits Subject Matter Resources (SMRs), 9 including a train-the-trainer component for all SMRs, and provide ongoing statewide training 10 in federal and state work incentive programs for all VRD staff. 11  Enhance current partnership with the SSA to encourage CRP providers to become ENs under 12 the SSA Ticket to Work Program. VRD offers incentive payments to CRP-ENs that provide: 13  supported employment or job placement services during the provision of VR services; 14 and 15  extended support to Ticket to Work customers after VR case closure in order to 16 advance employment or increase customer earnings. 17 The following VRD strategies address the barrier created by the lack of awareness of VRD 18 services among customers, parents, and doctors and other medical professionals: 19  Increase collaboration with other organizations to improve customer access to services. 20  Increase outreach efforts in the business community. 21  Educate community leaders on the availability of VRD services to enhance outreach efforts 22 to all ethnic groups. 23  Offer the 2-1-1 Texas statewide referral helpline, a service that assists customers with 24 referrals to appropriate agencies for help. 25  Enhance community outreach activities. 26 The following VRD strategies address the growing need for services by leveraging other partner 27 and community resources, and seeking opportunities to increase efficiency in VRD structure and 28 processes: 29  VRD will continue to work to educate state officials and oversight authorities about the value 30 of VR services to Texans with disabilities and to the overall state economy. 31  VRD will leverage existing resources and make every effort to draw down the maximum 32 federal funding match to provide needed services for Texans with disabilities. 33  VRD will fully use SSA programs and work to maximize SSA/VR reimbursements. 34  VRD will provide budget management training for staff. 35 VRD strategy addressing the barrier created by scarcity of available transportation will be to 36 continue to advocate for local improvement in public transportation at HHSC’s regional 37 coordination forums. 38

39 Evaluation and Reports of Progress: VR and Supported Employment Goals

40 A. Identify the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the goals:

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 73 1

2 FFY’16 LEGACY DIVISION FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES 3 Individuals with Significant Disabilities 4 5 GOAL 1 6 Provide VR services that support quality employment outcomes for individuals with significant 7 disabilities by meeting or exceeding all Standards and Indicators targets. 8 9 Measure 1.1: The number of individuals exiting the VR program with employment outcomes 10 will meet or exceed the Standards and Indicators target. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

14,135 13,242 (+) 893 11 12 Measure 1.2: The rehabilitation rate will equal or exceed the Standards and Indicators target. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

63.90% 55.8% (+) 8.1% 13 14 Measure 1.3: The percentage of successful closures for competitive or self-employed earnings at 15 or above minimum wage will meet or exceed the Standards and Indicators target. Status as of State Plan Above/Below Target 9/30/16 Goal

99.73% 72.60% (+) 27.13%

16 Measure 1.4: The population of Measure 1.3 with significant disabilities will equal or exceed the 17 Standards and Indicators target. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

86.61% 62.40% (+) 24.21%

18 19 Measure 1.5: The ratio of average hourly earnings of the 1.3 population to the state’s average 20 hourly earnings will equal or exceed the Standards and Indicators target.

Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

0.509 0.520 (-) 0.011

21 *Note: Preliminary number. The data to determine the official number will be unknown until the 22 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics quarterly Average Weekly Wage statistics are available for 23 Calendar Year 2016 in mid-year 2017. 24

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 74 1 Measure 1.6: The percentage increase of the 1.3 population self-supporting at closure to self- 2 supporting at profile will equal or exceed the Standards and Indicators target. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

52.86% 53.00% (-) 0.14% 3 4 Measure 1.7: The ratio of minority individuals receiving services to non-minorities receiving 5 services will equal or exceed the Standards and Indicators target. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

0.9273 0.80 (+) 0.1273 6 7 Measure 1.8: The number of VR customers served will increase by 2,300 over FY’13. (79,578 + 8 2,300 = 81,878) Status as of SFY 2016 Target Above/Below Target End of SFY 2016 (new customers) (new customers)

39,934 30,064 (+) 9,870

9 10 *Note: In Rehabilitation Services 51,814 customers who received services in SFY’15 continued 11 receiving services in SFY’16. In order to achieve the state plan goal of serving a total of 81,878 12 VR customers in SFY 2016, Rehabilitation Services had to serve 30,064 new customers. In 13 SFY’16, 91,748 customers were served, exceeding the target by 9,870. 14 15 Measure 1.9: On the closed-case SFY’16 Customer Satisfaction Survey, a minimum of 80% of 16 the respondents will indicate that they were satisfied with their overall experience with DRS.

Status as of State Plan Goal Above/Below Target End of SFY 2016

90.8% 80% (+) 10.8%

17 *Note: Percentage was derived by adding the percentage of all respondents who were both 18 satisfied (28.7%) & very satisfied (62.1%) with their “overall experience with DRS.” 19 20 Measure 1.10: On the closed-case SFY’16 Customer Satisfaction Survey, a minimum of 75% of 21 the respondents will indicate that they had input in choosing who would provide the services 22 (schools or colleges, doctors or hospitals, job coaches, etc.).

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 75 74.7% 75% (-) 0.3%

1 *Note: Percentage was derived by extracting the percentage of “yes” responses (74.7%) to the 2 question, “Did you have input (take part) in choosing who would provide the services (schools 3 or colleges, doctors or hospitals, job coaches, etc.)?” 4 5 Measure 1.11: On the closed-case SFY’16 Customer Satisfaction Survey, a minimum of 85% of 6 the respondents will indicate that they had input in setting their employment goals.

85.8% 85% (+) 0.8%

7 *Note: Percentage was derived by extracting the percentage of “yes” responses (85.8%) to the 8 question, “Did you have input (take part) in setting your employment goals?” 9 10 Measure 1.12: On the closed-case customer satisfaction survey, a minimum of 90% of the 11 respondents will indicate that they were treated in a friendly, caring, and respectful manner when 12 they dealt with DRS staff.

94.6% 90% (+) 4.6%

13 *Note: Percentage was derived by extracting the percentage of “yes” responses (94.6%) to the 14 question, “Were you treated in a friendly, caring, and respectful manner when you dealt with 15 DRS staff?” 16 17 GOAL 2 18 Improve customer outcomes for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (including 19 autism), and psychological disorders. 20 21 Measure 2.1: The number of successful closures for customers with diagnosis of 22 neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism) will be 2,900 or higher. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

3,276 2,900 (+) 376

23 Based on primary, secondary, or tertiary disability cause code of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity 24 Disorder (ADHD) (code 07), Autism (code 08), Cognitively Impaired (code 25), or Specific 25 Learning Disabilities (code 34). 26 27

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 76 1 Measure 2.2: The number of successful closures for customers with diagnosis of psychological 2 disorder will be 2,479 or higher. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

2,926 2,479 (+) 447

3 Based on primary, secondary, or tertiary disability cause code of Anxiety Disorders (code 04), 4 Depressive and other Mood Disorders (code 15), Eating Disorders (code 19), Mental Illness 5 (code 24), Personality Disorders (code 29), or Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders 6 (code 33). 7 8 Goal 3 9 Expand and improve VR services for youth with disabilities who are transitioning from high 10 school to further education and/or employment, and improve coordination with state and local 11 secondary and postsecondary educational entities. 12 13 Measure 3.1: The number of successful closures for transition-age customers will increase. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

2,087 1,953 (+) 134

14 Between October 1, 2015, and November 30, 2016, 2,087 individuals who met the following 15 definitions achieved a successful employment outcome, exceeding the target by 134. 16 Transition-age customers are a student or a youth or both, but are counted only once. 17 A student is an individual who has had an IEP or 504 plan at any point during his or her VR 18 case and at the time of successful closure is between ages 14 and 21 or is age 22 with a birth 19 date after September 1, 1993. 20 A youth is an individual who at one or more points in his or her case is coded as having a “most 21 significant disability” and at the time of successful closure is between the ages of 14 and 24. 22 23 GOAL 4 24 Increase VR services to veterans with disabilities and improve coordination with other federal 25 and state entities providing veterans services. 26 27 Measure 4.1: Increase the number of veterans with disabilities receiving VR services.

Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target (new veteran customers) (new veteran customers)

1,829 1,253 (+) 576

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 77 1 FFY’16 data shows 2,049 veterans continued to be served who applied for services before 2 October 1, 2015. This 2,049 figure is the baseline count to which are added new veteran 3 customers who applied for services in FFY’16. Between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 4 2016, Rehabilitation Services served 3,878 veterans with disabilities, exceeding the target by 5 576. 6 7 GOAL 5 8 Enhance strategies and coordination to develop and maintain business relationships that result 9 in quality employment outcomes for vocational rehabilitation customers. 10 11 Measure 5.1: Develop and implement a joint business relations strategy for DARS. 12 Completed in FY’15 13 14 Measure 5.2: Research and develop a statewide business database that will allow efficient 15 tracking of customer employment opportunities and outcomes by both DRS and DBS. 16 Completed in FY’15 17 18 Measure 5.3: Establish and convene the Business Services Community of Practice. 19 Completed in FY’15 20 21 GOAL 6 22 Increase counselor and customer knowledge about work incentives and the effect of earnings on 23 Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplementary Security Income to facilitate quality 24 employment outcomes for customers. 25 26 Measure 6.1: Increase the number of DRS and DBS Benefits Subject Matter Resources (SMRs) 27 in FFY’15 from 89 to 125. 28 Completed in FY’15 29 30 Measure 6.2: Complete training sessions for all CRPs in DRS Regions 2, 3, and 5. 31 Region 2 training completed June 4–5, 2015 32 Region 5 training completed June 9–10, 2015 33 Region 3 training pending 34 35 Measure 6.3: 75% of all Deaf and Hard of Hearing Counselors will be trained as Benefits SMRs 36 by FFY’16. 37 Completed in FY’15 38 39 Measure 6.4: Each Benefits SMR will provide a minimum of two trainings to staff in his or her 40 home office each year. 41 Completed in FY’15 42 43 GOAL 7 44 Provide supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities who 45 require extended supports in order to achieve and maintain an employment outcome. 46

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 78 1 Measure 7.1: 50% or greater of customers exiting the VR program after receiving supported 2 employment services will achieve an employment outcome. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

56.92% 50% (+) 6.92% 3 Of 2,672 individuals exiting VR between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016 after 4 receiving supported employment services, 1,521 achieved an employment outcome. The 1,521 5 employed divided by the 2,672 total exiting equals 56.92% who achieved an employment 6 outcome, exceeding the target by 6.92%. 7 8 The following strategies contributed to the achievement of goals: 9  Strengthened partnerships with postsecondary education, community colleges, and 10 technical colleges for the purpose of expanding educational attainment and higher-paying 11 employment options for DRS customers. 12  Increased coordination and developed new partnerships with other state and community 13 organizations that serve individuals with developmental or intellectual impairments and 14 mental health disorders, including: 15  mental health organizations, local authorities, and universities to develop 16 resources, expand knowledge, and implement best practices; and 17  HHSC Office of Mental Health to identify and implement best practices, potential 18 community partners, and facilitate service coordination. 19  Evaluated, revised, and developed policy, procedures, and staffing strategies to improve 20 consistency and increase effectiveness in the provision of transition services. 21  Increased collaboration with veterans’ stakeholder organizations to enhance the 22 coordination and provision of services to veterans with disabilities as well as explore options 23 to enhance communication with and identification of veterans in need of VR services within 24 the veterans’ community. 25 The following factors impeded the achievement of goals and priorities: 26  Difficulty accessing higher wage jobs in the labor market. 27  Inaccurately coding a customer’s primary source of support at application and closures 28 impacts success in meeting the self-support measure. This is being corrected through staff 29 training and additional data integrity processes. 30  Lack of effective use of labor market information, which will be improved by increasing staff 31 understanding and use of TWC resources through the provision of additional training and the 32 full integration of the VR program into TWC’s workforce systems.

34 FFY’16 LEGACY DIVISION FOR BLIND SERVICES

35 Individuals who are blind or significantly visually impaired

36 GOAL 1 37 To provide vocational rehabilitation services that result in individuals who are blind or 38 significantly visually impaired achieving a quality employment outcome. 39

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 79 1 Measure 1.1: The number of employment outcomes (successful closures) achieved will exceed 2 1,409.

Status as of 9/30/16 Fourth Quarter Target Above/Below Target

1,456 1,409 (+) 47 3 4 Measure 1.2: Of the individuals exiting the VR program after receiving services, a minimum of 5 68.9% will have achieved an employment outcome. Status as of 9/30/16 Fourth Quarter Target Above/Below Target

75.1% 68.9% (+) 6.2% 6 7 Measure 1.3: Of the individuals achieving an employment outcome (Measure 1.2), the average 8 hourly earnings when compared to the state’s average hourly earnings will equal or exceed a 9 ratio of 0.59.1 S&I 1.5 Status as of 9/30/16 Fourth Quarter Target Above/Below Target

51.7 59 (-) 7.3 10 11 Measure 1.4: Of the individuals achieving an employment outcome (Measure 1.2), a minimum 12 of 90% will be employed in competitive employment, self-employment or managing a business 13 through the Business Enterprises of Texas, and earning at least minimum wage. Status as of 9/30/16 Fourth Quarter Target Above/Below Target

82.8% 90% (-) 7.2% 14 15 GOAL 2 16 To effectively provide VR services for individuals from minority backgrounds who are blind or 17 significantly visually impaired and to ensure they are satisfied with the services provided. 18

1 1 S&I 1.5 uses the state’s average hourly earnings based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) quarterly 2 changes in the average weekly wage data. The current estimate for FFY’16 is $26.01 (down from $26.17) per hour. 3 The hourly wage estimate throughout the year will be revised as the BLS provides quarterly wage statistics for 4 calendar years 2016 and 2017. The target average hourly earnings for DBS to pass S&I 1.5, based on the estimated 5 FFY 2016 hourly wage of $26.01, is $15.35.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 80 1 Measure 2.1: Of the total number of individuals residing in Texas with a work disability who: 2 (1) receive services under an IPE, and (2) achieve an employment outcome, at least 55% will be 3 from a minority background. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

67.4% 55% (+) 12.4%

4 5 Measure 2.2: On the customer satisfaction survey, a minimum of 90% of the respondents from 6 minority backgrounds will indicate they are satisfied with the services received.2

Status as of 6/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

91% 90% (+) 1% 7 8 9 Goal 3: 10 To support a customer service delivery system that (1) enhances available information about 11 service providers, employment options and other choices, and (2) is based on informed choice 12 and is designed to enhance the delivery of quality and timely services for VR customers. 13 14 Measure 3.1: On the customer satisfaction survey performed at case closure, a minimum of 90% 15 of the respondents will indicate they were satisfied with their overall experience with DBS. Status as of 6/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

91% 90% (+) 1% 16 17 Measure 3.2: On the customer satisfaction survey performed at case closure, a minimum of 90% 18 of the respondents will indicate they received planned services within a reasonable period of 19 time. Status as of 6/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

86% 90% (-) 4% 20 21 Measure 3.3: On the customer satisfaction survey performed at case closure, a minimum of 90% 22 of the respondents will indicate they were actively involved in choosing their employment goal 23 and the services they received. Status as of 6/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

90% 90% 0%

1 2 Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) Report—Third Quarter FY’16 (Customers with closed cases). Comparable 2 data from FY’15 are not available due to contracting issues that prevented the collection of quarterly data. This CSS 3 included responses from 612 individuals whose cases were closed surveyed in quarters one through three of FY’16.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 81 1 2 Measure 3.4: On the customer satisfaction survey performed at case closure, a minimum of 90% 3 of the respondents will indicate that their counselor listened to and considered their needs and 4 concerns. Status as of 6/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

90% 90% 0% 5 6 Goal 4: 7 To increase access to and provide effective and quality based supported employment services. 8 9 Measure 4.1: The number of customers receiving supported employment services who achieve 10 employment outcomes will equal or exceed 48. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

44 48 (-) 4 11 12 Measure 4.2: The number of customers receiving supported employment services will equal or 13 exceed 400. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

362 400 (-) 38 14 15 Measure 4.3: Expand customer employment opportunities by increasing the number of 16 supported employment service providers that can work effectively with customers who are blind 17 by 10% (34 total supported employment vendors). Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

29 34 (-) 5 18 19 Goal 5: 20 To provide effective transition services to meet the needs of eligible students. 21 22 Measure 5.1: A minimum of 2,200 eligible students will be provided VR services. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

2261 2,200 (+) 61 23 24 Measure 5.2: A minimum of 115 transition students will transfer to the adult VR program. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

151 115 (+) 36 25

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 82 1 2 The following strategies, pursued in cooperation with legacy DRS, contributed to the 3 achievement of goals: 4  Strengthened partnerships with postsecondary education, community colleges, and 5 technical colleges for the purpose of expanding educational attainment and higher payed 6 employment options for VR customers. 7  Partnered with TWC, Boards, and Workforce Solutions Offices to increase staff 8 understanding and use of TWC’s Texas Workforce Solutions resources, and to increase joint 9 initiatives that leverage the resources and expertise of each partner. 10  Increased coordination and developed new partnerships with other state and community 11 organizations that serve individuals with neurodevelopmental and psychological disorders, 12 including: 13  Mental health organizations, local authorities, and universities, to develop resources, 14 expand knowledge, and implement best practices; and 15  HHSC Office of Mental Health to identify and implement best practices, potential 16 community partners, and facilitate service coordination. 17  Increased collaboration with veterans’ stakeholder organizations to enhance the 18 coordination and provision of services to veterans with disabilities as well as explore options 19 to enhance communication with and identification of veterans in need of VR services within 20 the veterans’ community. 21  Continued to develop the products and services of the Business Relations Team, created 22 in 2015, including the business tracking tool, the new Business Services website, and the 23 team’s coordinated portfolio of services available to businesses. 24  Provided Employment Assistance training to staff, which instructed them on how to best 25 contact and meet the needs of our business partners. 26  Developed a transition training module, which provided guidance and best practices 27 pertaining to transition services. 28  Implemented a formalized method of reviewing proposed ideas and initiatives for Pre- 29 ETS. 30 The following factors impeded the achievement of goals and priorities: 31  For FFY’16, legacy Blind Services Division target for Standard 1.5 was a ratio of hourly 32 earnings of 0.59 of the state estimated average hourly earnings for all workers. This means 33 VR customers served by DBS who achieved competitive employment outcomes were 34 targeted to earn, on the average, at least 59 cents for every dollar earned hourly by all 35 employed individuals in the state. S&I 1.5 uses state average hourly earnings based on BLS 36 wage data. Legacy DARS revised the hourly wage estimate throughout the year as the BLS 37 provided updated wage statistics. In FFY’15, DBS preliminary figures showed that 38 customers earned 0.538, or 91.2 percent of the target. Rehabilitation Service Administration 39 research has shown that states with higher average workforce wages such as Texas typically 40 have lower performance on the Earnings Ratio measure. 41  The CSNA identified barriers to serving DBS customers in the following areas: 42  community services; 43  financial resources;

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 83 1  employment services; and 2  customers with multiple disabilities. 3  Lack of resources may lead to financial barriers, such as housing and transportation costs, 4 and may be outside the scope of DARS, but are significant barriers for those obtaining and 5 maintaining employment. Knowledge of public benefits and how those benefits can be used 6 to assist with employment is also noted as a barrier. 7  In terms of Employment Services, individuals who are blind may require additional tools, 8 assistive technology, and training to be placed in employment. 9  There are not a sufficient number of CRPs to provide functional assessments and trial work 10 experiences for individuals who are blind. 11 2. An evaluation of the extent to which the Supported Employment program goals described in 12 the Supported Employment Supplement for the most recent program year were achieved. The 13 evaluation must: 14 A. Identify the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the goals. 15 FFY’16 LEGACY DIVISION FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES 16 Customers with Significant Disabilities 17 Provide supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities who 18 require extended supports in order to achieve and maintain an employment outcome. 19 Measure: 50 percent or greater of customers exiting the VR program after receiving supported 20 employment services will achieve an employment outcome. 21 FFY’16: 56.92 percent of customers exiting the VR program after receiving supported 22 employment services achieved an employment outcome. 23 The following strategies contributed to the achievement of the goal: 24  Developed and implemented an improved benchmark system for the provision of specific 25 supported employment services statewide. 26  Explored complimentary services for specific populations like individuals with autism and 27 mental health diagnoses. 28  Developed a supported employment technical assistance training model for DRS staff 29 members to improve their ability to determine when supported employment services are 30 needed. 31  Developed tools that will help staff members monitor and provide guidance to supported 32 employment contract providers. 33 34 35 FFY’16 LEGACY DIVISION FOR BLIND SERVICES 36 Customers Who Are Blind or Significantly Visually Impaired 37 Goal 4: To increase access to and provide effective and quality based supported employment 38 services. 39 40 Measure 4.1: The number of customers receiving supported employment services who achieve 41 employment outcomes will equal or exceed 48. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 84 44 48 (-) 4 1 2 Measure 4.2: The number of customers receiving supported employment services will equal or 3 exceed 400. Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

362 400 (-) 38 4 5 Measure 4.3: Expand customer employment opportunities by increasing the number of 6 supported employment service providers that can work effectively with customers who are blind 7 by 10% (34 total supported employment vendors). Status as of 9/30/16 State Plan Goal Above/Below Target

29 34 (-) 5 8

9 The following factors that impeded the achievement of goals and priorities: 10 For FFY’16, legacy DARS DBS strategies were not sufficient to achieve the targets for 11 supported employment. DBS was not able to engage as many supported employment providers 12 as targeted, and this negatively affected the number of supported employment customers served 13 and the number who achieved successful employment outcomes. 14 3. The VR program’s performance on the performance accountability indicators under §116 of 15 WIOA: 16 FFY’16 LEGACY DIVISION FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES 17 Customers with significant disabilities 18 Standard 1.1 19 Number of Current Year Closures Compared to Prior Year Closures 20 FFY’16 Progress: 14,135 successful closures, exceeding goal by 893. 21 22 Standard 1.2 23 Rehabilitation Rate 24 FFY’16 Progress: 63.90 percent, exceeding goal by 8.10 percent. 25 26 Standard 1.3 27 Successful Closures competitive or self-employed earning at/above minimum wage 28 FFY’16 Progress: 99.73 percent, exceeding goal by 27.13 percent. 29 30 Standard 1.4 31 Population of 1.4 with Significant Disabilities (Primary Indicator) 32 FFY’16 Progress: 86.61 percent, exceeding goal by 24.21 percent. 33

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 85 1 Standard 1.5 2 Ratio of Average Hourly Earnings of 1.3 Population to the State’s Average Hourly Earnings 3 (Primary Indicator) 4 FFY’16 Progress: 0.509, failed to meet goal by 0.011. 5 6 Standard 1.6 7 Percentage Increase of 1.3 Population Self-Supporting at Closure to Self-Supporting at Profile 8 FFY’16 Progress: 52.86 percent, failed to meet goal by 0.14 percent. 9 10 Standard 2.0 11 Ratio of Minority Individual Receiving Services to Non-Minority Individuals Receiving Services 12 FFY’16 Progress: 0.9273, exceeding goal by 0.1273. 13 14 The following strategies contributed to successful passing of Standards and Indicators: 15  Enhanced collaboration with community partners for resource and supports. 16  Expanded network of business account partners to provide a continuum of options for 17 customer employment outcomes. 18  Identified and provided training needed by staff to build competency and increase capacity to 19 assist program participants with identification of an employment goal and development of the 20 IPE. 21 22 The following factors limited success in passing of Standards and Indicators: 23  Difficulty accessing higher wage jobs in the labor market. 24  Inaccurately coding customers’ primary sources of support at application and closures, which 25 impacted performance on the self-support measure. This is being corrected through staff 26 training and additional data integrity processes. 27  Lack of effective use of labor market information, which will be improved by increasing staff 28 understanding and use of TWC’s resources through the provision of additional training and 29 the full integration of the VR program into the Texas Workforce Solutions system. 30 31 FFY’16 LEGACY DIVISION FOR BLIND SERVICES 32 33 Customers Who Are Blind or Significantly Impaired 34 Standard 1.1 35 Number of Current Year Closures Compared to Prior Year Closures 36 FFY’16 Progress: 2,942 successful closures, exceeding goal by 30. 37 38 Standard 1.2 39 Rehabilitation Rate 40 FFY’16 Progress: 75.11 percent, exceeding goal by 6.21 percent 41 42 Standard 1.3

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 86 1 Successful Closures competitive or self-employed earning at/above minimum wage 2 FFY’16 Progress: 82.77 percent, exceeding goal by 47.37 percent. 3 4 Standard 1.4 5 Population of 1.4 with Significant Disabilities (Primary Indicator) 6 FFY’16 Progress: 98.36 percent, exceeding goal by 9.36 percent. 7 8 Standard 1.5 9 Ratio of Average Hourly Earnings of 1.3 Population to the State’s Average Hourly Earnings 10 (Primary Indicator) 11 FFY’16 Progress: 0.517, failed to meet goal by 0.073. 12 13 Standard 1.6 14 Percentage Increase of 1.3 Population Self-Supporting at Closure to Self-Supporting at Profile 15 FFY’16 Progress: 36.67 percent, exceeding goal by 6.27 percent. 16 17 Standard 2.1 18 Ratio of Minority Individuals Receiving Services to Non-Minority Individuals Receiving 19 Services 20 FFY’16 Progress: 0.9487, exceeding goal by 0.1487. 21 22 The following strategies contributed to successful passing of Standards and Indicators: 23  Enhanced relationships with local referral sources that serve individuals who are 24 minorities who have the most significant disabilities. 25  Increased employer knowledge and awareness regarding the benefits of hiring individuals 26 with disabilities. 27  Increased customer knowledge and awareness of DBS services and benefits offered to 28 individuals with disabilities, and other state and federal assistance programs. 29  Active recruitment of Spanish-speaking VR counselors to better serve the Hispanic 30 population. 31  Provided information to VR partners pertaining to various disabilities, assistive 32 technology, and suggestions for reasonable accommodations. 33  Developed agency-wide business relationship strategies with a regional focus that created 34 a unified, comprehensive approach to serving businesses. 35  Enhanced coordination to ensure extended supports are in place for customers to achieve 36 and maintain employment outcomes. 37  Expanded partnerships with state and local secondary and postsecondary educational 38 institutions and organizations to facilitate the identification of best practices, leverage 39 resources, and improve coordination. 40  Improved coordination with state and local secondary and postsecondary educational 41 entities. 42 43 The following factors limited success in passing of Standards and Indicators: 44  There is a smaller number of CRPs available to meet the placement needs of customers who 45 are blind or significantly visually impaired, which can impact successful placement and 46 hourly earnings of these customers.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 87 1  Difficulty accessing higher wage jobs in the labor market. 2 3 4. How the funds reserved for innovation and expansion (I&E) activities were used: 4 Legacy DRS reserved and used a portion of federal funds allocated under the Rehabilitation Act 5 §110 for Innovation and Expansion (I&E) activities. Legacy DRS is engaged in the following 6 strategic initiatives consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act. 7 Technology 8 The legacy DRS Rehabilitation Technology Resource Center (RTRC) offered individualized 9 services for customers to support and facilitate their participation in education, rehabilitation, and 10 employment opportunities. RTRC’s services also included assisting customers with 11 transportation and independent living needs. As provided by DRS, assistive technology services 12 could be described as ways in which a technology-based approach is used to maintain, increase, 13 or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities as part of the rehabilitation 14 process. It was a primary goal of RTRC to expand the knowledge, access, and utilization of 15 assistive technology for all consumers, staff, employers, and community partners. 16 17 Since a state office program specialist with multiple duties was responsible for overseeing the 18 RTRC, other strategies were needed and have been implemented to ensure statewide support in 19 the area of assistive technology and vehicle modifications, which includes having more of a 20 virtual assistive technology center than a physical one. These strategies include the following: 21  State office program specialist consultation in the areas of vehicle modifications, workplace 22 modifications, and residential modifications; 23  Access to assistive technology equipment through the device loan program; 24  Assistive technology kits were purchased for the five legacy DRS regions, which included 25 some of the more popular assistive technology devices such as special keyboards, devices for 26 individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, etc. The kits allow customers to try devices 27 before they are purchased to ensure they are appropriate to individual customer needs; 28  Another assistive technology kit that includes a wider variety of equipment was purchased 29 for the state office program specialist; 30  Research and share information with field staff regarding new and emerging technologies; 31  Teams of assistive technology subject matter experts and vehicle modification experts have 32 been trained by the state office program specialist, and are subsequently equipped to train 33 other staff in their regions; and 34  The state office program specialist is hosting monthly teleconferences with assistive 35 technology and vehicle modification teams to discuss trends across the state, information on 36 technology, staff cases, etc. 37 The combination of the two DSUs will allow staff to collaborate more effectively and explore 38 ways in which assistive technology can be used to engage both employers and students with 39 disabilities. Additionally, state office staff will continue communication to enhance our 40 partnership with the University of Texas’ Texas Technology Access Program as another viable 41 resource for customers. 42 Diabetes Services

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 88 1 When customers seek VR services, diabetes is sometimes the underlying cause of the disability. 2 Diabetes is often a contributing factor for customers with amputations, end stage renal disease, 3 psychological disorders, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hearing loss. Additionally, customers 4 with a secondary condition of diabetes may comprise as much as 70 percent of blind services 5 caseloads. Addressing the diabetes is necessary in order for the customer to receive the full 6 benefit of medical services and to address potential job implications. 7 The diabetes program specialist provides training and consultation to VR counselors, other TWC 8 staff, and diabetes educators on the physical and vocational implications of diabetes, its 9 complications, and needed accommodations. Critical to a customer’s success is an understanding 10 of how diabetes impacts the ability to work (sick days, lost time, increased health care costs), and 11 adaptive techniques and equipment to manage the disease. 12 Specifically, the diabetes program specialist delivers training on the impact of diabetes on 13 businesses, and the functional and vocational implications of diabetes and its complications 14 through internal training of staff and diabetes educators through the Texas Confidence Builder 15 training. The diabetes program specialist develops innovative ways to educate providers of 16 diabetes education on the abilities of customers with disabilities to self-manage their diabetes, 17 the adaptive techniques for, equipment and supplies, and the challenges of managing diabetes at 18 work. 19 State Rehabilitation Council Support 20 The Rehabilitation Council of Texas (RCT) is the state rehabilitation council for legacy DRS and 21 DBS, and now the Combined VRD. RCT assists VRD in fulfilling the requirements of the 22 federal Rehabilitation Act for the delivery of quality, customer-responsive VR services. Funds 23 are allocated for the operation of RCT to meet the goals and objectives set forth in its resource 24 plan. RCT is a valued and active partner in the development of VR goals, priorities, and policies. 25 RCT reviews, analyzes, and advises VRD about performance related to VR eligibility; the extent, 26 scope, and effectiveness of VR services; policy changes related to service delivery to VR 27 customers; and other functions related to the VR program performed by VRD. RCT also reviews 28 and analyzes customer satisfaction with VR services and assists VRD in developing VR State 29 Plans and in conducting the comprehensive statewide needs assessment. 30

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 89 1 Appendix A– Combination of Texas Blind and General Designated State Units 2 3 Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Programs Transferred to the 4 Texas Workforce Commission 5 On June 19, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 208, which directed 6 the transfer of several programs from DARS to TWC, including the two VR programs. Effective 7 September 1, 2016, the two VR programs were transferred to TWC, along with the Business 8 Enterprises of Texas and the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind 9 programs. 10 11 Federal and State Requirements Regarding State VR Agency Structure and Organization 12 The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, also known as WIOA Title IV, specifies that states 13 may choose to designate one or two DSUs to provide VR services—either one combined DSU or 14 two separate DSUs, one to serve individuals who are blind and visually impaired and another to 15 serve individuals with all other disabilities. Texas currently has two DSUs, one for Blind VR (the 16 Blind Services Division) and one for General VR (the Rehabilitation Services Division). Under 17 the provisions of SB 208, Texas will have the two DSUs until October 1, 2017, at which point 18 SB 208 directs that General VR and Blind VR be merged into one DSU, which will be the 19 Vocational Rehabilitation Division. 20 21 In addition to merging the two DSUs into a combined VR division, SB 208 requires TWC to 22 perform the following tasks to facilitate the integration of the two DSUs: 231. Reorganize service delivery to achieve an integrated VR program to meet customers’ 24 individualized needs 252. Develop a plan to support specialization of VR counselors in serving different customer 26 populations 273. Redesign performance measures 284. Consolidate policies 295. Recommend the adoption of necessary rules 30 31 TWC’s Approach to Combining the VR DSUs 32 To ensure an orderly transition, TWC implemented a three-phase approach to integrating the two 33 DSUs into a combined VR division. The first phase involved reorganizing state office staff from 34 both divisions into a single integrated structure. The second phase integrates regional-level staff 35 from both divisions beginning in March 2017. The third phase will integrate field-level staff 36 from both divisions by October 1, 2017. TWC’s approach to combining the two DSUs into a 37 combined VR division proactively prepares for the integration of VR field offices into the local 38 Workforce Solutions Offices network by aligning VR service delivery areas within workforce 39 areas where it is feasible and appropriate to do so and where efficiencies can be achieved. Each 40 phase is described in more detail below. 41 42 State Office 43 The integrated state office structure became effective December 1, 2016. The new state office 44 organizational chart is included as Attachment A. The accessible version of the state office 45 organizational chart is included as Attachment B. The combined VRD has three primary

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 90 1 departments: the Field Service Delivery Department, the Program Operations Department, and 2 the Program Policy and Support Department, which includes the new Office of Blind Services 3 Support. A new director position was created to oversee the office, which will focus on 4 providing specialized services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and technical 5 assistance and training to regional offices and field offices to support specialized service 6 delivery. Positions from both divisions were included in the other program units in the Program 7 Policy and Support Department and in the Program Operations Department so that these 8 departments can offer specialized skills and expertise from both divisions. 9 10 Regional and Field Offices 11 Like the state office structure, TWC’s model at the regional and field office levels will merge 12 staff of the two divisions to achieve integration, retain specialization, and increase the quality 13 and efficiency of VR services. The model takes into account an integrated division’s capacity to 14 serve customers in areas that are geographically aligned with the 28 workforce areas, without 15 requiring an increase in VR staff positions. 16 17 The model retains Blind Services as a specialization by ensuring that each local and regional 18 office includes staff skilled in providing services to individuals who are blind or visually 19 impaired. In some areas of the state, specialized staff will be reassigned geographically so that 20 staff is more easily available to the customer population in need of services.

21 The regional and field office model also will increase the staff that specializes in providing 22 services to students with disabilities by reallocating staff to areas of greatest need as determined 23 by the population of students with disabilities or by assigning additional staff to focus on serving 24 students in those areas. Finally, the regional and field office model ensures that designated staff 25 is tasked with increasing emphasis on quality assurance and program improvement as well as 26 efficient processing of complex medical and technology services. 27 28 Regional Offices 29 TWC VRD will have six regional offices. It will use the current TWC regions established in 30 2016 for TWC’s Integrated Service Area Managers.3 Regional offices perform critical 31 administrative and oversight functions for field offices, including but not limited to: 32  providing resources, training, and policy guidance for field staff; 33  conducting quality assurance and quality improvement activities to improve service delivery; 34  distributing and managing VR funds needed by local offices for purchasing goods for and 35 delivering services to customers; 36  consulting with field offices on customer cases and policy or service delivery questions; 37  developing community partnerships to improve cross-program coordination; and 38  resolving customer complaints.

39 In the combined VRD, each regional office will be led by a regional director and a deputy 40 regional director. The regional offices will include the functional assignment of staff necessary to

1 3 Regional offices are located in the Panhandle, Dallas/Fort Worth, Central Texas, East Texas, the Gulf Coast, and 2 the Rio Grande Valley.

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 91 1 provide quality assurance, guidance to VR counselors, and field office support. The combined 2 regional offices will also include staff with specific expertise in the provision of services to 3 individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These staff members will include a program 4 specialist for Blind Services to provide training and consultation to field offices as well as 5 designated staff members such as VR teachers and employment assistance specialists to provide 6 direct services to customers in the region. 7 8 Field Offices 9 Field offices provide services to customers through direct service delivery staff.

10 Within the two divisions, each of the 130 field offices at the local level is part of a specific 11 supervisory unit within one of the six regions. In the combined VRD, each supervisory unit will 12 be composed of a VR manager and one or more VR supervisors to provide guidance and support 13 to the VR counselors. These units are called “field offices” and will include a primary office and 14 one or more satellite offices. Each field office will vary in size based on the size of the staff 15 needed to serve VR customers. TWC will determine the number of supervisory units that are 16 needed for the combined VR division.

17 TWC staff examined the number of VR managers, supervisors, and counselors that are needed in 18 each office. This number was based on the number of customers in the region. The field office 19 model is based on: 20  one VR counselor for every 130 customers served during the most recent fiscal year. This is 21 the number of customers a VR counselor serves over a 12-month period and does not 22 indicate a specific caseload size at any one time; 23  one VR assistant for every two VR counselors; and 24  one VR supervisor for every 15 VR counselors.

25 The combined VRD will have regional and field office staff members that carry specialized 26 caseloads as well as staff members who serve as subject matter experts for specific topics or 27 customer populations. For example, specialized caseloads include customers who are: 28  blind or visually impaired; 29  students or youth with disabilities; 30  deaf or hard of hearing; 31  diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, which includes intellectual disabilities, 32 autism spectrum disabilities, and learning disabilities; or 33  military veterans who have disabilities.

34 Subject matter experts provide information and consultation to VR counselors in specific topic 35 areas that include but are not limited to: 36  work incentives and benefits; 37  assistive technology; and 38  return-to-work strategies for workers who have been injured or are offenders in the criminal 39 justice system.

40 TWC will continue to establish additional specialized caseloads and subject matter experts as 41 necessary to ensure compliance with SB 208 and the provision of high-quality VR services. 42

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 92 1 Additional Actions to Support Integration of the DSUs 2 The following additional tasks were also required to integrate the two DSUs, as directed by SB 3 208: 4  Changes to current VR performance measures in TWC’s legislative appropriations request 5 for FY’18–’19, submitted in the summer of 2016, to ensure that the combined VR program 6 operates under a single, redesigned set of measures. (Additionally, TWC is implementing the 7 common performance indicators established by WIOA for all core programs, including VR.); 8  Consolidation of the divisions’ policy manuals, provider standards, and forms; and 9  Adoption of rules for the integrated VR program after consolidation of the VR policy 10 manuals.

11 TWC developed an implementation plan and approach similar to the management and oversight 12 structure created for the transfer of programs from DARS. As part of the integration process, 13 TWC used the expertise of its VR staff to develop plans to organize services based on each 14 customer’s individualized needs and to support specialization of VR counselors in serving 15 different customer populations. 16 17 Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Public Meetings 18 19 TWC conducted five public meetings across the state to take public comment on the structure, 20 goals and policy changes for the VR DSU: 21 1. Austin – January 9, 2017 22 2. Harlingen – January 12, 2017 23 3. Houston – January 13, 2017 24 4. Lubbock – January 19, 2017 25 5. Dallas – January 20, 2017 26 27 Additionally, TWC received comment from members of the public that submitted comments 28 electronically from January 6, 2017, through January 27, 2017. 29 30 TWC provided the following subject materials for the public to use: 31  Integration of TWC’s Rehabilitation Services and Blind Services Divisions, including an 32 organizational chart. 33  Starting Age for Vocational Rehabilitation Preemployment Transition Services to Students 34 with Disabilities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 35  Combined Vocational Rehabilitation Goals for Inclusion in the Combined State Plan under 36 the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 37 38 Summary of the Public Input Received During TWC Public Meetings 39 Input was received from 28 individuals who spoke at public meetings and another 17 who 40 provided written comment. Comments came from people representing institutions of higher 41 education, parents, advocates, workforce boards, VR program providers, and customers. 42 43 1. Confidentiality

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 93 1  Several commenters expressed the need for private offices to develop and maintain the 2 trust and the communication necessary to address customer VR needs, maintain 3 compliance with HIPAA and meet the goal of 130 cases per year.

4  Many commenters commended TWC for deciding to have private offices for counselors.

5 2. Counselor Purchasing Responsibilities 6  A commenter recommended that TWC continue to provide counselors with budgets and 7 the flexibility to access funds quickly or in advance to meet customer needs, and that 8 TWC allow counselors to continue to issue service authorizations to provide efficient and 9 timely customer services. 10  A commenter recommended that TWC ensure that customers have a variety of supports 11 and services to choose from by having a robust provider network. 12 13 3. Increased Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

14  Two commenters sought affordable and reliable transportation options to assist 15 individuals with disabilities get to and from work regardless of location.

16  Two commenters requested more cooperation between TWC and the Texas Health and 17 Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the 18 Social Security Administration to assist individuals with disabilities, especially those that 19 live at State Supported Living Centers, to obtain identification documents (e.g., original 20 Social Security card or Texas ID) to apply for VR services.

21  A commenter recommended that individuals who are blind receive timely assistive 22 technology when necessary for employment.

23  A commenter recommended that TWC build an employer base to hire individuals with 24 mild to moderate autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or blindness by educating 25 employers about the ability and benefits of these individuals and preparing employers to 26 hire individuals that have these disabilities.

27  A commenter recommended that TWC do more to define meaningful outcomes for 28 students with disabilities.

30 4. Provider Reimbursements and Rates

31  A commenter recommended that TWC determine if provider reimbursement rates should 32 be reevaluated annually or biannually and if rates should keep up with inflation.

33  A commenter recommended that TWC gather information from employment service 34 providers regarding policy changes and rates since these changes impact a provider’s 35 ability to provide services, maintain staff, and meet provider standards.

36 5. Requests for Future Stakeholder Meetings

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 94 1  Several commenters requested that future public meetings be held at more easily 2 accessible locations, with a variety of dates, times and places so that individuals who 3 work during the day or evening can attend. 4  Several commenters requested that going forward, TWC hold frequent meetings to hear 5 feedback from customers, staff, and other strategic partners and requested that TWC 6 should find multiple ways to communicate with parents. 7 8 6. Service Accessibility 9  Several commenters asked TWC to ensure that as VR moves into Workforce Solutions 10 Offices, VR services are compliant with ADA, including accessibility of physical 11 locations, program, public transportation, and parking. Technology should be accessible 12 to all customers and staff and on-site technical assistance should be available. 13  A commenter recommended that TWC update WorkInTexas.com to make it more easily 14 accessible and user friendly. 15 16 7. Specialized Training for Counselors 17  Several commenters recommended that TWC ensure that there is specialized staff trained 18 on the needs of those with visual impairments (e.g., cane travel, braille, assistive 19 technology, etc.). Other commenters wanted TWC to maintain specialized blindness 20 training such as immersion training, orientation and mobility, and VR teacher services. 21 Different commenters wanted TWC to bolster blind services by adding additional highly 22 trained transition counselors and individuals who can increase assistive technology 23 knowledge and assessments and train counselors to consider assistive technology when 24 working with customers. Two commenters, noting that the ultimate goal is long-term 25 employment, said counselors should receive training designed to teach them the 26 importance of long-term blindness training, including tours to public and private training 27 centers with different teaching philosophies. 28  Several commenters supported additional specialty caseloads for specific disability needs 29 such as blindness/visual impairments, mental health, deafness/hard of hearing and 30 students with disabilities. Additionally, two of those commenters wanted to add more 31 specialty caseloads to serve individuals with significant disabilities, such as spinal cord 32 injury, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and neurological disabilities, to better provide 33 quality services for these complex cases. A commenter suggested having other subject 34 matter experts in assistive technology, transition services, self-employment, and mental 35 health. When specialty caseloads are not possible in rural areas, other regional experts in 36 particular disabilities and services (e.g. Orientation and Mobility) should be available for 37 consultation. 38  Several commenters requested that TWC recruit qualified counselors with certified 39 credentials and maintain training standards for VR staff, saying that customers receive 40 necessary services when trained VR staff look at the holistic impact of the disability on a 41 customer’s life and provide comprehensive services. One commenter recommended that 42 TWC encourage staff participation in professional organizations that promote state-of- 43 the-art rehabilitation and disability services. 44  A commenter emphasized that VR, as outlined in WIOA, should continue to be fully 45 available to all customers throughout the integration of the two divisions. Services should 46 be individually based and individual needs should be considered when determining the

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 95 1 VR goal for each customer. The commenter recommended that TWC maintain the 2 Rehabilitation Act at its highest level throughout the integration. 3  A commenter recommended that TWC communicate all changes through multiple and 4 various methods to help VR staff understand and implement policy changes. 5 6 8: Structure of the Combined Designated State Unit

7  A commenter supports the plan for a VR manager and supervisor for each supervisory 8 unit, where management has VR program knowledge and sufficient, current training in 9 VR, including college degrees in the rehabilitation area; supports the plan to have staff 10 with expertise providing services who are blind and visually impaired, in regional and 11 field offices; and recommends maintaining knowledge and services previously provided 12 through the Division for Blind Services (DBS) in the general rehabilitation agency, 13 including being a resource for businesses working with blindness.

14  A commenter recommended that TWC study the size of caseloads and types of 15 disabilities, especially serving disabilities that are more complex, before setting the 16 expectation that counselors serve 130 customers a year.

18 9. VR Services for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

19  Several commenters inquired about arrangements for the students who are blind who are 20 staying with the Blind Children’s Program (BCP) at HHSC. Another commenter 21 emphasized the impact on children that miss being grandfathered into VR by days or 22 weeks.

23  Several commenters noted that though they support the TWC/HHSC collaboration, more 24 services will be needed unless HHSC has plans to fully meet the needs of children with 25 disabilities who are ages 10–13. Several commenters made suggestions for addressing 26 this age group, including creation of a new program and working with stakeholders like 27 the National Federation of the Blind and its mentoring program to help provide services.

28  Several commenters emphasized that earlier is better than later for beginning to plan for 29 student’s transition from secondary school to higher education and/or meaningful 30 employment. Several commenters recommended that TWC keep the starting age for VR 31 services for blind children at age 10. One commenter recommended that students with 32 other disabilities would benefit from starting transition services earlier than age 14.

33  Several commenters noted that individuals who are blind need more than short-term skills 34 development to get and keep a job. These commenters recommended TWC use the 35 Expanded Core Curriculum through support groups and family-based skills training 36 because schools don’t have enough resources to implement the curriculum without VR 37 providing them as well.

38  A number of commenters indicated that the collaboration is not sufficient between TWC 39 and HHSC. Commenters expressed concerns that some events that were previously

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 96 1 jointly held between the Blind Children’s Program and the VR transition programs, such 2 as the holiday skill session, had been cancelled because they were not “vocationally 3 relevant.” Commenters noted that events like this have a significant impact because they 4 promote socialization for children who are blind and assist the parents with education and 5 support. 6

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 97 1 Appendix B–Organizational Chart

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 98 1 Appendix C-Acronyms 2

3 ACS-American Community Survey

4 ARD-Admission, Review, and Dismissal

5 AT-Assistive Technology

6 BET-Business Enterprises of Texas

7 CAP-Council for Advising and Planning

8 CART- Communication Access Real-time Translation

9 CBTAC-Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultant

10 CHIP-Children’s Health Insurance Program

11 CIL-Center for Independent Living

12 CLM-Center for Learning Management

13 CMS-Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services

14 CMU-Contract Management Unit

15 COS-Contract Oversight and Support Services

16 CRC-Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

17 CRCC-Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification

18 CRCG-Community Resources Coordination Group

19 CRP-Community Rehabilitation Program

20 CRP-Community Rehabilitation Provider

21 CSAVR- Council of State Administrators for Vocational Rehabilitation

22 CSNA-Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment

23 CSPD-Comprehensive System of Personnel Development

24 CYDP-Community Youth Development Program

25 DADS-Department of Aging and Disability Services

26 DARS-Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 99 1 DBS-Division for Blind Services

2 DRS-Division for Rehabilitation Services

3 DSA-Designated State Agency

4 DSHS-Department of State Health Services

5 DSU-Designated State Unit

6 EFTF-Employment First Task Force

7 EN-Employment Networks

8 ESBD-Electronic State Business Daily

9 HCS-Home and Community-Based Services

10 HHS-Health and Human Services

11 HHSC-Health and Human Services Commission

12 HIRE-Helping Individuals Reach Employment

13 I&E-Innovation and Expansion

14 IDD-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

15 IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

16 IEP-Individualized Education Plan

17 ILS-Independent Living Services

18 IPE-Individualized Plan for Employment

19 LEP-Limited English-Language Proficiency

20 LPC-Licensed Professional Counselor

21 LSSP-Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

22 MBI-Medicaid Buy-in

23 MFP-Money Follows the Person

24 MH-Mental Health

25 MOU-Memorandum of Understanding

26 NCRE-National Council on Rehabilitation Education

27 NCSRC-National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 100 1 OABI-Office of Acquired Brain Injury

2 PRA-Program Reporting and Analysis

3 QVRC-Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

4 RCT-Rehabilitation Council of Texas

5 RID-Registry of Interpreters

6 RST-Rehabilitation Services Technicians

7 RTRC-Rehabilitation Technology Resource Center

8 SE-Supported Employment

9 SELN-State Employment Leadership Network

10 SFY-State Fiscal Year

11 SHIP-State Health Insurance Program

12 SILC-State Independent Living Council

13 SLPI-Sign Language Proficiency Interview

14 SMI-Significant Mental Illness

15 SMR-Subject Matter Resources

16 SSA-Social Security Administration

17 SSI-Supplemental Security Income

18 SSES-Supported Self-Employment Specialist

19 TACE-Texas Administrators of Continuing Education

20 TBIAC-Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council

21 TCCVS-Texas Coordinating Council for Veteran Services

22 TEA-Texas Education Agency

23 TED-Transition and Employment Designee

24 TIBH-Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped

25 TTAP-Texas Technology Access Program

26 TTW-Ticket to Work

27 TVRC-Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 101 1 UNT-University of North Texas

2 UPS-Unit Program Specialist

3 VR-Vocational Rehabilitation

4 VRD-Vocational Rehabilitation Division

5 WIOA-Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014

6 WIPA-Work Incentive Planning and Assistance

7 WRAP-Wellness Recovery Action Plan

VRD Combined State Plan FY’17–’20 102 1 Workforce Development Areas 2 3 TWC achieves the vision and goals enumerated in this plan by using an integrated approach that 4 respects the primacy of Texas Workforce Solutions. 5 6 Background 7 As previously mentioned, in 1993, the Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 642, the Workforce 8 and Economic Competitiveness Act (Act), transforming the state’s fragmented workforce 9 development system into an integrated service delivery network and improving the quality and 10 effectiveness of services. At the time of the Act, Texas comprised 35 Service Delivery Areas set 11 forth under the federal Job Training Partnership Act of 1982. 12 13 The 1993 Act required TWIC to recommend designation of workforce areas in the state, the first 14 step in establishing a system for delivering a slate of integrated services, from workforce training 15 to the TANF and SNAP E&T programs, community services, and the basic labor exchange 16 system. 17 18 The Act further provided that a workforce area must be composed of more than one contiguous 19 unit of general local government, including at least one county, and that the area be of sufficient 20 size to have the administrative resources necessary to effectively plan, manage, and deliver 21 workforce development services. Other factors considered included economic development 22 needs of the area, analyses of local labor markets, commuting patterns of residents, and 23 community needs, including those of employers seeking skilled workers and individuals seeking 24 jobs and skills training. 25 26 The Act required that the local elected officials reach agreement on the designation for a 27 workforce area. After much analysis and deliberation, including significant public input, and the 28 recognition that even contiguous areas often have very diverse needs, 28 workforce areas— 29 governed by Boards—were identified and designated by the governor. The realignment from 35 30 to 28 workforce areas supported Texas’ vision of an integrated and streamlined workforce 31 system, a precursor to the purposes of WIOA. 32 33 In 1998, Congress passed WIA. Recognizing that Texas previously established the framework 34 of an integrated workforce system, WIA provided for a number of grandfather provisions, which 35 allowed Texas to continue certain provisions under prior consistent state law. One of these 36 provisions was specific to the designation of workforce areas. This provision allowed Texas’ 37 Boards to continue as long as they performed successfully and maintained sustained fiscal 38 integrity. 39 40 Local Area Designation

41 WIOA includes the same provision as WIA, allowing existing Boards to continue as long as they 42 perform successfully and maintain sustained fiscal integrity. Units of local government or grant 43 recipients that request, but are not granted designation or redesignation (in accordance with

WIOA Combined State Plan – Local Area Redesignation 103 1 TWIC rules §901.1) as a local workforce development area, may appeal in accordance with the 2 state’s written policy and procedure described in TWIC rule §901.2 (40 TAC Part 22). 3 4 The governor must approve a request for initial designation as a workforce area from any area 5 that: (a) was designated as a workforce area for purposes of WIA for the two-year period 6 preceding July 22, 2014; (b) performed successfully; and (c) sustained fiscal integrity. The 7 governor may choose to approve a request for initial designation as a workforce area from any 8 area that does not meet the above criteria. 9 10 The governor approved requests for initial designation from all 28 workforce areas in Texas. 11 12 On January 30, 2017, the governor approved the redesignation of the Alamo and Coastal Bend 13 workforce development areas. McMullen County, which was previously part of the Coastal 14 Bend workforce area, is now in the Alamo workforce area. The following map depicts the 28 15 workforce areas. 16 17 18

WIOA Combined State Plan – Local Area Redesignation 104 1

1. Panhandle 8. East Texas 15. Rural Capital 22. Coastal Bend 2. South Plains 9. West Central 16. Brazos Valley 23. Lower Rio Grande Texas Valley 3. North Texas 10. Upper Rio 17. Deep East 24. Cameron Grande Texas 4. North Central 11. Permian Basin 18. Southeast Texas 25. Texoma Texas 5. Tarrant County 12. Concho Valley 19. Golden Crescent 26. Central Texas 6. Greater Dallas 13. Heart of Texas 20. Alamo 27. Middle Rio Grande 7. Northeast Texas 14. Capital Area 21. South Texas 28. Gulf Coast 2 3

WIOA Combined State Plan – Local Area Redesignation 105 1 Public Comment 2 In accordance with WIOA regulations §676.145(d), TWC posted this Combined State Plan 3 modification for public comment on March 21, 2017, through April 21, 2017. No comments 4 were received.

WIOA Combined State Plan – Local Area Redesignation 106