### EFFECTIVE DATE **STATE PLAN FOR THE STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM**
**AND**
**STATE PLAN SUPPLEMENT FOR THE STATE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM**

**STATE:**

**AGENCY:**

**AGENCY TYPE: GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED** 

**SECTION 1 :**  **STATE CERTIFICATIONS**

**1.1** The (name of designated state agency or designated state unit) is authorized to submit this State Plan under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended 1 and its supplement under Title VI, Part B of the Act. 2

**1 .2**  As a condition for the receipt of federal funds under Title I, Part B of the Act for the provision of vocational rehabilitati on services, the (name of the desig nated state agency ) 3 agrees to operate and administer the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program in accordance with the provisions of this State Plan 4 , the Act, and all applicable regulations 5

, policies, and procedures established by the secretar

y. Funds made available under Section 111 of the Act are used solely for the provision
of vocational rehabilitation services under Title I of the Act and the administration of the State Plan for the vocational re habilitation services

program. **1.3** As a con dition for the receipt of federal funds under Title VI, Part B of the Act for supported employ ment services, the designated s tate

agency agrees to operate and administer the State Supported Employ ment Services Program in accordance with the provisions of t he supplement to this State Plan 6 , the Act, and all applicable regulations 7 , policies, and procedures established by the secretary . Funds made available under Title VI, Part B are used solely for the provision of supported employ ment services and the admi nistration of the supplement to the Title I State Plan.

**1.4** The designated state agency and/or the designated state unit has the authority under state law to perform the functions of th e state regarding this State Plan and its supplement.
**1.5** The state le gally

may carry out each provision of the State Plan and its supplement.
**1.6** All provisions of the State Plan and its supplement are consistent with state law.
**1.7** The (title of state officer) has the authority under state law to receive, hold, and disburse federal funds made available under this State Plan and its supplement.
**1.8** The (title of state officer) has the authority to submit this State Plan for vocational rehabilitation services and the State Plan supplement for supported employ ment services.
**1.9** The agency

that submits this State Plan and its supplement has adopted or oth erwise formally approved the plan and its supplement.

### EFFECTIVE DATE

**(Signature) (Typed Name of Signatory)** 

**(Date) (Title)** 

1 Public Law 93

- 112, as amended by Public Laws 93

- 516, 95

- 602, 98

- 221, 99

- 506, 100

- 630, 102

- 569, 103

- 073, and 105

- 220.

2 Unless otherwise stated, "Act" means the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

3 All references in this plan to "designated state agency " or to "the state agency " relate to the agency identified in this par agraph.

4 No funds under Title I of the Act may be awarded without an approved State Plan in accordance with Section 101(a) of the Act and 34 CFR part 361.

5 Applicable regulations include the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR Parts 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86 and the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program regulations in 34 CFR Part 361.

6 No funds under Title VI, Part B of the Act may be awarded without an app roved supplement to the Title I State Plan in accordance with Section 625(a) of the Act.

7 Applicable regulations include the EDGAR citations in footnote 5, 34 CFR Part 361, and 34 CFR Part 363.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 3** 



### EFFECTIVE DATE **SECTION 2 :**  **PUBLIC COMMENT ON STATE PLAN POLICI ES AND PROCEDURES** 

**2.1 Public participation requirements.**  (Section 101(a)(16)(A) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.10(d), .20(a), (b), (d); and 363.11(g)(9))

**(a) Conduct of public meetings.**  The designated state agency , prior to the adoption of any substantive polic ies or procedures governing the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under the State Plan and supported employ ment services under the supplement to the State Plan, includ ing making any

substantive amendments to the policies and procedures, condu cts public meetings throughout the state to provide the public, including individuals with disabilities, an opportunity to comment on the policies or procedures. **(b) Notice requirements.**  The designated state agency , prior to conducting the public meetings, provides appropriate and sufficient notice throughout the state of the meetings in accordance with state law governing public meetings, or, in the absence of state law governing public meet ings, procedures developed by

the state agency

in consultation wit

h the State Rehabilitation Council, if the agency has a Council. **(c) Special consultation requirements.**  The state agency

actively consults with the director of the Client Assistance Program, the State Rehabilitation Council, if t he agency has a Council, an d, as appropriate, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and native Hawaiian organizations on its policies and procedures governing the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under the State Plan and supported employ ment servic es under the suppleme nt to the State Plan.

**SECTION 3 :**  **SUBMISSION OF THE STATE PLAN AND ITS SUPPLEMENT**

**3.1 Submission and revisions of the State Plan and its supplement.**  (Sections 101(a)(1), (23) and 625(a)(1) of the Act; Section 501 of the Workforce Investment Act; 34 CFR 76.140; 361.10(e), (f), and (g); and 363.10)

**(a)** The state submits to the commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration the State Plan and its supplement on the same date that the state submits either a State Plan under Section 112 of the Wor kforce Investment Act of 1998 or a state unified plan
under Section 501 of that Act. **(b)** The state submits only those policies, procedures, or descriptions required under this State Plan and its supplement that hav e not been previously

submitted to and app roved by the commissioner. **(c)** The state submits to the commissioner at such time and in such manner as the commissioner determines to be appropriate, repor ts**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 4** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** containing annual updates of the information relating to the: **(1)** Comprehensive sy stem of personnel development; **(2)** Assessments, estimates, goals and priorities, and reports of progress; **(3)** Innovation and expansion activities; and **(4)** Other updates of information required under Title I, Part B or Title VI, Part B of t he Act that are requested by the
commissioner. **(d)** The State Plan and its supplement are in effect subject to the submission of modifications the state determines to be necessa ry or the commissioner requires based on a change in state policy , a change in federal law, including regulations, an interpretation of the Act by a federal court or the highest court of the state, or a finding by the commissioner of state noncompliance with the requir ements of the Act, 34 CFR 361, or 34 CFR 363.

**3. 2**  **Supported employment State plan supplement.** (Sections 101(a)(22) and 625(a) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.34 and 363.10)

**(a)** The state has an acceptable plan for carry ing out Part B of Title VI of the Act that provides for the use of funds under that part to supplement funds made available under Part B of Title I of the Act for the cost of services leading to supported employ ment. **(b)** The supported employ ment State Plan, including any needed annual revisions, is submitted as a supplement to the State Plan.

**SECTION 4 :**  **ADMINISTRATION OF THE STATE PLAN**

**4.1 Designated state agency and designated state unit.**  (Section 101(a)(2) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.13(a) and (b))

**(a) Designated state agency.**  **(1)** There is a state agency designated as the sole state agency t o administer the State Plan or to supervise its administration in a political subdivision of the state by a sole local agency

. **(2)** The designated state agency is: **(A)** a state agency that is primarily

concerned with vocational rehabilitation or voc ational and other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities; or**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 5** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (B)**  a state agency that is not primarily

concerned with vocational rehabilitation or vocational and other
rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and includes a vocatio nal rehabilitation unit as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. **(3)** In American Samoa, the designated state agency is the governor.

**(b) Designated state unit.** 

**(1)** If the designated state agency is not primarily

concerned with vocational rehabilitat ion or vocational and other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, in accordance with subparagraph 4.1(a)(2)(B) of this section the state agency includes a vocational rehabilitation bureau, division, or unit that: **(A)** Is primarily

concerned with vocational rehabilitation or vocational and other rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and is responsible for the administration of the designated state agency 's vocational rehabilitation program under the State Plan; **(B)** Has a full

- time directo r; **(C)** Has a staff, at least 90 percent of whom are employ ed full

- time on the rehabilitation work of the organizational unit; and **(D)** Is located at an organizational level and has an organizational status within the designated state agency comparable

to t hat of other major organizational units of the designated state agency

. **(2)** The name of the designated state vocational rehabilitation unit is

.

**4.2 State independent commission or State Rehabili**  **tation Council.** (Sections 101(a)(21) and 105 of the Act; 34 CFR 361.16 and .17)

The State Plan must contain one of the following assurances. **(a)** The designated state agency is an independent state commission that: **(1)** Is responsible unde r state law for operating, or overseeing the operation of, the vocational rehabilitation program in the state and is primarily

concerned with the vocational rehabilitation or vocational and other rehabilitation of individuals wit h
disabilities in accordanc e with subparagraph 4.1(a)(2)(A) of this section. **(2)** Is consumer

- controlled by persons who:**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 6** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (A)**  Are individuals with phy sical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities; and **(B)** Represent indivi duals with a broad range of disabilities, unless the designated state unit under the direction of the commission is the state agency for individuals who are blind; **(3)** Includes family

members, advocates, or other representatives of individuals with mental impairments; and **(4)** Undertakes the functions set forth in Section 105(c)(4) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.17(h)(4).

**or**

**(b)** The state has established a State Rehabilitation Council that meets the criteria set forth in Secti on 105 of the Act and 34 CFR 361.17 and the designated state unit: **(1)** Jointly

with the State Rehabilitation Council develops, agrees to, and reviews annually state goals and priorities, and joint ly submits to the commissioner annual reports of progress, in accordance with the provisions of Section 101(a)(15) of the Act, 34 CFR 361.29, and subsection 4.11 of this State Plan; **(2)** Regularly

consults with the State Rehabilitation Council regarding the development, implementation, and re vision of state policies and procedures of general applicability pertaining to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services; **(3)** Includes in the State Plan and in any revision to the State Plan, a summary of input provided by

the State Rehabilitation
Co uncil, including recommendations from the annual report of the Council described in Section 105(c)(5) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.17(h)(5), the review and analy sis of consumer satisfaction described in Section 105(c)(4) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.17(h)(4), an d other reports prepared by the Council, and the response of the designated state unit to the input and recommendations, including explanations for rejecting any input or recommendation; and **(4)** Transmits to the Council: **(A)** All plans, re ports, and other information required under 34 CFR 361 to be submitted to the commissioner; **(B)** All policies and information on all practices and procedures of general applicability provided to or used by rehabilitation personnel in carry ing out this State Plan and its supplement; and **(C)** Copies of due process hearing decisions issued under 34 CFR 361.57, which are transmitted in such a manner as to ensure that the identity

of the participants in the hearings is kept confidential.

**(c) If the designated state u**  **nit has a State Rehabilitation Council, Attachment 4.2(c)**  provides a summary of the input provided by**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 7** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** the Council consistent with the provisions identified in subparagraph (b)(3) of this section; the response of the designated state unit to the input and r ecommendations; and, explanations for the rejection of any input or any

recommendation.

**4.3 Consultations regarding the administration of the State Plan.**  (Section 101(a)(16)(B) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.21)

The designated state agency takes into account, in connection with matters of general policy arising in the administration of the plan and its supplement, the views of: **(a)** Individuals and groups of individuals who are recipients of vocational rehabilitation services, or, as appropriate, t he individuals' representatives; **(b)** Personnel working in programs that provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities; **(c)** Providers of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities; **(d)** The director of the Client Assistance Program; and **(e)** The State Rehabilitation Council, if the state has a Council.

**4.4 Nonfederal share.**  (Sections 7(14) and 101(a)(3) of the Act; 34 CFR 80.24 and 361.60)

The nonfederal share of the cost o f carry ing out this State Plan is 21.3 percent and is provided through the financial participation by the state, or if the state elects, by the state and local agencies.

**4.5 Local administration.**  (Sections 7(24) and 101(a)(2)(A) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.5( b)(47) and .15)

The State Plan provides for the administration of the plan by a local agency

. **Yes No** 
**If "Yes",**  the designated state agency : **(a)** Ensures that each local agency is under the supervision of the designated state unit with the sol e local agency , as that term is defined in Section 7(24) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.5(b)(47), responsible for the administration of the vocational rehabilitat ion program within the political subdivision that it serves; and **(b)** Develops methods that each loc al agency will use to administer the vocational rehabilitation program, in accordance with the State
Plan.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 8** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: 4.6**  **Shared funding and administration of joint programs.** (Section 101(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.27)

The State Plan provides for the state a gency to share funding and administrative responsibility with another state agency or local public

agency to carry out a joint program to provide services to individuals with disabilities. **Yes No** 
**If "Yes",**  the designated state agency submits to the commissioner for approval a plan that describes its shared funding and administrative arrangement. The plan must include: **(a)** A description of the nature and scope of the joint program; **(b)** The services to be provided under the joint program; **(c)** The respective roles of each participating agency in the administration and provision of services; and **(d)** The share of the costs to be assumed by each agency

.

**4.7 Statewideness and waivers of statewideness.**  (Section 101(a)(4) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.25, .26, and .60(b)(3)( i) and (ii))

**(a)** Services provided under the State Plan are available in all political subdivisions of the state. **(b)** The state unit may provide services in one or more political subdivisions of the state that increase services or expand the s cope of

serv ices that are available statewide under this State Plan if the: **(1)** Nonfederal share of the cost of these services is met from funds provided by a local public agency , including funds contributed to a local public agency by a private agency , organization, or individual; **(2)** Services are likely to promote the vocational rehabilitation of substantially larger numbers of individuals with disabilities or of individuals with disabilities with particular ty pes of impairments; and **(3)** State, for purposes other than the est ablishment of a community rehabilitation program or the construction of a particular facility for community

rehabilitation program purposes, requests in **Attachment 4.7(b)(3)** a waiver of the statewideness requirement in accordance with the following require ments: **(A)** Identification of the ty pes of services to be provided; **(B)** Written assurance from the local public agency that it will make available to the state unit the nonfederal share of funds; **(C)** Written assurance that state unit approval will be obtained for each proposed service before it is put into effect; and**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 9** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (D)**  Written assurance that all other State Plan requirements, including a state's order of selection, will apply to all services approved under the waiver. **(c)** Contributions, consistent with the requirements o f 34 CFR 361.60(b)(3)(ii), by private entities of earmarked funds for particular geographic areas within the state may be used as part of the nonfederal share without the state requesting a waiver of the statewideness requirement provided that the state no tifies the commissioner that it cannot provide the full nonfederal share without using the earmarked funds.

**4.8 Cooperation, collaboration, and coordination.**  (Sections 101(a)(11), (24)(B), and 625(b)(4) and (5) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.22, .23, .24,
and .3 1, and 363.11(e))

**(a) Cooperative agreements with other components of statewide workforce investment system.**  The designated state agency or the designated state unit has cooperative agreements with other entities that are components o f the
statewide workf

orce investment sy stem and replicates those agreements at the local level between individual offices of the designated state unit and local entities carry ing out the One

- Stop service delivery sy stem or other activities through the statewide
workforce inves tment sy stem. **(b) Cooperation and coordination with other agencies and entities.**  **Attachment 4.8(b)** describes the designated state agency 's: **(1)** Cooperation with and use of the services and facilities of the federal, state, and local agencies and programs, including programs carried out by

the undersecretary

for Rural Development of the United States Department of Agriculture and state use contracting programs, to the extent that those agencies and programs are not carry ing out activities through the

statew ide workforce investment sy stem; **(2)** Coordination, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 4.8(c) of this section, with education officials to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities from school to the receipt of vocational rehabil itation services; **(3)** Establishment of cooperative agreements with private non

- profit vocational rehabilitation service providers, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 5.10(b) of the State Plan; and, **(4)** Efforts to identify and make arrangement s, including entering into cooperative agreements, with other state agencies and entities with respect to the provision of supported employ ment and extended services for individuals with the most significant disabilities, in accordance with the requirement s of subsection 6.5 of the supplement to this State Plan.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 10** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (c)**  **Coordination with education officials. (1)**  **Attachment 4.8(b)(2)** describes the plans, policies, and procedures for coordination between the designated state agency and education officials respons ible for the public education of students with disabilities that are designed to facilitate the transition of the students who are individuals with disabilities from the receipt of educational services in school to the receipt of vocational rehabilitation services under the responsibility of the designated state agency

. **(2)** The State Plan description must: **(A)** Provide for the development and approval of an individualized plan for employ ment in accordance with 34 CFR 361.45 as early

as possible during the tr ansition planning process but, at the latest, before each student determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services leaves the school setting or, if the designated state unit is operating on an order of selection, before each eligible studen t able to be served under the order leaves the school setting; and **(B)** Include information on a formal interagency agreement with the state educational agency that, at a minimum, provides for: **(i)** Consultation and technical assistance to assist education al agencies in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to post

- school activities, including vocational rehabilitation services; **(ii)** Transition planning by personnel of the designated state agency and the educational agency fo r students with disabilities that facilitates the development and completion of their individualized education programs under Section 614(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; **(iii)** Roles and responsibilities, including financial respons ibilities, of each agency , including provisions for determining state lead agencies and qualified personnel responsible for transition services; and **(iv)** Procedures for outreach to students with disabilities as early as possible during the transition planning process and identification of students with disabilities who need transition services. **(d) Coordination with statewide independent living council and independent living centers.**  The designated state unit, the Statewide Independent Living Counc il established under Section 705 of the Act and 34 CFR 364, and the independent living centers described in Part C of Title VII of the Act and 34 CFR 366 have developed working relationship s and coordinate their activities. **(e) Cooperative agreement with**  **recipients of grants for services to American Indians. (1)**  There is in the state a recipient(s) of a grant under Part C of Title I of the Act for the provision of vocational rehabilita tion**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 11** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** services for American Indians who are individuals with disabilitie s residing on or near federal and state reservations.

**Yes No**  **(2) If**  **"Yes",** the designated state agency has entered into a formal cooperative agreement that meets the following requirements with each grant recipient in the state that receives funds un der Part C of Title I of the Act. **(A)** Strategies for interagency referral and information sharing that will assist in eligibility determinations and the development of individualized plans for employ ment; **(B)** Procedures for ensuring that American Indians who are i ndividuals with disabilities and are living near a reservation or tribal service area are provided vocational rehabilitation services; and **(C)** Provisions for sharing resources in cooperative studies and assessments, joint training activities, and other
collabo rative activities designed to improve the provision of services to American Indians who are individuals with
disabilities.

**4.9 Methods of administration.**  (Section 101(a)(6) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.12, .19 and, .51(a) and (b))

**(a) In general.**  The state ag ency

employ s methods of administration, including procedures to ensure accurate data collection and financial accountability , found by

the commissioner to be necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the plan and for car ry ing
out all the fun ctions for which the state is responsible under the Plan and 34 CFR 361. **(b) Employment of individuals with disabilities.**  The designated state agency and entities carry ing out community rehabilitation programs in the state, who are in receipt of
assistance under Part B of Title I of the Act and this State Plan, take affirmative action to employ and advance in employ

ment qualified individuals with disabilities covered under and on the same terms and conditions as set forth in Section 503 of the Act. **(c) Facilities.**  Any facility used in connection with the delivery of services assisted under this State Plan meets program accessibility requ irements consistent with the provisions, as applicable, of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Section 504 of the A ct, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the regulations implementing these laws.

**4.10 Comprehensive system of personnel development.**  (Section 101(a)(7) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.18)**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 12** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: Attachment 4.10**  describes the designated state agency 's proc edures and activities to establish and maintain a comprehensive sy stem of personnel development designed to ensure an adequate supply of qualified state rehabilitation professional and paraprofession al personnel for the designated state unit. The descript ion includes the following: **(a) Data system on personnel and personnel development.**  Development and maintenance of a sy stem for collecting and analy zing on an annual basis data on qualified personnel needs and personnel development with respect to: **(1) Q**  **ualified personnel needs. (A)**  The number of personnel who are employ ed by the state agency

in the provision of vocational rehabilitation services in relation to the number of individuals served, broken down by personnel category ; **(B)** The number of personn el currently needed by

the state agency

to provide vocational rehabilitation services, broken down by personnel category ; and **(C)** Projections of the number of personnel, broken down by personnel category , who will be needed by the state

agency to provide v ocational rehabilitation services in the state in 5 y ears based on projections of the number of individuals to be served, including individuals with significant disabilities, the number of personnel expected to retire or leave the field, and other relevant factors. **(2) Personnel development.**  **(A)** A list of the institutions of higher education in the state that are preparing vocational rehabilitation professionals, by ty pe of program; **(B)** The number of students enrolled at each of those institutions, broken down by ty pe of program; and 

### ( **C)** The number of students who graduated during the prior y ear from each of those institutions with certification or licensure, or with the credentials for certification or licensure, broken down by the personnel category

for which they have received, or have the credentials to receive, certification or licensure. **(b) Plan for recruitment, preparation, and retention of qualified personnel.**  Development, updating on an annual basis, and implementation of a plan to address the cu rrent and projected needs for qualified personnel based on the data collection and analy sis sy stem described in paragraph (a) of this subsection and that provides fo r the coordination and facilitation of efforts between the designated state unit and instit utions of higher education and professional associations to recruit, prepare, and retain personnel who are qualified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection,**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 13** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** including personnel from minority backgrounds and personnel who are individuals with d isabilities. **(c) Personnel standards.**  Policies and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of personnel standards to ensure that designated state unit professional and paraprofessional personnel are appropriately and adequately

prepared and traine d, including: **(1)** Standards that are consistent with any national or state

- approved or

- recognized certification, licensing, registration, or, in the absence of these requirements, other comparable requirements (including state personnel requirements) that ap ply to the profession or discipline in which such personnel are providing vocational rehabilitation services. **(2)** To the extent that existing standards are not based on the highest requirements in the state applicable to a particular profession or discipline, the steps the state is currently taking and the steps the State Plans to take in accordance with the written plan to retrain or hire personnel within the designated state unit to meet standards that are based on the highest requirements in the state, incl uding measures to notify designated state unit personnel, the institutions of higher education identified in subparagraph (a)(2), and other public agencies of these steps and the timelines for taking each step. **(3)** The written plan required by subparagraph (c) (2) describes the following: **(A)** Specific strategies for retraining, recruiting, and hiring personnel; **(B)** The specific time period by which all state unit personnel will meet the standards required by subparagraph (c)(1); **(C)** Procedures for evaluating the designated state unit’s progress in hiring or retraining personnel to meet applicable personnel standards within the established time period; and **(D)** The identification of initial minimum qualifications that the designated state unit will require of newly hired

personne l when the state unit is unable to hire new personnel who meet the established personnel standards and the identification of a plan for training such individuals to meet the applicable standards within the time period established for all state unit personn el to meet the established personnel standards. **(d) Staff development.**  Policies, procedures, and activities to ensure that all personnel employ ed by the designated state unit receive appropriate a nd adequate training. The narrative describes the followin g: **(1)** A sy stem of staff development for professionals and paraprofessionals within the designated state unit, particularly with respect to assessment, vocational counseling, job placement, and rehabilitation technology

. **(2)** Procedures for the acquisition and diss emination to designated state unit professionals and paraprofessionals significant knowledge from research and other sources.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 14** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (e)**  **Personnel to address individual communication needs.** Availability

of personnel within the designated state unit or obtaining t he services of other individuals who are able to communicate in the native language of applicants or eligible individuals who have limited English speaking ability or in appropriate mode s of communication with applicants or eligible individuals. **(f) Coordi**  **nation of personnel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.** Procedures and activities to coordinate the designated state unit's comprehensive sy stem of personnel development with person nel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

**4.11. Statewide assessment; annual estimates; annual state goals and priorities; strategies; and progress reports.**  (Sections 101(a)(15), 105(c)(2) and 625(b)(2) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.17(h)(2), .29, and 363.11(b))

**(a) Compreh**  **ensive statewide assessment. (1)**  **Attachment 4.11(a)** documents the results of a comprehensive, statewide assessment, jointly conducted every

3 y ears by the designated state unit and the State Rehabilitation Council (if the state has such a Council). The assessment describes: **(A)** The rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the state, particularly the vocational
rehabilitation services needs of: **(i)** Individuals with the most significant disabilities, including t heir need for supported employ ment services; **(ii)** Individuals with disabilities who are minorities and individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by

the vocational rehabilitation program carried out under this State Plan; and **(iii)** Individuals with disabilities served through other components of the statewide workforce investment

sy stem. **(B)** The need to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation programs within the state. **(2)** For any

y ear in w hich the state updates the assessments, the designated state unit submits to the commissioner a report containing information regarding updates to the assessments. **(b) Annual estimates.**  **Attachment 4.11(b)** identifies on an annual basis state estimates of th e: **(1)** Number of individuals in the state who are eligible for services under the Plan; **(2)** Number of eligible individuals who will receive services provided with funds provided under Part B of Title I of the Act**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 15** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** and under Part B of Title VI of the Act, including, if the designated state agency uses an order of selection in accordance with subparagraph 5.3(b)(2) of this State Plan, estimates of the number of individuals to be served under each priority
category within the order; and **(3)** Costs of the services described in subparagraph (b)(1), including, if the designated state agency uses an order of selection, the service costs for each priority category within the order. **(c) Goals and priorities.**  **(1) Attachment 4.11(c)(1)**  identifies the goals and priorities of the state that are jointly developed or revised, as applicable, with and agreed to by

the State Rehabilitation Council, if the agency has a Council, in carry ing out the vocational
rehabili tation and supported employ ment programs. **(2)** The designated state agency submits to the commissioner a report containing information regarding any revisions in the goals and priorities for any y ear the state revises the goals and priorities. **(3) Order of**  **selection.** If the state agency

implements an order of selection, consistent with subparagraph 5.3(b)(2) of the State Plan, **Attachment 4.11(c)(3):**  **(A)** Shows the order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to be provided vocational rehabilitation serv ices; **(B)** Provides a justification for the order; and **(C)** Identifies the service and outcome goals, and the time within which these goals may be achieved for individuals in each priority

category within the order. **(4) Goals and plans for distribution of Title VI,**  **Part B funds. Attachment 4.11(c)(4)**  specifies, consistent with subsection 6.4 of the State Plan supplement, the state's goals and priorities with respect to the distribution of funds received under Section 622 of the Act for the provision of supported

em ploy ment services. **(d) Strategies.** 

**(1) Attachment 4.11(d)**  describes the strategies, including: **(A)** The methods to be used to expand and improve services to individuals with disabilities, including how a broad range of assistive technology services and as sistive technology devices will be provided to those individuals at each stage of the rehabilitation process and how those services and devices will be provided to individuals with disabilities on a statewide basis;**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 16** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (B)**  Outreach procedures to identify and serv e individuals with disabilities who are minorities, including those with the most significant disabilities in accordance with subsection 6.6 of the State Plan supplement, and individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by the vocati onal rehabilitation program; **(C)** As applicable, the plan of the state for establishing, developing, or improving community rehabilitation programs; **(D)** Strategies to improve the performance of the state with respect to the evaluation standards and performance
indi cators established pursuant to Section 106 of the Act; and **(E)** Strategies for assisting other components of the statewide workforce investment sy stem in assisting individuals
with disabilities. **(2)** The designated state agency uses these strategies to: **(A)** Address the needs identified in the assessment conducted under paragraph 4.11(a) and achieve the goals and priorities identified in the State Plan attachments under paragraph 4.11(c); **(B)** Support the innovation and expansion activities identified in subparagraph 4.12( a)(1) of the Plan; and **(C)** Overcome identified barriers relating to equitable access to and participation of individuals with disabilities in the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and State Supported Employ ment Services Program. **(e) Evaluation a**  **nd reports of progress. (1)**  The designated state unit and the State Rehabilitation Council, if the state unit has a Council, jointly submits to the commissioner an annual report on the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the voca tional rehabilitation program and the progress made in improving the effectiveness of the program from the previous y ear. **(2) Attachment 4.11(e)(2):**  **(A)** Provides an evaluation of the extent to which the goals identified in **Attachmen t 4.11(c)(1)**  and, if applicable, **Attachment 4.11(c)(3)** were achieved; **(B)** Identifies the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the goals and priorities; **(C)** Describes the factors that impeded their achievement, to the extent they were not achie ved; **(D)** Assesses the performance of the state on the standards and indicators established pursuant to Section 106 of the Act; and **(E)** Provides a report consistent with paragraph 4.12(c) of the plan on how the funds reserved for innovation and expansion a ctivities were utilized in the preceding y ear.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 17** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: 4.12**  **Innovation and expansion.** (Section 101(a)(18) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.35) **(a)** The designated state agency reserves and uses a portion of the funds allotted to the state under Section 110 of the Act for t he: **(1)** Development and implementation of innovative approaches to expand and improve the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities under this State Plan, particularly individuals with the most signif icant
disabilitie s, consistent with the findings of the statewide assessment identified in **Attachment 4.11(a)** and goals and priorities of the state identified in **Attachments 4.11(c)(1)** and, if applicable, **Attachment 4.11(c)(3)** ; and **(2)** Support of the funding for the State Rehabilitation Council, if the state has such a Council, consistent with the resource plan prepared under Section 105(d)(1) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.17(i), and the funding of the Statewide Independent Living Council, consistent with the resource plan prep ared under Section 705(e)(1) of the Act and 34 CFR 364.21(i). **(b) Attachment 4.11(d)(2)(B)**  describes how the reserved funds identified in subparagraph 4.12(a)(1) will be utilized. **(c) Attachment 4.11(e)(2)**  describes how the reserved funds were utilized in the preceding y ear.

**4.13 Reports.**  (Section 101(a)(10) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.40) **(a)** The designated state unit submits reports in the form and level of detail and at the time required by the commissioner regard ing applicants for and eligible individuals rece iving services under the State Plan. **(b)** Information submitted in the reports provides a complete count, unless sampling techniques are used, of the applicants and el igible individuals in a manner that permits the greatest possible cross

- classification of data and protects the confidentiality of the identity
of each individual.

**SECTION 5**  **: ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES** 

**5.1 Information and referral services.**  (Sections 101(a)(5)(D) and (20) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.37) The designated state agency has implemented an information and referral sy stem that is adequate to ensure that individuals wi th disabilities, including individuals who do not meet the agency 's order of selection criteria for receiving vocational rehabilit ation services, if the agency is operating on an order of selection, are provided accurate vocational rehabilitation information and guidance, including couns eling and referral for job placement, using appropriate modes of communication, to assist such ind ividuals in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining employ

ment, and are referred to other appropriate federal and state programs, including other components of the sta tewide workforce investment sy stem in the state.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 18** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: 5.2**  **Residency.** (Section 101 (a)(12) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.42(c)(1)) The designated state unit imposes no duration of residence requirement as part of determining an individual's eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services or that excludes from services under the plan any indi vidual who is present in the state.

**5.3 Ability to serve all eligible individuals; order of selection for services**  . (Sections 12(d) and 101(a)(5) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.36) **(a)** The designated state unit is able to provide the full range of services list ed in Section 103(a) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.48, as appropriate, to all eligible individuals with disabilities in the state who apply for services.

**Yes No**  **(b) If**  **"No": (1)**  Individuals with the most significant disabilities, in accordance with c riteria established by the state, are selected first for
vocational rehabilitation services before other individuals with disabilities

**. (2)**  **Attachment 4.11(c)(3)** : **(A)** Shows the order to be followed in selecting eligible individuals to be provided vocationa l rehabilitation services; **(B)** Provides a justification for the order of selection; and **(C)** Identifies the state's service and outcome goals and the time within which these goals may be achieved for individuals in each priority category within the order. **(3)** Eligible individuals who do not meet the order of selection criteria have access to the services provided through the designated state unit's information and referral sy stem established under Section 101(a)(20) of the Act, 34 CFR 361.37, and
subsectio n 5.1 of this State Plan.
**5.4 Availability of comparable services and benefits.**  (Sections 101(a)(8) and 103(a) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.53) **(a)** Prior to providing any vocational rehabilitation services, except those services identified in paragraph (b), to an eligible individual, or to members of the individual's family , the state unit determines whether comparable services and benefits exist under any other program and whether those services and benefits are available to the individual. **(b)** The following services are exempt from a determination of the availability of comparable services and benefits: **(1)** Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by

personnel s killed in rehabilitation technology ; **(2)** Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 19** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE:** consistent with the provisions of Section 102(d) of the Act; **(3)** Referral and other services to secure needed services from other agencies, including other components of the statewide workforce investment sy stem, through agreements developed under Section 101(a)(11) of the Act, if such services are not available under this State Plan; **(4)** Job

- rela ted services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow

- up services, and follow

along services; **(5)** Rehabilitation technology , including telecommunications, sensory , and other technological aids and devices; and **(6)** Post

- employ

ment services consisting of the services listed under subparagraphs (1) through (5) of this paragraph. **(c)** The requirements of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply if the determination of the availability of comparable service s and
benefits un der any

other program would interrupt or delay : **(1)** Progress of the individual toward achieving the employ ment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employ ment; **(2)** An immediate job placement; or **(3)** Provision of vocational rehabilitation serv ices to any individual who is determined to be at extreme medical risk, based on medical evidence provided by an appropriate qualified medical professional. **(d)** The governor in consultation with the designated state vocational rehabilitation agency and ot her appropriate agencies ensures that an interagency

agreement or other mechanism for interagency coordination that meets the requirements of Section 101(a)(8)(B)( i)

- (iv) of the Act takes effect between the designated state unit and any appropriate public entity , including the state Medicaid program, a public institution of higher education, and a component of the statewide workforce investment sy stem to ensure the provision of the vocational rehabilitation services identified in Section 103(a) of the Act a nd 34 CFR 361.48, other than the services identified in paragraph (b) of this section, that are included in the individualized plan for employ ment of an eligible indiv idual, including the provision of those vocational rehabilitation services during the pen dency of any dispute that may

arise in the implementation of the interagency agreement or other mechanism for interagency coordination.

**5.5 Individualized plan for employment.**  (Section 101(a)(9) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.45 and .46) **(a)** An individualized pl an for employ ment meeting the requirements of Section 102(b) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.45 and .46 is developed and implemented in a timely manner for each individual determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation serv ices, except if the state has implemented an order of selection, an individualized plan for employ ment is developed and implemented for each individual to whom the designated state unit is able to provide vocational rehabilitation services.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 20** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (b)**  Services to an eligible individual are pr ovided in accordance with the provisions of the individualized plan for employ ment.

**5.6 Opportunity to make informed choices regarding the selection of services and providers.**  (Sections 101(a)(19) and 102(d) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.52) Applicants and el igible individuals, or, as appropriate, their representatives, are provided information and support services to assist in exercising informed choice throughout the rehabilitation process, consistent with the provisions of Section 102(d) of the Act and 34 C FR
361.52.

**5.7 Services to American Indians.**  (Section 101(a)(13) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.30) The designated state unit provides vocational rehabilitation services to American Indians who are individuals with disabiliti es residing in
the state to the same extent as the designated state agency provides such services to other significant populations of individuals with disabilities residing in the state.

**5.8 Annual review of individuals in extended employment or other employment under special certificate p**  **rovisions of the fair labor**
**standards act of 1938.** (Section 101(a)(14) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.55) **(a)** The designated state unit conducts an annual review and reevaluation of the status of each individual with a disability serve d under
this State Plan: **(1)** Who has achieved an employ ment outcome in which the individual is compensated in accordance with Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 214(c)); or **(2)** Whose record of services is closed while the individual is in extended employ ment on the basis th at the individual is unable to achieve an employ

ment outcome in an integrated setting or that the individual made an informed choice to remain in extended employ ment. **(b)** The designated state unit carries out the annual review and reevaluation for 2 y ears afte r the individual's record of services is closed (and thereafter if requested by the individual or, if appropriate, the individual's representative), to determine the interes ts, priorities, and needs of the individual with respect to competitive employ ment or training for competitive employ ment. **(c)** The designated state unit makes maximum efforts, including the identification and provision of vocational rehabilitation serv ices, reasonable accommodations, and other necessary support services, to assist the indivi duals described in paragraph (a) in engaging in competitive employ

ment.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 21** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: (d)**  The individual with a disability , or, if appropriate, the individual's representative, has input into the review and reevalua tion, and through signed acknowledgement attests that the r eview and reevaluation have been conducted.

**5.9 Use of Title I funds for construction of facilities.**  (Sections 101(a)(17) and 103(b)(2)(A) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.49(a)(1), .61 and .62(b)) If the state elects to construct, under special circumstances, fac ilities for community rehabilitation programs, the following requirements are

met: **(a)** The federal share of the cost of construction for facilities for a fiscal y ear does not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of the
state's allotment under Section 110 o f the Act for that fiscal y ear. **(b)** The provisions of Section 306 of the Act that were in effect prior to the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1 998 apply to such construction. **(c)** There is compliance with the requirements in 34 CFR 361.62( b) that ensure the use of the construction authority will not reduce the efforts of the designated state agency in providing other vocational rehabilitation services, other than the establishment of facilities for community

rehabilitation programs.

**5.10 Contracts and cooperative agreements.**  (Section 101(a)(24) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.31 and .32) **(a) Contracts with for** 

**- profit organizations.**  The designated state agency has the authority

to enter into contracts with for

- profit organizations for the purpose of providing, as vocational rehabilitation services, on

- the

- job training and related programs for individuals with disabilities under Part A of Title VI of the Act, upon the determination by the designated state agency that for

- profit organizations are bette r qualified to provide
vocational rehabilitation services than non

- profit agencies and organizations. **(b) Cooperative agreements with private non** 

**- profit organizations.**  **Attachment 4.8(b)(3)** describes the manner in which the designated state agency establish es cooperative agreements with private

non

- profit vocational rehabilitation service providers.

**STATE PLAN SUPPLEMENT FOR THE STATE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROGRAM**

**SECTION 6 :**  **PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION STATE**  **GENERAL BLIND**  **COMBINED PAGE**  **22**

**EFFECTIVE DATE: 6.1**  **Designated state agency.** (Section 625(b)(1) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(a)) The designated state agency for vocational rehabilitation services identified in paragraph 1.2 of the Title I State Plan is t he state agency designated to administer the State Supported Employ ment Services Program authorized u nder Title VI, Part B of the Act.

**6.2 Statewide assessment of supported employment services needs.**  (Section 625(b)(2) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(b)) **Attachment 4.11(a)** describes the results of the comprehensive, statewide needs assessment conducted under Section 101(a)(15)(a)(1) of the Act and subparagraph 4.11(a)(1) of the Title I State Plan with respect to the rehabilitation needs of individuals with mo st significant disabilities and their need for supported employ ment services, including needs related t o coordination.

**6.3 Quality, scope, and extent of supported employment services.**  (Section 625(b)(3) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(c) and .50(b)(2))
**Attachment 6.3** describes the quality , scope, and extent of supported employ ment services to be provided to individuals with the most significant disabilities who are eligible to receive supported employ ment services. The description also addresses the timin g of the transition to extended services to be provided by relevant state agencies, private non

- profit or ganizations, or other sources following the cessation of supported employ ment service provided by the designated state agency

.

**6.4 Goals and plans for distribution of Title VI, Part B funds.**  (Section 625(b)(3) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(d) and .20)
**Attach ment 4.11(c)(4)**  identifies the state's goals and plans with respect to the distribution of funds received under Section 622 of the Act.
**6.5 Evidence of collaboration with respect to supported employment services and extended services.**  (Sections 625(b)(4) and (5) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(e)) **Attachment 4.8(b)(4)** describes the efforts of the designated state agency to identify

and make arrangements, including entering into cooperative agreements, with other state agencies and other appropriate entities to a ssist in the provision of supported employ ment services and other public or nonprofit agencies or organizations within the state, employ ers, natural supports, and other entities wit h respect to the provision of extended services.

**6.6 Minority outreach.**  ( 34 CFR 363.11(f)) **Attachment 4.11(d)** includes a description of the designated state agency 's outreach procedures for identify ing and serving individuals with the most significant disabilities who are minorities.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 23** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: 6.7**  **Reports.** (Sections 625(b)(8) and 626 o f the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(h) and .52) The designated state agency submits reports in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the commissioner may requi re and collects the information required by Section 101(a)(10) of the Act separately for indiv iduals receiving supported employ ment services under Part B of Title VI and individuals receiving supported employ ment services under Title I of the Act.

**SECTION 7 :**  **FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION**

**7.1 Five percent limitation on administrative costs.**  (Secti on 625(b)(7) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.11(g)(8)) The designated state agency expends no more than five percent of the state's allotment under Section 622 of the Act for admin istrative costs in carry ing out the State Supported Employ ment Services Program.

**7.2 Use of funds in providing services.**  (Sections 623 and 625(b)(6)(A) and (D) of the Act; 34 CFR 363.6(c)(2)(iv), .11(g)(1) and (4)) **(a)** Funds made available under Title VI, Part B of the Act are used by the designated state agency only to provide supported employ ment services to individuals with the most significant disabilities who are eligible to receive such services. **(b)** Funds provided under Title VI, Part B are used only to supplement, and not supplant, the funds provided under Title I, Part B , of
th e Act, in providing supported employ ment services specified in the individualized plan for employ ment. **(c)** Funds provided under Part B of Title VI or Title I of the Act are not used to provide extended services to individuals who ar e eligible under Part B of Title VI or Title I of the Act.

**SECTION 8 :**  **PROVISION OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES**
**8.1 Scope of supported employment services.**  (Sections 7(36) and 625(b)(6)(F) and (G) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.5(b)(54), 363.11(g)(6) and (7)) **(a)** Supported employ me nt services are those services as defined in Section 7(36) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.5(b)(54). **(b)** To the extent job skills training is provided, the training is provided on

- site. **(c)** Supported employ ment services include placement in an integrated sett ing for the maximum number of hours possible based on the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of individuals wit h the most significant disabilities.**STATE GENERAL**  **BLIND COMBINED**  **PAGE 24** 

**EFFECTIVE DATE: 8.2**  **Comprehensive assessments of individuals with significant disabilities.**  (Sections 7(2)(B) and 625(b)(6)(B); 34 CFR 361.5(b)(6)(ii) and 363.11(g)(2)) The comprehensive assessment of individuals with significant disabilities conducted under Section 102(b)(1) of the Act and fu nded under Title I of the Act includes consideration of supported employ ment as an appropriate employ ment outcome.

**8.3 Individualized plan for employment.**  (Sections 102(b)(3)(F) and 625(b)(6)(C) and (E) of the Act; 34 CFR 361.46(b) and 363.11(g)(3) and (5)) **(a)** An individualized plan for employ ment that meets the requirements of Section 102(b) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.45 and .46 is developed and updated using funds under Title I. **(b)** The individualized plan for employ ment: **(1)** Specifies the supported employ men t services to be provided; **(2)** Describes the expected extended services needed; and **(3)** Identifies the source of extended services, including natural supports, or, to the extent that it is not possible to identify the
source of extended services at the ti me the individualized plan for employ ment plan is developed, a statement describing the basis for concluding that there is a reasonable expectation that sources will become available. **(c)** Services provided under an individualized plan for employ ment are co ordinated with services provided under other individualized plans established under other federal or state programs.

**Public Burden Statement:** According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of inform ation unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 25 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gatheri ng and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain o r retain benefit (Title I and Title VI, Part B of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 , as amende d (the act), by

Public L aws 93

- 516, 95

- 602, 98

- 221, 99

- 506, 100

- 630, 102

- 569, 103

- 73, and 105

- 220 ( The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 ( WIA )). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including sug gestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20210

- 4537 or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1820

- 0500. Note: Please do not return the completed State Plan to this address.

**If you**  **have comments**  **or concerns**  **regarding the**  **status of**  **your individual**  **submission of**  **this form,**  **write directly**  **to:** U.S. Department of Education, State Monitoring and Program Im provement Division,

Vocat ional Rehabilitation Unit, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., PCP Room 5096, Washington D.C. 20202

- 2800.