**Fiscal Year 2007 Monitoring Report on the Vocational Rehabilitation
and Independent Living Programs in the State of Vermont**

![](media/image1.pct){width="2.9972222222222222in"
height="2.9972222222222222in"}

**U.S. Department of Education**

**Office of Special Education and\
Rehabilitative Services**

**Rehabilitation Services Administration**

**September 7, 2007**

contents

eXECUTIVE
SUMMARY..................................................................................................3

introduction..........................................................................................5

cHAPTER 1: rEVIEW
pROCESS......................................................................7

cHAPTER 2: vOCATIONAL rEHABILITATION AND sUPPORTED

employment PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED By DVR.....................9

CHAPTER 3: FISCAL REPORT FOR THE VOCATIONAL AND SUPPORTED

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS ADMINISTEREed by DVR.................16

cHAPTER 4: VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND SUPPORTED

employment PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY DBVI...................19

cHAPTER 5: FISCAL REVIEW OF PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY DBVI............25

cHAPTER 6 iNDEPENDENT lIVING
pROGRAMS............................................28

cHAPTER 7: INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES FOR oLDER INDIVIDUALS

who ARE BLIND
PROGRAM......................................................30

cHAPTER 8: STATUS OF ISSUES RAISED IN PREVIOUS REVIEWS OF DVR.........32

cHAPTER 9: STATUS OF ISSUES RAISED IN PREVIOUS REVIEWS OF DBVI........33

cHAPTER 10: SUMMARY CONCLUSION For DVR and
DBVI...........................34

## **Executive Summary**

## 

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) reviewed the
performance of the following programs of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended (the Act) in the state of Vermont:

-   the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, established under Title
    I;

-   the supported employment (SE) program, established under Title VI,
    Part B;

-   the independent living (IL) programs, authorized under Title VII,
    Part B; and

-   the Independent Living Services Program for Older Individuals Who
    Are Blind (OIB), established under Title VII, Chapter 2.

## 

In Vermont, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the
Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) are responsible for
the administration of the VR, SE and IL programs, with DBVI serving only
individuals who are blind and visually impaired, and DVR providing
services to all other individuals with disabilities. DSB is solely
responsible for the administration of the OIB program.

RSA's review began in the fall of 2006 and ended in the summer of 2007.
During this time, RSA's Vermont state team:

-   gathered and reviewed information regarding each programs
    performance;

-   identified a wide range of VR and IL stakeholders and invited them
    to provide input into the review process;

-   conducted two on-site visits, and held multiple discussions with
    state agency staff, SRC members, SILC members, and stakeholders to
    share information, and to identify promising practices and areas for
    improvement;

-   provided technical assistance;

-   worked with DVR and DBVI and stakeholders to develop goals,
    strategies, and evaluation methods to address performance and
    compliance issues; and

-   identified the technical assistance that RSA would provide to help
    improve program performance.

As a result of the review, RSA:

-   identified promising practices;

-   identified performance and compliance issues;

-   developed performance and compliance goals and strategies related to
    selected issues;

-   identified the technical assistance that it would provide to assist
    the agency to achieve the goals identified as a result of the
    review;

-   made recommendations to improve service delivery;

As a result of monitoring, DVR has agreed to the following goals related
to the VR and SE programs:

-   meet or exceed the required performance level for indicator 1.6;

-   improve performance on Indicator 1.2;

-   develop and implement an integrated quality assurance system;

DBVI has agreed to the following goals for the VR and SE programs:

-   meet or exceed the required performance level for indicator 1.6;

-   decrease the percentage of homemaker outcomes to eight percent above
    the national average by FY 2010

-   increase the percentage of transitioning students served;

-   develop and implement an integrated quality assurance system;

For the IL programs, DVR, DBVI, the SILC and IL stakeholders agreed that
all members of the SILC will understand their roles and responsibilities
and be empowered to serve as leaders in the IL movement in Vermont.
Finally, for the OIB program, DBVI and IL stakeholders agreed that the
agency in partnership with its grantee, the Vermont Association for the
Blind and Visually Impaired, will increase the capacity of the OIB
program to provide training in the use of Assistive Technology.

## **Introduction**

Section 107 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, requires the
Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to
conduct annual reviews and periodic on-site monitoring of programs
authorized under Title I of the Act to determine whether a state VR
agency is complying substantially with the provisions of its State Plan
under section 101 of the Act and with the evaluation standards and
performance indicators established under section 106. In addition, the
Commissioner must assess the degree to which VR agencies are complying
with the assurances made in the Supplement for SE under Title VI of the
Act and the extent to which programs offered under Title VII of the Act
are substantially complying with their respective state plan assurances
and program requirements.

In order to fulfill its monitoring responsibilities, RSA:

-   reviews the state agency's performance in assisting eligible
    individuals with disabilities to achieve high-quality employment and
    independent living outcomes;

-   develops, jointly with the state agency, performance and compliance
    goals as well as strategies to achieve those goals; and

-   provides technical assistance to the state agency in order to
    improve its performance, meet its goals, and fulfill its state plan
    assurances.

## Scope of the Review

RSA reviewed the performance of the following programs authorized by the
Act:

-   the VR program, established under Title I;

-   the SE Program, established under Title VI, Part B;

-   the Independent Living (IL) Programs, authorized under Title VII,
    Part B; and

-   the Independent Living Services Program for Older Individuals Who
    Are Blind (OIB), established under Title VII, Chapter 2.

In addition, RSA also reviewed DVR and DBVI's progress on their
respective Corrective Action Plans, developed as a result of findings
from RSA's FY 2004 Section 107 monitoring reviews.

[Vermont Administration of the VR, SE, IL, and OIB Programs]{.underline}

The Agency of Human Services is the designated state agency (DSA) within
which are located DVR and DBVI, the two designated state units for the
VR, SE, and IL programs. DVR is responsible for managing the VR program
for an individual with disabilities other than blindness and visual
impairments, the oversight of the IL programs and the management of the
SE program, not only on behalf of its own consumers , but also
individuals who are blind and visually impaired in collaboration with
DBVI.

DBVI provides VR, SE and OIB program services to individuals who are
blind and visually impaired.

For the four programs listed above, this report describes RSA's review
of DVR and DBVI, provides information on the agencies' performance,
identifies promising practices, identifies performance and compliance
issues, and identifies the related goals, strategies, and technical
assistance that RSA will provide to DVR and DBVI to address each of the
issues identified during the review.

## Appreciation

RSA wishes to express appreciation to the representatives of the DHA,
DVR and DBVI, the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), the Statewide
Independent Living Council (SILC), and the stakeholders who assisted the
RSA monitoring team in the review of DVR and DBVI.

## 

## **Chapter 1: The Review Process**

## Data Used During the Review

RSA's review of DVR and DBVI began in the fall of 2006 and ended in the
summer of 2007. RSA's data collections are finalized and available at
different times throughout the year. During this review, RSA and the
state agency used the most recent data that was available from the FY
2005 and FY 2006 collections. As a result, this report cites data from
FY 2005 and FY 2006.

## Review Process Activities

During the review process, the Vermont state team:

-   gathered and reviewed information regarding the performance of DVR
    and DBVI;

-   identified a wide range of VR and IL stakeholders and invited them
    to provide input into the review process;

-   conducted two on-site visits, and held multiple discussions with
    state agency staff, SRC members, SILC members, and stakeholders to
    share information, identify promising practices and areas for
    improvement;

-   provided technical assistance to DVR and DBVI;

-   worked with DVR and DBVI to develop goals, strategies, and
    evaluation methods to address performance and compliance issues;

-   made recommendations to DVR and DBVI related to issues covered
    during the review;

-   identified potential issues for further review; and

-   identified the technical assistance that RSA will provide to help
    DVR and DBVI improve their performance.

## Vermont State Team Review Participants

Members of the Vermont state team included representatives from each of
RSA's five functional units within the State Monitoring and Program
Improvement Division. The team was led by the state liaison for Vermont,
Dave Wachter (VR Program unit), and: Charles Sadler (Technical
Assistance Unit); Thomas Kelley (IL Unit); Yann-Yann Shieh (Data
Collection and Analysis Unit); and Regina Luster (Fiscal Unit).

## Information Gathering

During FY 2007, RSA began its review of DVR and DBVI by analyzing
information including, but not limited to, RSA's various data
collections, DVR and DBVI's VR and IL state plans, and the SRC annual
reports for DVR and DBVI. After completing its internal review, the RSA
team carried out the following information gathering activities with DVR
and DBVI and stakeholders in order to gain a greater understanding of
the agencies' strengths and challenges:

-   the RSA VT state liaison conducted a series of individual
    teleconferences with the DVR and DBVI management teams, as well as
    stakeholders;

-   the state team conducted three teleconferences each with the DVR and
    DBVI management;

-   the state team held one teleconference and one on-site meeting with
    stakeholders;

-   the state team also held two teleconferences and two on-site
    meetings focused on the SRC and IL services, including the
    development of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC); and

-   RSA conducted two on-site monitoring visits during the weeks of
    April 30 through May 4, 2007 and June 4 through June 7, 2007.

## 

## 

## 

## **Chapter 2: Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Programs Administered by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation**

## Program Organization 

DVR administers the VR, SE and IL programs with a staff of 135 full-time
equivalent employees, overseen by a senior management team comprised of
the director, the field services manager, the employment services
manager and the budget and policy manager. Six regional managers oversee
12 district offices. Services are provided by 35.8 general caseload
counselors, four counselors for the deaf, 14 counselors for
transitioning youths, 13 counselors assigned to the Reach Up Program,
and ten benefit planning counselors. The agency also employs 21 human
service aides, five full-time employment specialists, 11 placement
specialists, two vocational evaluators and 11.5 staff who perform
various administrative functions for the agency

## 

Since FY 1999, DVR has operated under an order of selection (OOS), in
accordance with Section 101(a)(5) of the Act, because it lacks the
financial and/or staff resources to provide services to all individuals
eligible for VR services. Presently, while the agency is serving all
individuals with the most significant disabilities and with significant
disabilities, individuals with non-significant disabilities are placed
on a waiting list for services by date of application. As reported by
the agency in its most recent VR State Plan submission, DVR forecasts
that in

FY 2008 it will continue to serve all individuals with the most
significant disabilities and significant disabilities, and that all
individuals determined eligible as non-significantly disabled will
remain on a waiting list for services.

Table 1 includes fiscal and program data for fiscal years 2002 through
2006. These data provide an overview of the VR program's costs,
outcomes, and efficiency. The table identifies the amount of funds used
by the agency, the number of individuals who applied, and the number who
received services. It also provides information about the quality of the
agency's employment outcomes and its transition services.

As shown in Table 1 in FY 2006 DVR provided services to 5,535
individuals with disabilities, 1,452 of whom achieved employment
outcomes. Of these 1,452 individuals, 1,277 achieved employment outcomes
in integrated settings without supports. Individuals with gainful
employment earned an average of \$9.95 per hour and worked an average of
29.11 hours per week.

## 

## **Table 1**

**Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation**

Performance Measures by Year

  ---------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
  VERMONT          2002           2003           2004           2005           2006

  Total funds used \$12,309,209   \$12,117,804   \$13,181,514   \$13,406,720   \$13,716,877

  Individuals      4,369          5,439          5,515          5,573          5,535
  served during                                                                
  year                                                                         

  Applicants       3,640          3,680          3,609          3,617          3,689

  Closed after     1,854          2,187          2,206          2,349          2,423
  receiving                                                                    
  services                                                                     

  Closed with      1,222          1,316          1,336          1,420          1,452
  employment                                                                   
  outcomes                                                                     

  Employment       1,118          1,201          1,219          1,280          1,277
  outcomes without                                                             
  supports in an                                                               
  integrated                                                                   
  setting                                                                      

  Average cost per \$2,817.40     \$2,227.95     \$2,390.12     \$2,405.66     \$2,478.21
  individual                                                                   
  served                                                                       

  Average cost per \$10,073.00    \$9,208.06     \$9,866.40     \$9,441.35     \$9,446.88
  employment                                                                   
  outcome                                                                      

  Employment       99.28          108.60         101.35         105.92         105.85
  outcomes per                                                                 
  \$million spent                                                              

  Competitive      97.24          107.12         99.46          103.01         103.45
  employment                                                                   
  outcomes per                                                                 
  \$million spent                                                              

  Average hourly   \$8.91         \$9.09         \$9.48         \$9.75         \$9.95
  earnings for                                                                 
  paid employment                                                              
  outcomes                                                                     

  Average state    \$14.92        \$15.43        \$15.90        \$16.40        \$16.93
  hourly earnings                                                              

  Average hours    28.48          28.33          29.38          29.17          29.11
  worked per week                                                              
  for paid                                                                     
  employment                                                                   
  outcomes                                                                     

  Percent of       20.23          21.49          24.93          24.44          24.27
  transition age                                                               
  served to total                                                              
  served                                                                       

  Employment rate  67.73          59.36          58.91          58.19          59.86
  for transition                                                               
  age served                                                                   

  Average time     16.50          15.50          16.20          18.50          17.10
  between                                                                      
  application and                                                              
  closure (in                                                                  
  months) for                                                                  
  individuals with                                                             
  successful paid                                                              
  employment                                                                   
  outcomes                                                                     

  Average number   44.58          54.39          53.03          54.64          54.80
  of individuals                                                               
  served per total                                                             
  staff                                                                        
  ---------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------

The data shows that DVR's performance increased from FY 2002 to FY 2006
for the following measures: applicants, individuals served during year,
cases closed after individuals are served, and cases closed with
employment outcomes. The data also shows that the number of employment
outcomes per million dollars spent and the number of competitive
employment outcomes per million dollars spent increased every year from
FY 2004 to FY 2006.

As shown in Table 1, DVR's average hourly earnings for paid employment
outcomes have increased slightly since FY 2002. The percent of
transition age served and the employment rate for transition age served
has remained nearly unchanged since FY 2004.

####### Provision of Technical Assistance to the VR and SE Programs During the Review Process

RSA provided technical assistance to DVR in a number of VR and SE
program areas during the review process. RSA:

-   verified the agency's RSA 911 case record data for FY 2004, FY 2005,
    and FY 2006;

-   provided technical assistance to the agency on its case management
    system;

-   provided training on how to use RSA's Management Information System;

-   provided feedback on improving employment outcomes, particularly
    those for transition-aged youths;

-   provided an overview of the quality assurance process and how it may
    be adapted by DVR;

-   recommended two organizations for assistance with transportation,
    United We Ride, a Department of Transportation Program to assist
    communities in overcoming transportation barriers for people with
    disabilities and Community Transportation Association, an
    organization that advocates for improved transportation programs in
    rural communities;

-   discussed how DVR might integrate its reporting mechanisms into an
    overall quality assurance system;

-   assessed the agency's internal communications and recommended
    improvements;

-   emphasized the important role agency leadership plays in clearly
    establishing quality employment as the goal of the VR program;

-   provided feedback on the agency's programs for providing VR services
    to students with disabilities;

-   convened a meeting with representatives from the Department of
    Labor, the Veterans Administration and DVR in order to establish
    mechanisms for improving service delivery to returning veterans; and

-   emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in service
    delivery to individuals currently receiving services under the
    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, along with
    providers of services for individuals with mental illness, or who
    are intellectually & developmentally disabled.

####### Promising VR and SE Practices Identified by DVR and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DVR and stakeholders about
promising practices. The following promising practices were identified:

1.  [The Reach Up (RU) Program]{.underline}

> This program serves individuals receiving public support through the
> TANF program using a comprehensive- treatment model. This model
> combines group therapy, work skills enhancement, and work experience
> placements, gradually increasing work participation while individuals
> learn to overcome functional barriers. Local therapists provide group
> therapy designed to increase self-esteem, problem solving, coping
> strategies and communication skills. Individuals also participate in a
> work preparation group covering a wide array of "good worker" skills
> as well as job search techniques. Individuals begin their
> participation in the RU program by applying for SSI and SSDI benefits.
> Many of these individuals then apply for VR services. Participants in
> the RU program who pursue an employment goal perform to the same
> extent as those VR consumers who are not participating in the program.

2.  [Offenders Re-entry Program]{.underline}

> DVR has designated VR counselors for each prison in the state to serve
> as a single point of contact for the Department of Corrections. These
> VR counselors work with personnel from Probation and Parole, Community
> Justice Centers, and other re-entry organizations as well as employers
> to assist offenders to find and retain employment. VR counselors often
> enter the correctional facilities to attend re-entry-planning
> meetings. If an offender is released to another district, the
> information is transferred to that district, and contact information
> is provided to the offender so he or she may pursue DVR services after
> release.
>
> Some individuals within correctional facilities have significant
> disabilities that, without vocational rehabilitation, may prevent them
> from fully supporting themselves through employment. Because of this
> they are often held in prison longer than necessary until Social
> Security benefits can be initiated, or they are released with no
> viable means of support. Representatives from the Department of
> Corrections, DVR, and the Social Security Administration (SSA)
> developed an early application procedure to assist inmates in securing
> benefits prior to their release. The Vermont Department of Corrections
> provides a small grant to cover the cost of the early application
> procedure.

3.  [Jump on Board for Success (JOBS)]{.underline}

> The JOBS program provides SE and intensive case management services
> for youth with significant emotional and/or behavioral disabilities.
> The program uses work as a means to reach this challenging population.
> DVR works in partnership with the Department of Justice, Department of
> Health/Division of Mental Health, and the Department of Children and
> Families in eleven sites around the state. In FY 2006, the JOBS
> program served 243 youths, of whom 176 became employed. In addition,
> of the JOBS participants without a High School Diploma or GED, 35
> percent were helped by the programs to achieve one of these
> educational goals. Finally, JOBS program staff assisted 58 percent of
> participants to obtain stable housing.

4.  [Choice Project]{.underline}

> DVR began the Consumer Choice Project in 1993, which experimented with
> ways to increase consumer empowerment in the public rehabilitation
> process. As a consequence of providing consumers with broader options
> for employment goals, a large number of participants chose
> self-employment as an employment goal. In the Choice Project, 27% of
> consumers who became successfully employed were closed as
> self-employed as compared to approximately 2.5% of consumers in the
> general VR program. The program significantly changed the way
> self-employment was viewed in VR by: 1) changing the VR policy to be
> more encouraging to consumers who wished to start their own
> businesses; 2) developing partners within local communities to provide
> training and technical assistance to individuals pursuing a
> self-employment goal; and 3) providing training to VR Counselors to
> increase their knowledge and comfort level with self-employment. VR
> Counselors were no longer required to accept or reject a business
> plan, but rather they partnered with business experts and micro
> business organizations to assist consumers in developing a viable
> business plan. In addition, individuals were encouraged to participate
> in establishing Individual Development Accounts (IDA's), and Business
> Resource Groups (BRG\'s) were developed to link new entrepreneurs in
> need of capital with a local bank that offered low-interest loans and
> financial planning assistance to group members.

####### VR and SE Issues Identified by DVR and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DVR and stakeholders about VR
and SE performance and compliance issues. The following issues were
identified:

-   since FY 2001, the rehabilitation rate has declined from 71 percent
    to 60.5 percent. The agency attributes the decline in performance to
    serving more complicated caseloads such as individuals on TANF. In
    addition, the agency is serving greater numbers of offenders with
    significant disabilities and consumers with severe and persistent
    mental illness;

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-   meeting and exceeding the required performance level for Indicator
    1.6; and

-   improving and expanding the agency's quality assurance process.

Following compilation and discussion of the issues with DVR, RSA worked
with the agency to address as many of these issues as possible either
directly or by consolidating the issue into a broader issue area.

## 

## VR and SE Performance Issues, Goals, Strategies, and Technical Assistance 

RSA and DVR agreed on the following performance goals strategies to
achieve those goals, and technical assistance that RSA will provide to
assist DVR to achieve the goals. These goals and strategies will be
considered for inclusion in DVR's FY 2009 state plan and if they are
included, progress on achieving these goals will be reported in DVR's FY
2010 annual state plan submission.

1\. [Performance on Indicator 1.6]{.underline}

[]{.mark}

Issues: With respect to general and combined agencies, Performance
Indicator 1.6 requires that, for all individuals exiting the VR program
in competitive employment, the difference between the percentage of
individuals reporting their own income as their primary source of
support at application to those who report their own income as their
primary source of support at the time of case closure to be at least
53.0 (34 CFR 361.84(c)(1)(vi) and 361.86(b)(1)). DVR has not met the
required performance level for this indicator since FY 2000 as shown in
the appendix, table 6.

[]{.mark}

Goal: Meet or exceed the required performance level for Indicator 1.6.

[]{.mark}

Strategy: DVR has hired the former director of the Vermont Association
for Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation (VABIR), as its new
employment services manager. The primary responsibilities involved in
this position are to network with the Vermont business community and to
train DVR staff so they can improve their job development and placement
skills.

Method of Evaluation: In FY 2008, DVR will be successful if it maintains
its performance on Indicator 1.6 compared to FY 2007; in FY 2009, if it
improves compared with FY 2008; and in FY 2010, if it improves compared
with FY 2009.

[]{.mark}

Technical Assistance: RSA will assist DVR to network with those
similarly situated agencies that have met or exceeded the required
performance level for indicator 1.6.

2\. [Performance on Indicator 1.2]{.underline}

[]{.mark}

Issues: Indicator 1.2 measures the percentage of individuals exiting the
VR program after receiving services who achieve employment outcomes. The
minimum performance level required for general and combined agencies is
55.8% (34 CFR 361.84 (b)(1)(i) and 34 CFR 361.86 (1)(ii)). Since FY
2002, the agency's performance on Indicator 1.2 decreased from 66
percent to 60 percent in FY 2006, as shown in Table 7 in the appendix.
The cause for this decreasing trend may be attributed, in part, to the
characteristics of individuals served by DVR. By creating programs for
individuals with significant disabilities who are receiving public
assistance (TANF), or individuals reentering the community from the
state prison system, DVR is serving complicated populations that require
uniquely skilled counselors who are prepared to provide intensive case
management.

Goal 2: Increase Performance on Indicator 1.2.

Strategies:

-   The employment services manager will use his experience in job
    development and networking skills to increase the number of
    employers interested in hiring DVR consumers.

-   VR counselors will increase their skills in job development and
    successful placement through targeted training from the employment
    services manager.

Method of Evaluation: In FY 2008, DVR will be successful if it maintains
its performance on Performance Indicator 1.2 compared to FY 2007; in FY
2009, if it improves compared with FY 2008; and in FY 2010, if it
improves compared with FY 2009.

Technical Assistance: RSA will work with DVR to further explore the
reasons for the decrease in performance. RSA recommends DVR conduct team
case reviews during FY 2008 on unsuccessful cases in order to identify
consumer planning and readiness factors and agency processes that
contribute to unsuccessful outcomes.

3\. [Expand Quality Assurance]{.underline}

Issue: The agency engages in quality assurance activities that focus on
casework documentation and compliance. It does not focus on other areas
that may affect the agency performance. By expanding its quality
assurance system to review best practices from community rehabilitation
programs, staff strengths and successes, and updated research from
Dartmouth's Evidenced Based Practices project for supported employment,
the agency may be able to improve its performance.

Goal: Develop and implement an integrated quality assurance system that
enables DVR to fully utilize the data it collects, the results of its
comprehensive state-wide needs assessment, its performance on the RSA
evaluation standards and indicators, service record review findings,
training activities and ongoing evaluative activities in improving
agency management and the achievement of employment outcomes.

Strategy:

-   development and implementation of a comprehensive quality assurance
    system that is tied into DVR strategic goals and objectives;

-   continue development of an automated case management system; and

-   development of measurable state plan objectives.

Method of Evaluation: RSA will consider the goal to be achieved when the
specified strategies are completed.

Technical Assistance: RSA will identify quality assurance resources
useful to states in the development of a quality assurance system.

## **Chapter 3: Fiscal Review of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Programs Administered by the DVR**

RSA reviewed DVR's fiscal management of the VR program. During the
review process RSA provided technical assistance to the state agency to
improve its fiscal management and identified areas for improvement. RSA
reviewed the general effectiveness of the agency's cost and financial
controls, internal processes for the expenditure of funds, use of
appropriate accounting practices, and financial management systems.

The data in the following table, taken from fiscal reports submitted by
the state agencies, speak to the overall fiscal performance of the
agency. The data related to matching requirements are taken from the
fourth quarter of the respective fiscal year's SF-269 report. The
maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement data are taken from the final
SF-269 report of the fiscal year (two years prior to the fiscal year to
which it is compared). Fiscal data related to administration, total
expenditures, and administrative cost percentage are taken from the
RSA-2.

**Table 2**

**Fiscal Data for DVR for FY 2002 through FY 2006**

  ------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
  **Vermont (G)**                                                        

  **Fiscal Year**    **2002**     **2003**     **2004**     **2005**     **2006**

  **Grant Amount**   7,526,444    7,431,920    7,580,141    7,637,945    7,919,318

  **Required Match** 2,037,017    2,011,435    2,051,550    2,067,195    2,143,348

  **Federal          7,526,444    7,259,225    7,580,141    7,637,945    7,479,562
  Expenditures**                                                         

  **Actual Match**   2,955,442    2,131,657    3,179,374    3,333,885    3,072,341

  **Over (Under)     918,425      120,222      1,127,824    1,266,690    928,993
  Match**                                                                

  **Carryover**      0            172,695      0            0            439,756

  **Program Income** 1,533,508    2,379,515    1,947,772    2,044,461    2,760,157

  **Maintenance of   1,842,918    2,147,953    2,955,442    2,131,657    3,179,374
  Effort (MOE)**                                                         

  ** **                                                                   

  **Administrative   2,220,452    1,991,087    2,050,087    2,161,314    3,496,138
  Costs**                                                                

  **Total            12,309,209   12,117,804   13,181,514   13,406,720   13,716,877
  Expenditures**                                                         

  **Percent Admin    18.04%       16.43%       15.55%       16.12%       25.49%
  Costs to Total                                                         
  Expenditures**                                                         
  ------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------

**Explanations Applicable to the Fiscal Profile Table**

**Grant Amount***:* The amounts shown represent the final award for each
fiscal year, and reflect any adjustments for MOE penalties, reductions
for grant funds voluntarily relinquished through the reallotment
process, or additional grant funds received through the reallotment
process.

**Match (Non-Federal Expenditures*)*:** The non-Federal share of
expenditures in the Basic Support Program, other than for the
construction of a facility related to a community rehabilitation
program, was established in the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation
Act at 21.3 percent. As such, a *minimum* of 21.3 percent of the total
allowable program costs charged to each year's grant must come from
non-Federal expenditures from allowable sources as defined in program
and administrative regulations governing the VR Program. (34 CFR
361.60(a) and (b); 34 CFR 80.24)

In reviewing compliance with this requirement, RSA examined the
appropriateness of the sources of funds used as match in the VR Program,
the amount of funds used as match from appropriate sources, and the
projected amount of state appropriated funds available for match in each
federal fiscal year. The accuracy of expenditure information previously
reported in financial and program reports submitted to RSA was also
reviewed.

**Carryover:** Federal funds appropriated for a fiscal year remain
available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year only to the
extent that the VR agency met the matching requirement for those federal
funds by September 30 of the year of appropriation. (34 CFR 361.64(b))
Either expending or obligating the non-federal share of program
expenditures by this deadline may meet this carryover requirement*.*

In reviewing compliance with the carryover requirement, RSA examined
documentation supporting expenditure and unliquidated obligation
information previously reported to RSA to substantiate the extent to
which the state was entitled to use any federal funds remaining at the
end of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated.

**Program Income**: Program income means gross income received by the
state that is directly generated by an activity supported under a
federal grant program. Sources of state VR program income include, but
are not limited to, payments from the Social Security Administration for
rehabilitating Social Security beneficiaries, payments received from
workers' compensation funds, fees for services to defray part or all of
the costs of services provided to particular individuals, and income
generated by a state-operated community rehabilitation program. Program
income earned (received) in one fiscal year can be carried over and
obligated in the following fiscal year regardless of whether the agency
carries over federal grant funds. Grantees may also transfer program
income received from the Social Security Administration for
rehabilitating Social Security beneficiaries to other formula programs
funded under the Act to expand services under these programs.

In reviewing program income, RSA analyzed the total amount (as compared
to the total percentage of income earned by all VR agencies and
comparable/like VR agencies), sources, and use of generated income.

**Maintenance of Effort (MOE):** The 1992 Amendments revised the
requirements in section 111(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act with respect to
maintenance of effort provisions. Effective Federal FY 1993 and each
Federal fiscal year thereafter, the maintenance of effort level is based
on state expenditures under the title I State plan from non-federal
sources for the federal fiscal year two years earlier. States must meet
this prior year expenditure level to avoid monetary sanctions outlined
in 34 CFR 361.62(a)(1). The match and maintenance of effort requirements
are two separate requirements. Each must be met by the state.

In reviewing compliance with this requirement, RSA examined
documentation supporting fiscal year-end and final non-federal
expenditures previously reported for each grant year.

**Administrative Costs*:*** Administrative costs means expenditures
incurred in the performance of administrative functions including
expenses related to program planning, development, monitoring and
evaluation. More detail related to expenditures that should be
classified as administrative costs is found in VR Program regulations at
34 CFR 361.5(b)(2).

**Provision of Technical Assistance to the VR and SE Programs During the
Review Process**

RSA :

-   Provided an overview of each requirement and reviewed with financial
    staff RSA's assessment of the agency's compliance with specific
    financial requirements -- match, maintenance of effort (MOE),
    carryover, reallotment, program income, liquidation of outstanding
    obligations and grant closeout.

-   Reviewed with staff time distribution (including adherence to the
    OMB Circular A-87 semi-annual certification requirement), cash
    management procedures and the sources and sufficiency of matching
    funds.

-   Reviewed with staff the reporting requirements for each program.

-   Obtained, reviewed, entered and approved Financial Status Reports
    for all formula grant programs that were not previously entered into
    RSA's MIS.

-   Reviewed the agency's revised strategies related to its
    administration of the state's Employee Assistance Program that
    resulted in a substantial increase in program income in FY 2006.
    This resulted in increased carryover dollars, which became available
    for use in FY 2007 for additional allowable program costs.

-   Discussed requirements for transferring Supported Employment Program
    funds between the two VR agencies in Vermont. This is a state
    determination and funds that cannot be utilized by either VR agency
    can be transferred at any point within the two-year period available
    for the obligation of supported employment funds.

-   Reviewed procurement procedures and accountability related to the
    agency's use of a fund to allow consumers to make purchases, not
    exceeding \$250, directly with their vendor of choice.

> [Summary of RSA's fiscal review]{.underline}: No fiscal performance or
> compliance issues were identified found during the review of DVR.

## **Chapter 4: Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Programs Administered by the Division for Blind and Visually Impaired**

## 

## Program Organization

DBVI operates with a total of 13 full-time equivalent staff positions
that cover the state. The division director leads the agency. The chief
of field services supervises four counselors; one for each of the four
regions and each counselor supervises a rehabilitation associate.

Table 1 includes fiscal and program data for fiscal years 2002 through
2006. These data provide an overview of the VR program's costs,
outcomes, and efficiency. The table identifies the amount of funds used
by the agency, the number of individuals who applied, and the number who
received services. It also provides information about the quality of the
agency's employment outcomes and its transition services.

As shown in the table, in FY 2006, DBVI provided services to 367
individuals with disabilities, 97 of whom achieved employment outcomes.
Of these 97 individuals, 42 achieved employment outcomes in integrated
settings without supports. Individuals with gainful employment earned an
average of \$11.71 per hour and worked an average of 26.77 hours per
week.

**Table 3**

**Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired**

**Performance Measures by Year**

  ------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
  VERMONT                        2002          2003          2004          2005          2006

  Total funds used               \$1,222,188   \$1,355,400   \$1,335,447   \$1,556,605   \$1,479,320

  Individuals served during year 298           315           355           380           367

  Applicants                     142           152           155           160           132

  Closed after receiving         110           120           117           126           129
  services                                                                               

  Closed with employment         77            90            88            101           97
  outcomes                                                                               

  Employment outcomes without    39            49            61            55            42
  supports in an integrated                                                              
  setting                                                                                

  Average cost per individual    \$4,101.30    \$4,302.86    \$3,761.82    \$4,096.33    \$4,030.84
  served                                                                                 

  Average cost per employment    \$15,872.57   \$15,060.00   \$15,175.53   \$15,411.93   \$15,250.72
  outcome                                                                                

  Employment outcomes per        63.00         66.40         65.90         64.88         65.57
  \$million spent                                                                        

  Competitive employment         34.36         39.10         45.68         39.19         35.83
  outcomes per \$million spent                                                           

  Average hourly earnings for    \$12.87       \$10.58       \$11.92       \$13.42       \$11.71
  paid employment outcomes                                                               

  Average state hourly earnings  \$14.92       \$15.43       \$15.90       \$16.40       \$16.93

  Average hours worked per week  31.14         27.91         32.70         29.21         26.77
  for paid employment outcomes                                                           

  Percent of transition age      6.36          8.33          6.84          6.35          5.43
  served to total served                                                                 

  Employment rate for transition 28.57         70.00         50.00         87.50         28.57
  age served                                                                             

  Average time between           21.90         23.20         22.30         20.20         20.50
  application and closure (in                                                            
  months) for individuals with                                                           
  successful paid employment                                                             
  outcomes                                                                               

  Average number of individuals  27.09         28.64         32.27         34.55         
  served per total staff                                                                 
  ------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------

DBVI and the RSA VT team conducted a series of in-depth data analyses on
performance measures related to table 1. These analyses were
incorporated into discussions about trends, outcomes, disability
populations, and service programs throughout the course of the review
process. The results of these analyses were used to formulate the goals
and strategies developed by DBVI and RSA.

####### Provision of Technical Assistance to the VR and SE Programs During the Review Process

RSA provided technical assistance to DBVI in a number of VR and SE
program areas during the review process. RSA:

-   verified the agency's RSA 911 case record data for FY 2004, FY 2005,
    and FY 2006;

-   provided feedback to the agency on its case management system;

-   provided training on how to use RSA's Management Information System;

-   recommended two organizations for assistance with transportation,
    United We Ride, a Department of Transportation Program to assist
    communities in overcoming transportation barriers for people with
    disabilities and Community Transportation Association, an
    organization that advocates for improved transportation programs in
    rural communities.

-   provided resources on how other States have eliminated or greatly
    reduced homemaker outcomes; and

-   discussed with the agency methods for improved performance on
    Indicator 1.6.

####### Promising VR and SE Practices Identified by DBVI and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DBVI and stakeholders about
promising practices. The following promising practices were identified:

> []{.mark}

1.  [Learn, Earn and Prosper (LEAP]{.underline})

> DBVI is in its first year of a three year grant from the Gibney
> Foundation to develop partnerships with local non-profits, including
> ReCycle North, Linking Learning to Life, the Vermont Youth
> Conservation Corp (VYCC) and the Vermont Association for the Blind and
> Visually Impaired (VABVI) to provide community based training and paid
> work opportunities to transitioning students.
>
> The LEAP program engages blind and visually impaired youths in a
> program in which they learn skills that will help them become more
> independent, confident, and productive young adults. LEAP is an
> intensive, four-week program, during which youth live with an adult
> VYCC Crew Leader, in an apartment-style suite. Throughout the
> experience, members will learn to use adaptive equipment to cook
> meals, shop for groceries, use public transportation, do laundry, and
> live as a community. Additionally, LEAP members gain employment skills
> by participating in one of five vocational training programs at
> ReCycle North. Through these programs, the participants will learn
> professional and interpersonal skills while helping ReCycle North
> accomplish its three-part mission of waste reduction, job skills
> training, and poverty relief.
>
> Following the four weeks of intensive training the students will
> receive follow up case management from DBVI or the Vermont Association
> for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Also as part of the follow-up,
> Linking Learning to Life will match students with role models, who are
> professionals in a field in which the student has expressed interest.
> For a period of one year, the student and his or her mentor will
> participate in weekly e-mail exchanges to discuss designated topics.
> The dialogue is intended to provide an opportunity to develop
> interpersonal skills, the constructive use of technology, career
> exploration, the use of resources and information, setting goals and
> devising the means to reach the goals.

2.  [Self-Employment Program]{.underline}

> DBVI supports a group of consumers who have goals to start a small
> business. The group consists of individual's who had been successful
> in a career that was then cut short because the individuals became
> blind or visually impaired. The group meets quarterly over a year and
> participates in a DBVI sponsored workshop designed to motivate them as
> individuals with potential to become successful. Last year, 23
> consumers and staff attended the motivational conference, "Creating
> the Life You Want, Walking the Path to Get You There." The group
> continues to meet at least quarterly in order to discuss topics such
> as the writing of a business plan, tax organization, marketing and
> basic accounting. Since the group meets on a regular basis with a
> designated DBVI counselor it has also become a self-support group that
> focuses on "learned optimism and resiliency."

[]{.mark}

####### VR and SE Issues Identified by DBVI and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DBVI and stakeholders about VR
and SE performance and compliance issues. The following issues were
identified:

-   the impact of 1.6 on the high percentage of homemakers; and

-   the need to increase the percentage of transitioning youths who are
    served by DBVI.

## VR and SE Performance Issues, Goals, Strategies, and Technical Assistance 

RSA and DBVI agreed on the following performance goals; strategies to
achieve these goals, and technical assistance that RSA will provide to
assist DBVI to achieve each goal. These goals and strategies will be
considered for inclusion in DBVI's FY 2009 state plan and if they are
included, progress on achieving these goals will be reported in DBVI's
FY 2011 annual state plan submission.

VR and SE Performance Issues, Goals, Strategies, and Technical
Assistance

RSA and DBVI agreed on the following performance goals; strategies to
achieve these goals, and technical assistance that RSA would provide to
assist DBVI achieve each goal. These goals and strategies will be
considered for inclusion in DBVI's FY 2009 state plan and if they are
included, progress on achieving these goals will be reported in DBVI's
FY 2011 annual state plan submission.

1\. [Performance on 1.6]{.underline}

Issue: With respect to agencies serving individuals who are blind and
visually impaired, Performance Indicator 1.6 requires that, for
individuals exiting the VR program in competitive employment, the
difference between the percentage of individuals who claim their own
income as their primary source of support at application and those who
claim their own income as their primary source of support at case
closure is 30.4 (34 CFR 361.84 (c)(1)(vi) and 361.86 (b)(1)). DBVI has
not passed Performance Indicator 1.6 since FY 2000, as shown in the
appendix, table 8.

Goal: Meet or exceed the required performance level for Indicator 1.6.

Strategy: DBVI will hire two part-time job developers who are charged
with helping consumers to obtain high quality competitive employment.

Method of Evaluation: In FY 2008, DBVI will be successful if it
maintains its performance on Indicator 1.6 compared to FY 2007; in FY
2009, if it improves compared with FY 2008; and in FY 2010, if it
improves compared with FY 2009.

Technical Assistance: RSA will work with DBVI to identify state VR
agencies for the blind and visually impaired with high performance on
Standard and Indicator 1.6.

2\. [Homemaker Outcomes]{.underline}

Issue: DBVI assists a significant number and percentage of individuals
to achieve homemaker outcomes. In FY 2006, the percentage of DBVI
consumers who achieve homemaker outcomes was 41.2 percent, 19.9 percent
above the national average of 21.3 percent, as shown in Table 9 in the
appendix. In order to increase the number and percentage of competitive
employment outcomes achieved, DBVI has developed the following goal:

Goal: Decrease the percentage of homemaker outcomes to eight percent
above the national average by 2010.

Strategies:

-   Hire two part-time job developers to increase the number and quality
    of competitive employment placements.

-   Seek additional state funding for individuals in need of
    homemaker/independent living services.

Method of Evaluation: In FY 2008, DBVI will be successful if it
maintains its performance on decreasing the percentage of homemaker
outcomes compared to FY 2007; in FY 2009, if it improves compared with
FY 2008; and in FY 2010, if it improves compared with FY 2009.

Technical Assistance: RSA will identify state VR agencies for the blind
and visually impaired with low numbers of homemaker outcomes.

3\. [Transition]{.underline}

Issue: The percentage of transitioning youths served by DBVI is 6.4
percent while the national average for blind agencies is 10.3 percent.

Goal: Increase the percentage of transitioning students served to the
national average for blind and visually impaired agencies, (10.3
percent) by FY 2010.

Strategy: DBVI will increase the marketing of the LEAP program and its
other transitioning services among families of children who are blind or
visually impaired.

Method of Evaluation: In FY 2008, DBVI will be successful if it
maintains its performance on increasing the percentage of transitioning
students served compared to FY 2007; in FY 2009, if it improves compared
with FY 2008; and in FY 2010, if it improves compared with FY 2009.

Technical Assistance: RSA will identify state VR agencies for the Blind
and Visually Impaired who serve transitioning students at a rate equal
or greater to the national average.

4\. [Expand Quality Assurance]{.underline}

Issue: The agency's quality assurance and evaluation activities are
focused on casework documentation and compliance, and not the
performance of the agency or service providers. The agency uses the
traditional model of collecting a random sample of records from each of
the regions and then reviews those records for errors in compliance.

Goal: Develop and implement an integrated quality assurance system that
enables DBVI to fully utilize the data it collects, the results of its
comprehensive state-wide needs assessment, its performance on the RSA
evaluation standards and indicators, service record review findings,
training activities and ongoing evaluative activities in improving
agency management and the achievement of employment outcomes.

Strategy: RSA will work with the agency to enhance its quality assurance
system.

Method of Evaluation:

-   development and implementation of a comprehensive quality assurance
    system that is aligned with DBVI strategic goals and objectives;

-   continue development of an automated case management system; and

-   development of measurable state plan objectives.

Technical Assistance: RSA will identify quality assurance resources
useful to states in the development of a quality assurance system.

## **Chapter 5: Fiscal Review of the VR Program**

## **For the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired**

RSA reviewed DBVI's fiscal management of the VR program. During the
review process RSA provided technical assistance to the state agency to
improve its fiscal management and identified areas for improvement. RSA
reviewed the general effectiveness of the agency's cost and financial
controls, internal processes for the expenditure of funds, use of
appropriate accounting practices, and financial management systems.

The data in the following table, taken from fiscal reports submitted by
the state agencies, speak to the overall fiscal performance of the
agency. The data related to matching requirements are taken from the
fourth quarter of the respective fiscal year's SF-269 report. The
maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement data are taken from the final
SF-269 report of the fiscal year (two years prior to the fiscal year to
which it is compared). Fiscal data related to administration, total
expenditures, and administrative cost percentage are taken from the
RSA-2.

**Table 4**

**Fiscal Data for DBVI for FY 2002 through FY 2006**

  ----------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  **Vermont (B)**                                                         

  **Fiscal Year**         **2002**    **2003**    **2004**    **2005**    **2006**

  **Grant Amount**        988,182     1,013,444   1,033,656   1,041,538   1,079,869

  **Required Match**      267,450     274,287     279,757     281,890     292,264

  **Federal               860,858     864,361     905,855     1,041,538   1,079,869
  Expenditures**                                                          

  **Actual Match**        267,450     274,287     279,757     379,965     386,790

  **Over (Under) Match**  0           0           0           98,075      94,526

  **Carryover**           127,324     149,083     127,801     0           0

  **Program Income**      37,697      88,559      0           60          10,116

  **Maintenance of Effort 251,307     257,991     267,450     274,288     279,757
  (MOE)**                                                                 

  ** **                                                                    

  **Administrative        153,077     194,385     208,176     243,699     261,495
  Costs**                                                                 

  **Total Expenditures**  1,222,188   1,355,400   1,335,447   1,556,605   1,479,320

  **Percent Admin Costs   12.52%      14.34%      15.59%      15.66%      17.68%
  to Total Expenditures**                                                 
  ----------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**Explanations Applicable to the Fiscal Profile Table**

**Grant Amount:** The amounts shown represent the final award for each
fiscal year, and reflect any adjustments for MOE penalties, reductions
for grant funds voluntarily relinquished through the reallotment
process, or additional grant funds received through the reallotment
process.

**Match (Non-Federal Expenditures):** The non-Federal share of
expenditures in the Basic Support Program, other than for the
construction of a facility related to a community rehabilitation
program, was established in the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation
Act at 21.3 percent. As such, a *minimum* of 21.3 percent of the total
allowable program costs charged to each year's grant must come from
non-Federal expenditures from allowable sources as defined in program
and administrative regulations governing the VR Program. (34 CFR
361.60(a) and (b); 34 CFR 80.24)

In reviewing compliance with this requirement, RSA examined the
appropriateness of the sources of funds used as match in the VR Program,
the amount of funds used as match from appropriate sources, and the
projected amount of state appropriated funds available for match in each
federal fiscal year. The accuracy of expenditure information previously
reported in financial and program reports submitted to RSA was also
reviewed.

**Carryover**: Federal funds appropriated for a fiscal year remain
available for obligation in the succeeding fiscal year only to the
extent that the VR agency met the matching requirement for those federal
funds by September 30 of the year of appropriation. (34 CFR 361.64(b))
Either expending or obligating the non-federal share of program
expenditures by this deadline may meet this carryover requirement.

In reviewing compliance with the carryover requirement, RSA examined
documentation supporting expenditure and unliquidated obligation
information previously reported to RSA to substantiate the extent to
which the state was entitled to use any federal funds remaining at the
end of the fiscal year for which the funds were appropriated.

**Program Income:** Program income means gross income received by the
state that is directly generated by an activity supported under a
federal grant program. Sources of state VR program income include, but
are not limited to, payments from the Social Security Administration for
rehabilitating Social Security beneficiaries, payments received from
workers' compensation funds, fees for services to defray part or all of
the costs of services provided to particular individuals, and income
generated by a state-operated community rehabilitation program. Program
income earned (received) in one fiscal year can be carried over and
obligated in the following fiscal year regardless of whether the agency
carries over federal grant funds. Grantees may also transfer program
income received from the Social Security Administration for
rehabilitating Social Security beneficiaries to other formula programs
funded under the Act to expand services under these programs.

In reviewing program income, RSA analyzed the total amount (as compared
to the total percentage of income earned by all VR agencies and
comparable/like VR agencies), sources, and use of generated income.

**Maintenance of Effort (MOE*):*** The 1992 Amendments revised the
requirements in section 111(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act with respect to
maintenance of effort provisions. Effective Federal FY 1993 and each
Federal fiscal year thereafter, the maintenance of effort level is based
on state expenditures under the title I State plan from non-federal
sources for the federal fiscal year two years earlier. States must meet
this prior year expenditure level to avoid monetary sanctions outlined
in 34 CFR 361.62(a)(1). The match and maintenance of effort requirements
are two separate requirements. Each must be met by the state.

In reviewing compliance with this requirement, RSA examined
documentation supporting fiscal year-end and final non-federal
expenditures previously reported for each grant year.

**Administrative Costs*:*** Administrative costs means expenditures
incurred in the performance of administrative functions including
expenses related to program planning, development, monitoring and
evaluation. More detail related to expenditures that should be
classified as administrative costs is found in VR Program regulations at
34 CFR 361.5(b)(2).

**Provision of Technical Assistance to the VR and SE Programs During the
Review Process**

RSA provided the following fiscal technical assistance to DBVI:

-   Provided an overview of each requirement and reviewed with financial
    staff RSA's assessment of the agency's compliance with specific
    financial requirements -- match, maintenance of effort (MOE),
    carryover, reallotment, program income, liquidation of outstanding
    obligations and grant closeout;

-   Reviewed with staff time distribution (including adherence to the
    OMB Circular A-87 semi-annual certification requirement), cash
    management procedures and the sources and sufficiency of matching
    funds;

-   Reviewed financial reporting requirements for each program with
    agency staff;

-   Obtained, reviewed, entered and approved Financial Status Reports
    for all formula grant programs that were not previously entered into
    RSA's Management Information System (MIS

-   Discussed requirements for transferring Supported Employment Program
    funds between the two VR agencies in Vermont. This is a state
    determination and funds that cannot be utilized by either VR agency
    can be transferred at any point within the two-year period available
    for the obligation of supported employment funds.

> [Summary of RSA's fiscal review]{.underline}: No fiscal performance or
> compliance issues were identified found during the review of DBVI.

## **Chapter 6: Independent Living Programs Administered by DVR and DBVI**

[Program Organization]{.underline}

DVR received \$301,477 in Title VII, Part B funds for its FY 2007
Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS) program. DVR provides
IL services in Vermont through its support for the general operations of
two CILs. DVR funds its IL activities through a combination of Part B
federal funds and state matching funds.

In each fiscal year, DBVI receives \$75,000 in Title VII, Part B funds
to provide independent living services to eligible individuals who are
blind or have low vision. DBVI uses these funds in conjunction with the
funding it receives through the OIB program to provide services such as
transportation, vision rehabilitation, daily living skills training,
orientation and mobility and community integration support to
individuals who are eligible.

**Table 5**

### Sources and Amounts of Funding (FY 2006)

  ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------
                                                   Amounts of Funding

  Part B Funds                                     301,477

  Older Blind                                      225,000

  Other Federal Funds                              276,436

  State Funds                                      155,208

  Local Government                                 0

  Private/Other Funds                              0

  Total                                            958,121
  ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------

####### Provision of Technical Assistance to the IL Program During the Review Process

RSA provided technical assistance to DVR and DBVI in a number of IL
program areas during the review process. RSA:

-   discussed ways to improve the effectiveness of the SILC and to
    ensure that the SILC is fully constituted; and

-   discussed strategies to improve service delivery.

####### IL Issues Identified by DVR and DBVI and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DVR, DBVI and stakeholders
about IL performance and compliance issues. The following issues were
identified:

-   the effectiveness of the SILC; and

-   collaboration between the SILC and the DVR and DBVI.

Following the gathering of this information, RSA worked with DVR and
DBVI to address as these issues.

## 

## IL Performance Issues, Goals, Strategies, and Technical Assistance 

As a result of the review, RSA, DVR, and DBVI agreed on the following IL
performance goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and technical
assistance that RSA will provide to assist DVR and DBVI to achieve each
goal.

1\. [SILC Capacity-Building]{.underline}

Issue: Vermont has a fully functional SILC that works well with DVR and
DBVI. Both agencies and the SILC agree that the SILC could be further
strengthened. The SILC members need to be more proactive in representing
the needs and issues of individuals with disabilities in Vermont. Also,
a system needs to be established to ensure that vacant positions on the
SILC are promptly filled with knowledgeable individuals meeting the
membership and composition requirements under Title VII of the Act.

Goal: All members of the SILC will understand their roles and
responsibilities, and be empowered to serve as leaders in the IL
movement in Vermont.

Strategies:

-   develop and implement a SILC capacity-building plan focused on the
    fulfillment of SILC duties, responsibilities and other requirements,
    as well as the development of leadership skills;

-   establish nominating mechanisms for SILC membership; and

-   establish a tracking mechanism to ensure fulfillment of SILC
    composition requirements.

Method of Evaluation: Development of a SILC capacity-building plan on or
before September 30, 2008.

Technical Assistance: RSA will work with both agencies and the SILC to
identify other technical assistance resources, such as local
non-profits.

## 

## **Chapter 7: Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind **

DBVI received \$225,000 in Title VII, Chapter 2 funds for its FY 2006
OIB program. All funds are directed to the Vermont Association for the
Blind (VABVI) via a grant process and overseen by DBVI. VABVI also funds
the OIB program through state funds and third-party contributions. VABVI
provides services to those whose primary goal is to remain as
independent as possible. Services include skills training in activities
of daily living, transportation, and adaptive technology and equipment. 
Services are designed to help individuals remain in their homes and
participate in community life.

** **

####### Provision of Technical Assistance to the OIB Program During the Review Process

RSA provided technical assistance to DBVI in a number of OIB program
areas during the review process. RSA:

-   held discussions regarding the nature of the program, the allocation
    of Chapter 2 funds and improvements in the service delivery network;
    and

-   explored VABVI's reliance on volunteers to drive consumers to
    training sites.

####### Promising OIB Practices Identified by DBVI and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DBVI and stakeholders about
promising practices. The following promising practices were identified:

1\. [Coordinated Service Delivery]{.underline}

VABVI effectively addresses its available funds by providing Chapter II
services to groups of clients in ten different locations throughout the
state. Because of a lack of transportation in rural areas, VABVI has an
extensive network of volunteers who transport clients to the locations,
enabling them to participate in IL training, social and community
activities. In this way, Rehabilitation Teachers are able to meet with
consumers twice per month to provide IL living skills training,
peer-to-peer support and community integration.

####### OIB Issues Identified by DBVI and Stakeholders During the Review Process

RSA's review process solicited input from DBVI and stakeholders about
OIB performance and compliance issues. The following issues were
identified:

-   challenges to providing services in a rural state;

-   the need to increase the number of AT trainers available to assist
    consumers in identifying and using AT; and

Following compilation of this list, RSA worked with DBVI to address as
many of these issues as possible either directly or by consolidating the
issue into a broader issue area.

## 

## OIB Performance Issues, Goals, Strategies, and Technical Assistance 

As a result of the review, RSA and DBVI agreed on the following OIB
performance goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and technical
assistance that RSA will provide to assist DBVI to achieve each goal.

1\. [The Number of AT Trainers Available to Consumers]{.underline}

Issue: Vermont is a rural state with an increasing aging population. OIB
provides a majority of its services to individuals 75 and older, with a
majority of these individuals being 85-89 years of age. Consumers are
often able to obtain AT equipment on their own. However, their ability
to effectively utilize the equipment for independent living is limited
by insufficient AT training to help consumers use the technology. VABVI
does not have a sufficient number of trainers to meet this need.

Goal: DBVI in partnership with its grantee, VABVI, will increase the
capacity of the OIB program to provide training in the use of assistive
technology.

Strategies:

-   VABVI will request funding from the Vermont Legislature to support
    the increase in available AT trainers.

-   VABVI will research AT equipment and software vendors to inquire
    about possible in-kind donations to train Assistive Technology
    trainers on the utilization of AT and software.

-   VABVI will contact the Vermont Assistive Technology Program to
    discuss coordinating strategies to develop AT training
    opportunities.

Method of Evaluation: By September 30, 2009, DBVI will increase the
number of AT and software trainers available to consumers.

Technical Assistance:

-   RSA will identify other states with successful AT programs for
    mentorship and TA opportunities;

-   RSA will coordinate TA resources with the OIB program from the
    Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low
    Vision at Mississippi State University, APRIL;

-   RSA's technical assistance and training grant; and

-   RSA will identify and inform VABVI of successful TA and mentoring
    programs being used by other state agencies.

## **Chapter 8: Progress on Issues Raised in Previous Reviews of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation**

As a result of the RSA review conducted with DVR in FY 2003-2004, the
agency developed a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). A summary of the
progress that DVR has made on the CAP is described below.

Through the implementation of its CAP, DVR has successfully resolved
compliance findings related to the following topics: []{.mark}

-   services identified for consumer IPEs are being appropriately
    identified;

-   presumption of eligibility is being utilized for applicants
    receiving SSI or SSDI;

-   assessments are more comprehensive and describe the individual's
    service needs to obtain a goal consistent with the individual's
    unique strengths, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities,
    interests, and informed choice;

-   consumers' IPEs are being implemented in a timely manner as
    required;

-   DVR is amending IPEs to conform to revisions in consumers'employment
    goals and identify the purpose and reasoning for the change;

-   DVR is maintaining services with consumers for at least 90 days
    after placement to ensure job stability;

-   wages and benefit levels of competitively employed consumers are
    consistently verified to be at least minimum wage and no less than
    that customarily paid by employers for the same or similar work;

-   DVR's policy manual has been updated to include policies regarding
    the nature and scope of three categories of VR services specified in
    Section 361.48(a) of the regulations: counseling and guidance;
    referral; and other goods and services;

-   DVR's policies related to Physical Restoration Services and Mental
    Restoration Services (Health Services) indicate that VR services are
    based on the rehabilitation needs; and

-   DVR's Transportation policy does not includes limited caps on some
    services (vehicle repairs, modifications, etc.).

DVR has not successfully resolved compliance findings related to the
following topics and continues to work toward their resolution.

-   service records lacked sufficient documentation to support the
    determination of the level of significance of disability and the
    priority category to which the individual was assigned, thus calling
    into question the appropriateness of those assignments

-   status: DVR has not yet achieved the 90% threshold indicating that
    this issue has been resolved. Regional Managers will be reviewing
    these findings with staff to re-emphasize this issue.

## **Chapter 9: Progress on Issues Raised in Previous Reviews**

## **Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired**

As a result of the RSA review conducted with DBVI in FY 2003-2004, the
agency developed a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). A summary of the
progress that DBVI has made on the CAP is described below.

Through the implementation of its CAP, DBVI has successfully resolved
compliance findings related to the following topics:

-   DBVI has made substantial progress in developing a required
    interagency agreement with the state education agency;

-   DBVI counselors adequately utilize presumptive eligibility for all
    applicants receiving SSI or SSDI;

-   DBVI is consistently developing IPEs in a timely manner or ensuring
    that delays in IPE development are appropriate;

-   DBVI's homemaker policy has been changed and 55 and older is no
    longer identified as a criterion for applicants;

-   Only qualified DBVI counselors, are making eligibility
    determinations and approving IPEs on behalf of the agency;

-   DBVI policies no longer place absolute dollar limits on two specific
    service categories\--vocational and other training services and
    interpreter services;

DBVI has not successfully resolved compliance findings related to the
following topics and continues to work toward their resolution;

-   DBVI needs to achieve 90 percent compliance in verifying that
    competitively employed consumers received customary wages and
    benefits for the same or similar work; and

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   DBVI served less than 100 individuals from minority backgrounds
    during both FY 2002 and FY 2003, meaning that its ratio of service
    rates for minorities to non-minorities is not considered
    statistically valid and in order to meet the standard, DBVI must
    describe its past and future policies and steps for ensuring equal
    access to services;

**Criteria**: DBVI will have met with at least three organizations
representing diverse, minority or underserved populations in Vermont.

**Status**: DBVI has met with the Imani organization of Burlington,
Vermont. DBVI is attempting to reach out to the Abanaki Indians, located
in northern Vermont, but has not been successful. In order to obtain
support in this effort DBVI has been in contact with a representative of
the Pequot Tribe of Connecticut.

[]{.mark}

## []{.mark}

## **Chapter 10: Summary Conclusion**

######### Strengths and Challenges of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

DVR has been very successful at developing networks and partnerships
with the business community, agencies sharing common goals and other
Vermont state agencies serving individuals with disabilities. These
relationships are well developed and utilized by DVR. They function to
support an array of broad services designed to improve the quality of
life of the consumers through high quality jobs intended to meet their
individual needs and increase their ability to be independent.

The most significant challenges confronting the program are the high
number of consumers receiving SSI and SSDI, the rural nature of the
state, and the lack of adequate public transportation for individuals
seeking employment. The data from the 911 reports indicates that over 40
percent of DVR's consumers receive SSI or SSDI benefits at application.
Most of DVR's consumers have severe and persistent mental illness or an
intellectual developmental disability. Being a rural state impedes the
ability to provide comprehensive services to many of those in need,
since vendors require a large pool of applicants in order to operate a
financially viable program. The barrier identified most often by the
stakeholders and supported by the VR program is the lack of public
transportation. Without a complete and functional public transportation
system, many individuals who are motivated to seek employment and are
capable of being productive employees are not able to accept job
opportunities.

The performance of the DVR program has consistently improved over the
past fifteen years. In 1991 DVR placed 443 consumers. DVR has increased
the number of employment outcomes to 1,452 in FY 2006. This
accomplishment was achieved, in part, by reducing the cost of a
placement in 1991 from \$17,565 to the cost for a placement in 2006 to
\$9,476. DVR is committed to providing services to all Vermonters with
significant disabilities, adding and expanding programs to serve those
who are dependent on state aide (TANF), those who are about to reenter
the community after incarceration and assuring that each high school in
the state has a transition counselor.

DVR received \$301,477 in Part B funds for its FY 2007 Independent
Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS) program. DVR provides IL services
in Vermont through its support for the general operations of two CILs.
DVR funds its IL activities through a combination of Part B federal
funds and state matching funds.

The IL program manages two grants to operate two CILs run by one
director. The SILC and stakeholders indicated that significant
challenges besides transportation are the increasing cost of technology
and the need to reach out to the unserved and underserved populations,
especially those in the Northeast Kingdom, Rutland, Springfield and
parts of White River Junction. In addition, the program has experienced
eleven years of flat funding.

**Strengths and Challenges of the Division for the Blind and Visually
Impaired**

DBVI is a small agency with 13 staff members. Because of the nature and
culture of this state, partnerships and networks are well developed and
utilized by the agency. These partnerships support an array of services
designed to improve the quality of life of the consumers through high
quality jobs intended to meet their individual needs and increase their
ability to be independent.

The challenges confronting the DBVI program are the high number of
consumers receiving SSI and SSDI, the rural nature of the state, and the
lack of adequate public transportation for individuals seeking
employment. The data from the 911 reports indicates that 56 percent of
DBVI's consumers receive either SSI or SSDI. Many of DBVI's consumer's
have multiple disabilities and some require co-case management of
services with other agencies in the state, such as the Division for
Developmental Disabilities and the Division for Mental Health. Vermont
is a rural state with only a few population centers, impeding the
agency's ability to provide comprehensive services to some of those in
need, since vendors require a large pool of applicants and dependable
public transportation in order to run a financially viable program. The
most costly and significant barrier identified by most of the
stakeholders and DBVI is the lack of public transportation. Without a
complete and functional public transportation system, many individuals
who are motivated to seek employment and are capable of being productive
employees are not able to accept job opportunities.

DBVI receives \$75,000 in Part B funds to provide independent living
services to eligible individuals who are blind or have low vision. To
address the lack of transportation, VABVI has an extensive network of
volunteers who provide rides to clients, enabling them to participate in
more training, social and community activities. DBVI has actively
explored innovative approaches to service delivery, such as the LEAP
program.

Table 6 summarizes the results of RSA's review

+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | A |                     |   |                    |
|                       | g |                     |   |                    |
|                       | e |                     |   |                    |
|                       | n |                     |   |                    |
|                       | c |                     |   |                    |
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|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Program: VR           |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Goal                  | S |                     | T |                    |
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|                       | s |                     | A |                    |
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|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 1\. DVR will meet or  | H |                     | R |                    |
| exceed performance    | i |                     | S |                    |
| Indicator 1.6         | r |                     | A |                    |
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+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 2\. Increase          | T |                     | R |                    |
| Performance on        | h |                     | S |                    |
| Indicator 1.2.        | e |                     | A |                    |
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|                       | t |                     | g |                    |
|                       | e |                     | F |                    |
|                       | r |                     | Y |                    |
|                       | e |                     | 2 |                    |
|                       | s |                     | 0 |                    |
|                       | t |                     | 0 |                    |
|                       | e |                     | 8 |                    |
|                       | d |                     | o |                    |
|                       | i |                     | n |                    |
|                       | n |                     | u |                    |
|                       | h |                     | n |                    |
|                       | i |                     | s |                    |
|                       | r |                     | u |                    |
|                       | i |                     | c |                    |
|                       | n |                     | c |                    |
|                       | g |                     | e |                    |
|                       | D |                     | s |                    |
|                       | V |                     | s |                    |
|                       | R |                     | f |                    |
|                       | c |                     | u |                    |
|                       | o |                     | l |                    |
|                       | n |                     | c |                    |
|                       | s |                     | a |                    |
|                       | u |                     | s |                    |
|                       | m |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | r |                     | i |                    |
|                       | s |                     | n |                    |
|                       | . |                     | o |                    |
|                       | C |                     | r |                    |
|                       | o |                     | d |                    |
|                       | u |                     | e |                    |
|                       | n |                     | r |                    |
|                       | s |                     | t |                    |
|                       | e |                     | o |                    |
|                       | l |                     | i |                    |
|                       | o |                     | d |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | s |                     | n |                    |
|                       | w |                     | t |                    |
|                       | i |                     | i |                    |
|                       | l |                     | f |                    |
|                       | l |                     | y |                    |
|                       | i |                     | c |                    |
|                       | n |                     | o |                    |
|                       | c |                     | n |                    |
|                       | r |                     | s |                    |
|                       | e |                     | u |                    |
|                       | a |                     | m |                    |
|                       | s |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | r |                    |
|                       | t |                     | p |                    |
|                       | h |                     | l |                    |
|                       | e |                     | a |                    |
|                       | i |                     | n |                    |
|                       | r |                     | n |                    |
|                       | s |                     | i |                    |
|                       | k |                     | n |                    |
|                       | i |                     | g |                    |
|                       | l |                     | a |                    |
|                       | l |                     | n |                    |
|                       | s |                     | d |                    |
|                       | i |                     | r |                    |
|                       | n |                     | e |                    |
|                       | j |                     | a |                    |
|                       | o |                     | d |                    |
|                       | b |                     | i |                    |
|                       | d |                     | n |                    |
|                       | e |                     | e |                    |
|                       | v |                     | s |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | l |                     | f |                    |
|                       | o |                     | a |                    |
|                       | p |                     | c |                    |
|                       | m |                     | t |                    |
|                       | e |                     | o |                    |
|                       | n |                     | r |                    |
|                       | t |                     | s |                    |
|                       | a |                     | a |                    |
|                       | n |                     | n |                    |
|                       | d |                     | d |                    |
|                       | p |                     | a |                    |
|                       | l |                     | g |                    |
|                       | a |                     | e |                    |
|                       | c |                     | n |                    |
|                       | e |                     | c |                    |
|                       | m |                     | y |                    |
|                       | e |                     | p |                    |
|                       | n |                     | r |                    |
|                       | t |                     | o |                    |
|                       | r |                     | c |                    |
|                       | e |                     | e |                    |
|                       | t |                     | s |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | n |                     | e |                    |
|                       | t |                     | s |                    |
|                       | i |                     | t |                    |
|                       | o |                     | h |                    |
|                       | n |                     | a |                    |
|                       | . |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | b |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | f |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | l |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | m |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | . |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 3\. Develop and       | I |                     | R |                    |
| implement an          | m |                     | S |                    |
| integrated quality    | p |                     | A |                    |
| assurance system.     | l |                     | w |                    |
|                       | e |                     | i |                    |
|                       | m |                     | l |                    |
|                       | e |                     | l |                    |
|                       | n |                     | d |                    |
|                       | t |                     | e |                    |
|                       | a |                     | v |                    |
|                       | t |                     | e |                    |
|                       | i |                     | l |                    |
|                       | o |                     | o |                    |
|                       | n |                     | p |                    |
|                       | o |                     | r |                    |
|                       | f |                     | e |                    |
|                       | a |                     | s |                    |
|                       | c |                     | o |                    |
|                       | o |                     | u |                    |
|                       | m |                     | r |                    |
|                       | p |                     | c |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | h |                     | u |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | n |                     | e |                    |
|                       | s |                     | f |                    |
|                       | i |                     | u |                    |
|                       | v |                     | l |                    |
|                       | e |                     | t |                    |
|                       | q |                     | o |                    |
|                       | u |                     | s |                    |
|                       | a |                     | t |                    |
|                       | l |                     | a |                    |
|                       | i |                     | t |                    |
|                       | t |                     | e |                    |
|                       | y |                     | s |                    |
|                       | a |                     | i |                    |
|                       | s |                     | n |                    |
|                       | s |                     | t |                    |
|                       | u |                     | h |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | a |                     | d |                    |
|                       | n |                     | e |                    |
|                       | c |                     | v |                    |
|                       | e |                     | e |                    |
|                       | s |                     | l |                    |
|                       | y |                     | o |                    |
|                       | s |                     | p |                    |
|                       | t |                     | m |                    |
|                       | e |                     | e |                    |
|                       | m |                     | n |                    |
|                       | t |                     | t |                    |
|                       | h |                     | o |                    |
|                       | a |                     | f |                    |
|                       | t |                     | a |                    |
|                       | i |                     | q |                    |
|                       | s |                     | u |                    |
|                       | t |                     | a |                    |
|                       | i |                     | l |                    |
|                       | e |                     | i |                    |
|                       | d |                     | t |                    |
|                       | i |                     | y |                    |
|                       | n |                     | a |                    |
|                       | t |                     | s |                    |
|                       | o |                     | s |                    |
|                       | D |                     | u |                    |
|                       | V |                     | r |                    |
|                       | R |                     | a |                    |
|                       | s |                     | n |                    |
|                       | t |                     | c |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | a |                     | s |                    |
|                       | t |                     | y |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | g |                     | t |                    |
|                       | i |                     | e |                    |
|                       | c |                     | m |                    |
|                       | g |                     | . |                    |
|                       | o |                     |   |                    |
|                       | a |                     |   |                    |
|                       | l |                     |   |                    |
|                       | s |                     |   |                    |
|                       | a |                     |   |                    |
|                       | n |                     |   |                    |
|                       | d |                     |   |                    |
|                       | o |                     |   |                    |
|                       | b |                     |   |                    |
|                       | j |                     |   |                    |
|                       | e |                     |   |                    |
|                       | c |                     |   |                    |
|                       | t |                     |   |                    |
|                       | i |                     |   |                    |
|                       | v |                     |   |                    |
|                       | e |                     |   |                    |
|                       | s |                     |   |                    |
|                       | ; |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Recommendations       |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 4\. Integrate         |   |                     |   |                    |
| training activities   |   |                     |   |                    |
| into goal statements  |   |                     |   |                    |
| and evaluated         |   |                     |   |                    |
| effectiveness of      |   |                     |   |                    |
| training              |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 5\. Assessed DVR      |   |                     |   |                    |
| internal              |   |                     |   |                    |
| communications and    |   |                     |   |                    |
| recommended a         |   |                     |   |                    |
| constant flow up and  |   |                     |   |                    |
| down the chain of     |   |                     |   |                    |
| command;              |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Promising practices   |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 1.  Reach Up Program  |   |                     |   |                    |
|     for individuals   |   |                     |   |                    |
|     on TANF           |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 6.  Offenders         |   |                     |   |                    |
|     Re-entry Program  |   |                     |   |                    |
|     for individuals   |   |                     |   |                    |
|     returning to the  |   |                     |   |                    |
|     community from    |   |                     |   |                    |
|     being             |   |                     |   |                    |
|     incarcerated.     |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 7.  Jump on Board for |   |                     |   |                    |
|     Success (JOBS)    |   |                     |   |                    |
|     for transitioning |   |                     |   |                    |
|     youth who are at  |   |                     |   |                    |
|     risk.             |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 8.  Project Choice    |   |                     |   |                    |
|     for individuals   |   |                     |   |                    |
|     who are seeking   |   |                     |   |                    |
|     self-employment.  |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Issues for Further    |   |                     |   |                    |
| Review                |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 10\. Progress on 2    |   |                     |   |                    |
| for 1 grant with SSA  |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 11\. Progress on      |   |                     |   |                    |
| Benefits counselors   |   |                     |   |                    |
| grant with SSA        |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| **Agency: DBVI**      |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Program: VR           |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Goal                  |   | Strategies          |   | Technical          |
|                       |   |                     |   | Assistance         |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 8\. Meet or exceed    |   | DBVI has contracted |   | RSA will continue  |
| the required          |   | with VABIR hire 2   |   | to research        |
| performance level for |   | part time job       |   | programs like IA   |
| Indicator 1.6.        |   | developers with a   |   | and NM concerning  |
|                       |   | goal to increase    |   | their success in   |
|                       |   | the number of       |   | discontinuing      |
|                       |   | competitive         |   | homemakers as a    |
|                       |   | placements.         |   | positive outcome   |
|                       |   |                     |   | for a VR program.  |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 9\. Decrease the      |   | Seek additional     |   | Share with DBVI    |
| percentage of         |   | state funding for   |   | best practices     |
| homemaker outcomes to |   | individuals in need |   | from agencies that |
| eight percent above   |   | of                  |   | have been          |
| the national average  |   | ho                  |   | successful at      |
| by 2010.              |   | memaker/independent |   | decreasing the     |
|                       |   | living services.    |   | number of          |
|                       |   |                     |   | Homemaker          |
|                       |   |                     |   | outcomes.          |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 10\. Increase the     |   | Increase marketing  |   | RSA will review    |
| number of             |   | of services         |   | promising          |
| transitioning youths  |   | available to youth  |   | practices from     |
| served.               |   | who are blind or    |   | other programs     |
|                       |   | visually impaired.  |   | that are           |
|                       |   |                     |   | comparable with    |
|                       |   |                     |   | DBVI and have      |
|                       |   |                     |   | developed          |
|                       |   |                     |   | affordable         |
|                       |   |                     |   | marketing          |
|                       |   |                     |   | campaigns          |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 11\. Develop and      |   | Develop an          |   | RSA will provide   |
| implement an          |   | integrated quality  |   | model quality      |
| integrated quality    |   | assurance system.   |   | assurance systems  |
| assurance system.     |   |                     |   | applicable to      |
|                       |   |                     |   | DBVI.              |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Recommendations       |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 12\. Integrate        |   |                     |   |                    |
| training activities   |   |                     |   |                    |
| into goal statements  |   |                     |   |                    |
| and evaluated         |   |                     |   |                    |
| effectiveness of      |   |                     |   |                    |
| training              |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 13\. Assessed DBVI    |   |                     |   |                    |
| internal              |   |                     |   |                    |
| communications and    |   |                     |   |                    |
| assess for the        |   |                     |   |                    |
| constant flow up and  |   |                     |   |                    |
| down the chain of     |   |                     |   |                    |
| command.              |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Promising practices   |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| LEAP Program          |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Self Employment       |   |                     |   |                    |
| support group         |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Issues for Further    |   |                     |   |                    |
| Review                |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 14\. Progress on      |   |                     |   |                    |
| marketing program to  |   |                     |   |                    |
| potential consumers.  |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 15\. Progress on      |   |                     |   |                    |
| decreasing homemaker  |   |                     |   |                    |
| outcomes              |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | P |                     |   |                    |
|                       | r |                     |   |                    |
|                       | o |                     |   |                    |
|                       | g |                     |   |                    |
|                       | r |                     |   |                    |
|                       | a |                     |   |                    |
|                       | m |                     |   |                    |
|                       | : |                     |   |                    |
|                       | O |                     |   |                    |
|                       | I |                     |   |                    |
|                       | B |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Goal                  | S |                     | T |                    |
|                       | t |                     | e |                    |
|                       | r |                     | c |                    |
|                       | a |                     | h |                    |
|                       | t |                     | n |                    |
|                       | e |                     | i |                    |
|                       | g |                     | c |                    |
|                       | i |                     | a |                    |
|                       | e |                     | l |                    |
|                       | s |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 16\. DBVI in          | V |                     | R |                    |
| partnership with its  | A |                     | S |                    |
| grantee, VABVI, will  | B |                     | A |                    |
| increase the capacity | V |                     | w |                    |
| of the OIB program to | I |                     | i |                    |
| provide training in   | w |                     | l |                    |
| the use of assistive  | i |                     | l |                    |
| technology.           | l |                     | a |                    |
|                       | l |                     | s |                    |
|                       | a |                     | s |                    |
|                       | s |                     | i |                    |
|                       | k |                     | s |                    |
|                       | t |                     | t |                    |
|                       | h |                     | i |                    |
|                       | e |                     | n |                    |
|                       | V |                     | i |                    |
|                       | e |                     | d |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | m |                     | n |                    |
|                       | o |                     | t |                    |
|                       | n |                     | i |                    |
|                       | t |                     | f |                    |
|                       | L |                     | y |                    |
|                       | e |                     | i |                    |
|                       | g |                     | n |                    |
|                       | i |                     | g |                    |
|                       | s |                     | a |                    |
|                       | l |                     | v |                    |
|                       | a |                     | a |                    |
|                       | t |                     | r |                    |
|                       | u |                     | i |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | t |                    |
|                       | t |                     | y |                    |
|                       | o |                     | o |                    |
|                       | a |                     | f |                    |
|                       | p |                     | A |                    |
|                       | p |                     | T |                    |
|                       | r |                     | v |                    |
|                       | o |                     | e |                    |
|                       | v |                     | n |                    |
|                       | e |                     | d |                    |
|                       | f |                     | o |                    |
|                       | u |                     | r |                    |
|                       | n |                     | s |                    |
|                       | d |                     | . |                    |
|                       | i |                     | R |                    |
|                       | n |                     | S |                    |
|                       | g |                     | A |                    |
|                       | f |                     | w |                    |
|                       | o |                     | i |                    |
|                       | r |                     | l |                    |
|                       | i |                     | l |                    |
|                       | n |                     | i |                    |
|                       | c |                     | d |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | n |                    |
|                       | a |                     | t |                    |
|                       | s |                     | i |                    |
|                       | e |                     | f |                    |
|                       | d |                     | y |                    |
|                       | t |                     | o |                    |
|                       | e |                     | t |                    |
|                       | c |                     | h |                    |
|                       | h |                     | e |                    |
|                       | n |                     | r |                    |
|                       | o |                     | s |                    |
|                       | l |                     | t |                    |
|                       | o |                     | a |                    |
|                       | g |                     | t |                    |
|                       | y |                     | e |                    |
|                       | t |                     | s |                    |
|                       | r |                     | w |                    |
|                       | a |                     | i |                    |
|                       | i |                     | t |                    |
|                       | n |                     | h |                    |
|                       | i |                     | s |                    |
|                       | n |                     | u |                    |
|                       | g |                     | c |                    |
|                       | . |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | f |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | l |                    |
|                       |   |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | T |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | g |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | m |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | f |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | m |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | d |                    |
|                       |   |                     | T |                    |
|                       |   |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | . |                    |
|                       |   |                     | R |                    |
|                       |   |                     | S |                    |
|                       |   |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | w |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | l |                    |
|                       |   |                     | l |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | d |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | T |                    |
|                       |   |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | w |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | V |                    |
|                       |   |                     | T |                    |
|                       |   |                     | O |                    |
|                       |   |                     | I |                    |
|                       |   |                     | B |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | g |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | m |                    |
|                       |   |                     | f |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | m |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | R |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | b |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | l |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
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|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | R |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | d |                    |
|                       |   |                     | T |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
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|                       |   |                     | g |                    |
|                       |   |                     | C |                    |
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|                       |   |                     | y |                    |
|                       |   |                     | , |                    |
|                       |   |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | P |                    |
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|                       |   |                     | g |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
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|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | d |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | h |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | u |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | o |                    |
|                       |   |                     | p |                    |
|                       |   |                     | r |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
|                       |   |                     | . |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 17\. Promising        |   |                     |   |                    |
| Practices             |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 18\. Coordinated      |   |                     |   |                    |
| service delivery      |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Issues for Further    |   |                     |   |                    |
| Review                |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 19\. Explored VABVI's |   |                     |   |                    |
| reliance on           |   |                     |   |                    |
| volunteers to drive   |   |                     |   |                    |
| consumers to training |   |                     |   |                    |
| sites.                |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | I |                     |   |                    |
|                       | L |                     |   |                    |
|                       | P |                     |   |                    |
|                       | r |                     |   |                    |
|                       | o |                     |   |                    |
|                       | g |                     |   |                    |
|                       | r |                     |   |                    |
|                       | a |                     |   |                    |
|                       | m |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
|                       | * |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Goal                  | S |                     | T |                    |
|                       | t |                     | e |                    |
|                       | r |                     | c |                    |
|                       | a |                     | h |                    |
|                       | t |                     | n |                    |
|                       | e |                     | i |                    |
|                       | g |                     | c |                    |
|                       | i |                     | a |                    |
|                       | e |                     | l |                    |
|                       | s |                     | A |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | i |                    |
|                       |   |                     | s |                    |
|                       |   |                     | t |                    |
|                       |   |                     | a |                    |
|                       |   |                     | n |                    |
|                       |   |                     | c |                    |
|                       |   |                     | e |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| All members of the    | D |                     | R |                    |
| SILC will understand  | e |                     | S |                    |
| their roles and       | v |                     | A |                    |
| responsibilities as   | e |                     | w |                    |
| members of the SILC,  | l |                     | i |                    |
| and be empowered to   | o |                     | l |                    |
| serve as leaders in   | p |                     | l |                    |
| the IL movement in    | a |                     | p |                    |
| Vermont.              | n |                     | r |                    |
|                       | d |                     | o |                    |
|                       | i |                     | v |                    |
|                       | m |                     | i |                    |
|                       | p |                     | d |                    |
|                       | l |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | t |                    |
|                       | m |                     | r |                    |
|                       | e |                     | a |                    |
|                       | n |                     | i |                    |
|                       | t |                     | n |                    |
|                       | a |                     | i |                    |
|                       | S |                     | n |                    |
|                       | I |                     | g |                    |
|                       | L |                     | a |                    |
|                       | C |                     | n |                    |
|                       | c |                     | d |                    |
|                       | a |                     | t |                    |
|                       | p |                     | e |                    |
|                       | a |                     | c |                    |
|                       | c |                     | h |                    |
|                       | i |                     | n |                    |
|                       | t |                     | i |                    |
|                       | y |                     | c |                    |
|                       | - |                     | a |                    |
|                       | b |                     | l |                    |
|                       | u |                     | a |                    |
|                       | i |                     | s |                    |
|                       | l |                     | s |                    |
|                       | d |                     | i |                    |
|                       | i |                     | s |                    |
|                       | n |                     | t |                    |
|                       | g |                     | a |                    |
|                       | p |                     | n |                    |
|                       | l |                     | c |                    |
|                       | a |                     | e |                    |
|                       | n |                     | , |                    |
|                       | f |                     | a |                    |
|                       | o |                     | s |                    |
|                       | c |                     | n |                    |
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|                       | s |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | d |                    |
|                       | d |                     | e |                    |
|                       | o |                     | d |                    |
|                       | n |                     | . |                    |
|                       | t |                     | T |                    |
|                       | h |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | c |                    |
|                       | f |                     | h |                    |
|                       | u |                     | n |                    |
|                       | l |                     | i |                    |
|                       | f |                     | c |                    |
|                       | i |                     | a |                    |
|                       | l |                     | l |                    |
|                       | l |                     | a |                    |
|                       | m |                     | s |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | n |                     | i |                    |
|                       | t |                     | s |                    |
|                       | o |                     | t |                    |
|                       | f |                     | a |                    |
|                       | S |                     | n |                    |
|                       | I |                     | c |                    |
|                       | L |                     | e |                    |
|                       | C |                     | w |                    |
|                       | d |                     | i |                    |
|                       | u |                     | l |                    |
|                       | t |                     | l |                    |
|                       | i |                     | a |                    |
|                       | e |                     | l |                    |
|                       | s |                     | s |                    |
|                       | , |                     | o |                    |
|                       | r |                     | b |                    |
|                       | e |                     | e |                    |
|                       | s |                     | s |                    |
|                       | p |                     | o |                    |
|                       | o |                     | u |                    |
|                       | n |                     | g |                    |
|                       | s |                     | h |                    |
|                       | i |                     | t |                    |
|                       | b |                     | f |                    |
|                       | i |                     | r |                    |
|                       | l |                     | o |                    |
|                       | i |                     | m |                    |
|                       | t |                     | l |                    |
|                       | i |                     | o |                    |
|                       | e |                     | c |                    |
|                       | s |                     | a |                    |
|                       | a |                     | l |                    |
|                       | n |                     | l |                    |
|                       | d |                     | y |                    |
|                       | o |                     | a |                    |
|                       | t |                     | v |                    |
|                       | h |                     | a |                    |
|                       | e |                     | i |                    |
|                       | r |                     | l |                    |
|                       | r |                     | a |                    |
|                       | e |                     | b |                    |
|                       | q |                     | l |                    |
|                       | u |                     | e |                    |
|                       | i |                     | r |                    |
|                       | r |                     | e |                    |
|                       | e |                     | s |                    |
|                       | m |                     | o |                    |
|                       | e |                     | u |                    |
|                       | n |                     | r |                    |
|                       | t |                     | c |                    |
|                       | s |                     | e |                    |
|                       | , |                     | s |                    |
|                       | a |                     | s |                    |
|                       | s |                     | u |                    |
|                       | w |                     | c |                    |
|                       | e |                     | h |                    |
|                       | l |                     | a |                    |
|                       | l |                     | s |                    |
|                       | a |                     | n |                    |
|                       | s |                     | o |                    |
|                       | l |                     | n |                    |
|                       | e |                     | - |                    |
|                       | a |                     | p |                    |
|                       | d |                     | r |                    |
|                       | e |                     | o |                    |
|                       | r |                     | f |                    |
|                       | s |                     | i |                    |
|                       | h |                     | t |                    |
|                       | i |                     | s |                    |
|                       | p |                     | . |                    |
|                       | s |                     |   |                    |
|                       | k |                     |   |                    |
|                       | i |                     |   |                    |
|                       | l |                     |   |                    |
|                       | l |                     |   |                    |
|                       | s |                     |   |                    |
|                       | d |                     |   |                    |
|                       | e |                     |   |                    |
|                       | v |                     |   |                    |
|                       | e |                     |   |                    |
|                       | l |                     |   |                    |
|                       | o |                     |   |                    |
|                       | p |                     |   |                    |
|                       | m |                     |   |                    |
|                       | e |                     |   |                    |
|                       | n |                     |   |                    |
|                       | t |                     |   |                    |
|                       | . |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 20\. Recommendations  |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Improve the           |   |                     |   |                    |
| effectiveness of the  |   |                     |   |                    |
| SILC;                 |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 21\. Improve          |   |                     |   |                    |
| collaboration between |   |                     |   |                    |
| the SILC and the DSU  |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| Issues for Further    |   |                     |   |                    |
| Review                |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+
| 22\. Progress on      |   |                     |   |                    |
| keeping the SILC      |   |                     |   |                    |
| fully reconstituted   |   |                     |   |                    |
+-----------------------+---+---------------------+---+--------------------+

**APPENDIX**

**Vermont General and Vermont Blind**

**State Review**

**Table 7**

**DVR Performance on Indicator 1.6**

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 15%" />
<col style="width: 4%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td rowspan="3"><h5 id="section-14"></h5></td>
<td rowspan="3">RSA Minimum Performance Level</td>
<td colspan="14"><strong>Computational Data &amp; Results</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="14"><strong>Met (M) Did Not Meet (DNM)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2000</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2001</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2002</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2003</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2004</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2005</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2006</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td><h5 id="indicator-1.6">Indicator 1.6</h5>
<p><strong>Difference Between Percent Self-Supporting at Closure and
Application</strong></p></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Competitive Employment Outcomes</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,043</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,130</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,197</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,298</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,311</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,381</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,419</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Primary Support is Own Income at Application</td>
<td></td>
<td>224</td>
<td></td>
<td>302</td>
<td></td>
<td>302</td>
<td></td>
<td>348</td>
<td></td>
<td>336</td>
<td></td>
<td>361</td>
<td></td>
<td>390</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>% self-support at application</td>
<td></td>
<td>21.50%</td>
<td></td>
<td>26.73%</td>
<td></td>
<td>25.23%</td>
<td></td>
<td>26.81%</td>
<td></td>
<td>25.63%</td>
<td></td>
<td>26.14%</td>
<td></td>
<td>27.48%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Primary Support is Own Income at Closure</td>
<td></td>
<td>698</td>
<td></td>
<td>799</td>
<td></td>
<td>796</td>
<td></td>
<td>881</td>
<td></td>
<td>1005</td>
<td></td>
<td>1007</td>
<td></td>
<td>1016</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>% self-support at closure</td>
<td></td>
<td>66.90%</td>
<td></td>
<td>70.71%</td>
<td></td>
<td>66.50%</td>
<td></td>
<td>67.87%</td>
<td></td>
<td>76.66%</td>
<td></td>
<td>72.92%</td>
<td></td>
<td>71.60%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td>53.0</td>
<td>45.45</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>43.98</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>41.27</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>41.06</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>51.03</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>46.78</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>44.12</td>
<td>DNM</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

**Table 8**

**Five Year Summary of results of Indicator 1.2**

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 22%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 13%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td rowspan="4"><h2 id="section-15"></h2></td>
<td rowspan="4">RSA Minimum Performance Level</td>
<td colspan="10"><strong>Computational Data &amp; Results</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="10"><strong>Met (M) Did Not Meet (DNA)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="10"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2002</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2003</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2004</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2005</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2006</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td><h2 id="indicator-1.2">Indicator 1.2</h2>
<p><strong>Percent with employment outcomes after
services</strong></p></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Employment outcomes</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,222</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,316</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,336</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,420</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,452</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Individuals served</td>
<td></td>
<td>1,855</td>
<td></td>
<td>2,187</td>
<td></td>
<td>2,206</td>
<td></td>
<td>2,349</td>
<td></td>
<td>2,423</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td>55.8%</td>
<td>65.88%</td>
<td>M</td>
<td>60.17%</td>
<td>M</td>
<td>60.56%</td>
<td>M</td>
<td>60.45%</td>
<td>M</td>
<td>59.93%</td>
<td>M</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

**Table 9**

**DBVI Performance on Indicator 1.6 for DBVI**

<table>
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 12%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td rowspan="3"><h5 id="section-16"></h5></td>
<td rowspan="3">RSA Minimum Performance Level</td>
<td colspan="14"><strong>Computational Data &amp; Results</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="14"><strong>Met (M) Did Not Meet (DNM)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2000</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2001</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2002</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2003</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2004</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2005</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>FY 2006</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td><h5 id="indicator-1.6-1">Indicator 1.6</h5>
<p><strong>Difference Between Percent Self-Supporting at Closure and
Application</strong></p></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Competitive Employment Outcomes</td>
<td></td>
<td>88</td>
<td></td>
<td>105</td>
<td></td>
<td>94</td>
<td></td>
<td>95</td>
<td></td>
<td>114</td>
<td></td>
<td>122</td>
<td></td>
<td>114</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Primary Support is Own Income at Application</td>
<td></td>
<td>44</td>
<td></td>
<td>53</td>
<td></td>
<td>48</td>
<td></td>
<td>48</td>
<td></td>
<td>56</td>
<td></td>
<td>68</td>
<td></td>
<td>61</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>% self-support at application</td>
<td></td>
<td>50.00%</td>
<td></td>
<td>50.50%</td>
<td></td>
<td>51.06%</td>
<td></td>
<td>50.53%</td>
<td></td>
<td>49.12%</td>
<td></td>
<td>55.74%</td>
<td></td>
<td>53.51%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Primary Support is Own Income at Closure</td>
<td></td>
<td>67</td>
<td></td>
<td>82</td>
<td></td>
<td>71</td>
<td></td>
<td>66</td>
<td></td>
<td>84</td>
<td></td>
<td>97</td>
<td></td>
<td>83</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>% self-support at closure</td>
<td></td>
<td>76.14%</td>
<td></td>
<td>78.10%</td>
<td></td>
<td>75.53%</td>
<td></td>
<td>69.47%</td>
<td></td>
<td>73.68%</td>
<td></td>
<td>79.51%</td>
<td></td>
<td>72.81%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td></td>
<td>30.4</td>
<td>26.14</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>27.62</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>24.47</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>18.95</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>24.56</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>23.77</td>
<td>DNM</td>
<td>19.30</td>
<td>DNM</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

An analysis of the above data indicates that without the high percentage
of homemaker outcomes, DBVI would pass 1.6.

> **Table 10**
>
> **Unpaid employment outcomes for DBVI**

  -------------- -------- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------
  Employment     FY 02                 FY 03                 FY 04                 FY 05                 FY 06    
  Type                                                                                                            

                 \#       Percentage   \#       Percentage   \#       Percentage   \#       Percentage   \#       Percentage
                 served                served                served                served                served   

  **Homemaker &  **28**   **36.36**    **32**   **35.56**    **25**   **28.41**    **38**   **37.62**    **40**   **41.24**
  Unpaid family                                                                                                   
  worker**                                                                                                        
  -------------- -------- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- ------------

**Table 11**

**DVR Transition Youth Consumers Served and Rehab Rate**

**Broken Down By Disability: FY04 to FY06**

  ---------------- ------------- --------- ----------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------
  **Disability**   **Closure**   **FY                               **FY                               **FY                  
                                 2004**                             2005**                             2006**                

                                 **N**     **%**       **Rehab      **N**     **%**       **Rehab      **N**     **%**       **Rehab
                                                       rate**                             rate**                             rate**

  Visual           3             3         100.00      100.00%      1         33.33       33.33%                              
  impairments                                                                                                                

                   4             0                                  2         66.67                                          

  Physical         3             26        40.00       66.67%       25        46.30       62.50%       20        31.75       48.78%
  disorders                                                                                                                  

                   4             13        20.00                    15        27.78                    21        33.33       

  Communicative    3             8         50.00       72.73%       9         37.50       45.00%       11        44.00       57.89%
  impairments                                                                                                                

                   4             3         18.75                    11        45.83                    8         32.00       

  Cognitive        3             180       47.62       64.06%       178       44.28       64.96%       200       46.51       67.34%
  impairment                                                                                                                 

                   4             101       26.72                    96        23.88                    97        22.56       

  Mental and       3             107       31.10       49.54%       121       33.06       51.05%       121       34.67       52.38%
  emotional                                                                                                                  
  (psychosocial)                                                                                                             
  disabilities                                                                                                               

                   4             109       31.69                    116       31.69                    110       31.52       

  **Total**        **3**         **324**   **40.15**   **58.91%**   **334**   **39.34**   **58.19%**   **352**   **40.60**   **59.86%**

                   **4**         **226**   **28.00**                **240**   **28.27**                **236**   **27.22**   
  ---------------- ------------- --------- ----------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------

**Note.** Closure 3: Exited with an employment outcome • Closure 4:
Exited without an employment outcome after receiving services

For FY 2004 and FY 2006, we conducted the analyses for transition youth
consumers served and rehab rate broken down by disability group. As
shown in Table 9, the overall rehab rate stayed about the same, 59%. In
FY 2006, the rehab rate for transition youth consumers with physical
disorders dropped dramatically from previous year. The rehab rate for
transition youth consumers with mental and emotional disabilities
remained stably.

**Table 12**

**DVR Transition Youths' Average Hourly Earnings and Hours Worked Per
Week For Paid Jobs Broken Down By Disability: FY 2004 to FY 2006**

  ---------- ----------------------------------- -------- ------------- ----------
  **Year**   **Disability**                      **N**    **Wage/hr**   **Hrs
                                                                        worked**

                                                          **Mean**      **Mean**

  2004       Visual impairments                  3        9.33          40.00

             Physical disorders                  26       8.17          31.23

             Communicative impairments           8        8.99          37.63

             Cognitive impairment                180      8.19          28.06

             Mental and emotional (psychosocial) 106      7.81          29.84
             disabilities                                               

  2005       Visual impairments                  1        7.00          40.00

             Physical disorders                  25       8.68          23.32

             Communicative impairments           9        12.28         38.11

             Cognitive impairment                176      8.49          30.13

             Mental and emotional (psychosocial) 121      8.43          30.98
             disabilities                                               

  2006       Visual impairments                                         

             Physical disorders                  20       8.40          29.55

             Communicative impairments           11       9.52          37.09

             Cognitive impairment                200      8.73          29.72

             Mental and emotional (psychosocial) 121      8.79          29.36
             disabilities                                               
  ---------- ----------------------------------- -------- ------------- ----------

As shown in Table 10, for the transition consumers with successful paid
employment outcomes, transition youth consumers with communicative
impairments tended to earn more hourly wage and work more hours per week
than those with other disabilities.

**Table 13**

**DVR Transition Youths with Successful Employment Outcomes**

**Received Post-secondary Education Services in VR Program**

**Broken Down By Disability: FY 2004 to FY 2006**

  ----------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ -------- ------ -------
                                      FY             FY              FY     
                                      2004           2005            2006   

  Disability                          N      \%      N      \%       N      \%

  Visual impairments                  2      66.67   1      100.00          

  Physical disorders                  4      15.38   4      16.00    3      15.00

  Communicative impairments           4      50.00   4      44.44    3      27.27

  Cognitive impairment                21     11.67   37     20.79    26     13.00

  Mental and emotional (psychosocial) 10     9.35    12     9.92     13     10.74
  disabilities                                                              
  ----------------------------------- ------ ------- ------ -------- ------ -------

For the transition youth consumers with successful employment outcomes,
as shown in Table 11, most of them did not receive post-secondary
education services when they were in VR program.

Please take a moment to participate in a survey about RSA\'s performance
on the FY 2007 monitoring of Vocational Rehabilitation agencies.

Visit
<http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/rehab/107-reports/2007/index.html>