Date: 08/12/2015
Final
Current Vocational Rehabilitation Program Operations
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| <none> | <none> |
01:55 PM -- Presentation on the Current Vocational Rehabilitation Program Operations
Mr. Steve Anton, Interim Director of the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVR), came to the table. He noted that his charge when joining DVR included stabilizing the organization, ensuring that the recent audits findings are addressed and made part of day-to-day business practices, improving the organization's progress, and implementing a management process. His charge has been expanded to include improving relations with stakeholders and keeping DVR running during the transition to CDLE.
02:02 PM
Mr. Anton continued by stating that this time of transition is an opportunity for better vocational rehabilitation services. He noted that DVR is striving towards better results and making Colorado a leader in services. Mr. Anton stated that the biggest challenge facing DVR in the past was the waitlist. He noted that waitlist has been eliminated. Speaking to funding, he stated that DVR projected to spend about $8 million less than budgeted due to various factors.
02:08 PM
Mr. Anton continued by discussing the recommendations from the 2013 audit of DVR and the implementation of those recommendations. Mr. Anton stated that the DVR has implemented all the recommendations and currently include the recommendations in DVR's best business practices. He further discussed internal vacancy problems and retention issues. He addressed federal indicators and DVR's performance.
02:12 PM
Ms. Laverne Dell, State Coordinator for the Blind, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, came to the table to discuss vocational services for the blind. She stated that DVR employes 15 counselors for the blind/visually impaired across the state, with one dedicated counselor serving blind individuals. She discussed the services DVR offers to both blind/visually impaired youth and adults. She described the process, services, and goals of DVR vocational services for the blind. She noted that blindness-related skills are critical to the program and they are included as part of individualized plans. She addressed services for youth and stated that the current focus on youth begins when students are ready to shift to employment.
02:20 PM
Ms. Dell then discussed the specifics of DVR programs, individualized plans, and costs to individual clients. She also discussed the two dedicated skills centers based in the Front Range. She also mentioned DVR's collaboration with organizations that work specifically with veterans.
02:23 PM
Ms. Dell continued by addressing DVR services for seniors. She discussed the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program and the funds available. She concluded by addressing several collaborations between DVR and other organizations serving the blind/visually impaired.
02:27 PM
Ms. Dell, in response to committee questions, discussed Poppy, her service dog and whether tax credits are available for businesses owned by blind individuals.
02:29 PM
In response to committee questions, Mr. Anton returned to the table to discuss the past waitlist and counselors' caseloads. He noted that the actual number of counselors is 110 and that the caseload peaked at 78 cases per counselors. He stated that DVR tracks time metrics moving persons from eligibility and into individualized plans.