Date: 08/12/2015
Final
Transition Planning and Future Plans for DVR
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
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02:30 PM
The committee took a brief recess.
02:47 PM
The committee came back to order.
02:49 PM -- Transition Planning and Future Plans for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Mr. Patrick Teegarden, Director of Policy and Legislation at CDLE, spoke about CDLE's work putting together a detailed transition process, which includes stakeholder interviews. A core team has been assembled at CDLE to manage the transition. CDLE is due to take over the DVR program on July 1, 2016. By the time the transition takes place, CDLE is expecting to have held 13 stakeholder outreach sessions across all areas of the state, two of which have taken place thus far. Mr. Teegarden explained that the CDLE transition steering committee includes several members who are actively involved in the disabled community.
Mr. Teegarden responded to questions from the committee regarding the importance of independent living centers and vocational rehabilitation counselors working together given the concern that CDLE is not a typical point of entry for persons with disabilities.
02:59 PM -- Public Comment
Karen Karsh, American Council of the Blind and A3 (Adapt, Adjust, Achieve), spoke about her background and experience as a singer/songwriter. Ms. Karsh introduced Jim Stevens and Barbara Boyer, Executive Director of A3, and spoke about their desire to present to the committee at a later date.
03:05 PM -- Planning for Future Committee Meetings
The committee discussed possible topics for future meetings, including coordinating state services with veterans services, growing BEP and entrepreneurial programs, and discussing when other states start youth in DVR programs. Representative Danielson asked committee members to submit ideas for future presenters/topics of interest.
The committee agreed to hold future meetings on the following dates: August 19, August 27, September 3, September 16 (where committee members will request legislation to be drafted), and October 28 (where the committee will vote on draft legislation).
03:14 PM
The committee continued to discuss topics of interest, including any incentives Colorado is offering to disabled Coloradans who start and own businesses and what businesses are on the cutting edge of what blind people are trying to move into and how the state can encourage this.
03:17 PM
The committee adjourned.