California Department of Rehabilitation
2009 State Plan Update

ATTACHMENT 4.11(d)

STATE STRATEGIES AND USE OF TITLE I FUNDS
FOR INNOVATION AND EXPANSION ACTIVITIES

4.11(d) Strategies 
CFR 361.29(d)
State’s Strategies and Use of Title I Funds for Innovation and Expansion Activities to: 
(1)  Address needs identified in the comprehensive assessment and to achieve identified goals and priorities
(2) Carry out outreach activities to identify and serve individuals with the most significant disabilities who are minorities
(3) Overcome identified barriers relating to equitable access to and participation of individuals with disabilities in the state vocational rehabilitation services program and the state supported employment services program.  Section 101 (a) (15) (D) and (18) (B) of the Act and Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA).

Section I: Program Goals 
The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) has established the following Program goals for FFY 2009 to address needs identified in the comprehensive assessment and to achieve identified goals and priorities. 

Program Goal 1.1:  Increase the quality and quantity of employment outcomes.

Performance Measures to be achieved:
•	During FFY 2009, DOR will increase successful employment outcomes by 1% over prior fiscal year as evidenced by RSA Standard 1.1.
•	During FFY 2009, DOR will increase the number of consumers who identify employment as their primary source of income at successful closure in competitive employment by 1% over FFY 2008.
•	During FFY 2009, DOR will increase the earnings ratio of all individuals in competitive employment by 0.5% over the FFY 2008 as evidenced by RSA standard 1.5.
Strategies:
•	The Workforce Development Section (WDS) and the Disability Access Section (DAS) participate on the “State as a Model Employer” committee and will host a training event on the employment and retention of individuals with disabilities in state civil service at the Accessible City Expo in Los Angeles County in October 2008.  
•	National Employment Team (NET): The Assistant Deputy Director of Collaborative Services and the WDS Section Manager coordinate California’s response to NET activities.  
•	Additional district strategies may include but not be limited to: NET program activities; expansion of job placement circle activities; active participation in job fairs; employer consortiums; and monitoring of high-cost, long-term cases. 

Program Goal 1.2:  Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of VR services delivery.

Performance Measures to be achieved:
•	During FFY 2009, 80% of eligible individuals able to be served will have their IPE developed within 90 days of date of eligibility determination or removal from the waiting list.
•	During FFY 2009, 80% of respondents to the Consumer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) will identify satisfaction with services provided during the following phases of service delivery:
o	Preplan
o	In plan
o	Closure Employed
o	Closure Not Employed
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will continue to develop and implement a strategic plan to re-evaluate the current DOR vocational rehabilitation service delivery system. 
Strategies:
•	In August 2007, the DOR implemented Rehabilitation Administrative Manual (RAM) Chapter 30 to provide consistent guidance related to Record of Service activities. 
o	RAM Chapter 30 Technical tool tips will continue to be provided statewide electronically.
o	RAM Chapter 30 information and guidelines will continue to be integrated into all appropriate counselor in-service training.
o	RAM Chapter 30 information and guidelines will continue to be updated as needed.
•	The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) reviews all CSS data and analysis and provides recommendations to the DOR to improve service delivery.
•	The DOR is developing record of service management and fiscal monitoring tools that will be utilized by district to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Program Goal 1.3:  The DOR will increase the number of SSI/ SSDI beneficiaries at or above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). 

Performance Measures to be achieved:
•	During FFY 2009, DOR will increase the number of SSI/SSDI beneficiaries earning at or above SGA by 1% over FFY 2008.
•	During FFY 2009, DOR, with partners, will provide 10 training/technical assistance sessions for DOR staff, community partners and other stakeholders related to the utilization of Social Security Administration (SSA) work incentives, on-line benefits planning tools and calculators
•	During FFY 2009, 300 DOR, mental health, education and stakeholder staff will receive “Benefits Planning and Management” training. 
Strategies:
•	The DOR Collaborative Services Section will continue to convert best practices identified during the life of the Bridges transitions grant to departmental practices.
•	CRPs and DOR staff will assist consumers in accessing and navigating the www.disabilitybenefits101.org website to decrease concerns regarding the impact of employment on benefits.
•	The DOR will ensure that all Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (SVRCs) are aware of linkages available through Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA). SVRCs will orient consumers to these benefits planning resources, as appropriate.
•	Mental Health Interagency Agreements (IAs) include expectations of training and technical assistance related to benefits planning.
•	Department of Education IAs include training and technical assistance related to benefits planning.
•	Upon release of Ticket to Work regulations, DOR will coordinate with the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding implementation.

Program Goal 1.4:  The DOR will improve the recruitment and retention of Qualified Rehabilitation Professionals.

Performance Measures to be achieved:
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will maintain the on-line continuous examination for the Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Qualified Rehabilitation Professional (SVRC, QRP) classification.
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will review and amend, as necessary, the California civil service Rehabilitation Supervisor job specification. 
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will complete salary studies for the SVRC, QRP and related classifications by December 31, 2008. 
*Additional comprehensive goals and objectives outlined in CSPD attachment 4.10.
Strategies:
•	The DOR will provide Multimedia recruitment information to all CORE Accredited Rehabilitation Counseling Programs and appropriate Masters degree programs that graduate potential candidates for the SVRC, QRP classification.
•	The DOR Human Resources Branch Manager and the Staff Development Section (SDS) Chief will collaborate with graduate students, education partners and RSA at annual National Commission on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE), Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), and RSA conferences.
•	The DOR will utilize internal and external subject matter experts to evaluate similar counseling positions in the public and private sector to analyze relevant salary study information.

Program Goal 1.5:  The DOR will increase equality for persons with disabilities through systems change.  

Performance Measures to be achieved:
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will assist 55 individuals with disabilities to transition from nursing facilities to community based living arrangements.
•	During FFY 2009, DOR’s Disability Access Section (DAS) will provide at least thirty (30) training sessions to California Departments and agencies regarding employment law and architectural and program access.
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will participate in the annual Golden Guardian testing exercise providing technical assistance and support to mass care and shelter of persons with disabilities.
•	During FFY 2009, DOR, as a standing member, will participate in four meetings of the Governor’s Emergency Operations Executive Council providing technical assistance and consultation to ensure the emergency planning, preparedness, mitigation and recovery strategies accounts for and addresses the needs of persons with disabilities.
Strategies:
•	The DOR’s Independent Living and Assistive Technology Section, in collaboration with the State Independent Living Council (SILC), will provide one-time funding for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to support individuals with disabilities in moving from institutional settings to the community.  
•	On behalf of the State Personnel Board the DAS, via an Interagency Agreement, will provide 3 training sessions to state government regarding the reasonable accommodation requirements. 
•	Via Interagency Agreements, the DOR DAS will survey other state departments and agencies to identify physical and programmatic access deficiencies. The DOR DAS will provide written reports of findings and recommendations. 
•	DOR will participate in 4 planning meetings to include numerous Departments from the Health and Human Services Agency, the SILC, the Red Cross and other interested parties to develop the process and protocols to guide mass care shelters in providing for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in general shelters during evacuations.
•	DOR will participate in the annual meeting of the Emergency Advisory Partnership Workgroup.  The workgroup provides technical assistance and consultation to ensure needs of persons with disabilities are appropriately provided for and included in the advise to the Director of Office of Emergency Services (OES). This strengthens the state’s emergency management efforts utilizing public-private partnerships.
•	The DOR will actively participate with the Governor’s Offices of Emergency Services and Homeland Security Disaster Preparedness and Recovery drills to identify and problem solve physical and program access barriers for individuals with disabilities. 

Section 2: Title VI B Supported Employment Program Goals 
The DOR has established the following Supported Employment Program goals for FFY 2009.

Supported Employment Goal 2.1:  Increase competitive, integrated employment opportunities for consumers accessing Supported Employment (SE) services 
	
Performance Measures to be achieved
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will increase the number of SE individual placements compared to the number of SE group placements by 1% over FFY 2008. 
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will increase the number of SE individual successful employment outcomes (status 26) compared to FFY 2008 by 1%. 
Strategies:	
•	DOR district staff will continue to collaborate with Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP)s, Regional Centers, local educational agencies, and other community partners to provide training and technical assistance regarding independent living and job readiness skills necessary for successful SE placement. 
•	The DOR will continue to encourage DOR district, CRP and Regional Center staff to utilize individual placements rather than group placements as appropriate.
•	The DOR will evaluate data from mandatory reviews of closed cases for SE consumers earning less than minimum wage at closure to identify potential readiness for competitive placement.
•	The DOR will work with SE vendors to increase the number of group placements at or above minimum wage. 

Supported Employment Goal 2.2:  Enhance DOR staff knowledge of SE regulations and processes by providing training and technical assistance.
Performance Measures to be achieved:
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will promulgate SE regulations. 
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will provide two RAM Chapter 31- Supported Employment Program trainings: (1) in North Central Region and (1) in Southern Region  
•	The DOR will coordinate and implement at least two regional Supported Employment Program/Work Activity Program (SEP/WAP) liaison teleconferences during FFY 2009.
Strategies:
•	The DOR will develop and implement electronic resources to provide SE technical assistance to staff and community partners.  
•	The DOR statewide SE coordinator will collaborate with internal and external partners to promulgate SE Regulations. 
•	The DOR statewide SE coordinator will disseminate and provide technical assistance to SEP/WAP liaisons.
•	Upon release of SEP Regulations, the DOR SE coordinator will provide support and guidance to SEP/WAP liaisons. 
•	SEP/WAP liaisons in each DOR district will serve as internal resources to supported employment counselors.

Supported Employment Goal 2.3: Promote and enhance collaboration with local and statewide SE partners and stakeholders

Performance Measure to be achieved:	
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will identify and disseminate four (4) best practices for SE service delivery. 
•	During FFY 2009, the DOR will hold four meetings, on a quarterly basis, with the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to promote and enhance collaboration. 
Strategies:
•	Each DOR District Administrator will continue to designate at least one staff member to serve in the capacity as SEP/WAP liaison. 
•	The DOR SE coordinator will encourage DOR districts to participate in local stakeholder meetings.
•	The DOR SE coordinator will communicate with SEP/WAP liaisons to determine best practices and disseminate findings to all participants.
•	The DOR will hold quarterly meetings with the DDS.

Section 3: Innovation and Expansion Goal
The DOR has established the following Innovation and Expansion Goal for FFY 2009: 

Innovation and Expansion Goal 3.1:  Electronic Records System

The DOR has set aside a portion of funds allotted under section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (The Act) to replace its outdated mainframe system with a new Electronic Records System (ERS).  The new ERS will be a commercial off-the-shelf application that will improve the accessibility, effectiveness and efficiency of the VR Services Program for individuals with disabilities.  ERS will enhance DOR’s performance on the RSA Evaluation Standards and Performance Indicators established pursuant to section 106 of the Act, as amended.  DOR is currently seeking approval from the state to procure and implement ERS.  

Performance Measures to be achieved: If approved by the state, measurable goals established for the ERS project are as follows:

•	The DOR will obtain state approval to award contract to ERS vendor by March 2009. 
•	The DOR will begin system design and development with the ERS vendor by April 2009. 

4.11(d)(2): Strategies to carry out outreach activities to identify and serve individuals with the most significant disabilities who are minorities 

The DOR identifies and implements effective strategies to better serve individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities who are members of California’s multicultural population.

Preliminary data analysis from the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Program (SNAP) completed during FFY 2007 did not identify a disparity between the identified needs of individuals with significant disabilities who are minorities.

As evidenced by DOR’s performance on RSA Standard 2.1 in FFY 2007, there was 100% equity for accessing services for minority groups in California.  For FFY 2008, as of March 31, 2008, DOR’s performance on RSA Standard 2.1 is 98%. 

During FFY 2008, the DOR Planning Unit reviewed consumer caseload data; specifically applicant ethnicity in relation to United States Census reports and California Department of Finance ethnicity reports. During FFY 2008, the percentage of African Americans, American Indians, and Pacific Islanders applying for DOR services exceeded their respective population percentages in California.  The percentage of Hispanic applicants has been increasing and is approaching the percentage of the Hispanic population in California.  The percentage of Asian Americans applying for DOR services remains less than their percentage of the state population. 

The DOR believes the following strategies will continue to assist the DOR in meeting outreach goals.  

Strategies:	
•	The DOR will continue to partner with local agencies that serve monolingual populations to enhance services that are provided to these individuals.
•	The DOR will continue to promote use of the telephonic interpreting service for those offices that do not have bilingual Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Qualified Rehabilitation Professionals (SVRC, QRPs) on staff and ensure printed and electronic public information is provided in multiple languages.
•	The DOR will continue to enhance the cultural competency of all staff in order to effectively serve California’s multicultural population and recruit SVRC, QRPs to mirror the community they are serving. 
•	The DOR will continue to establish and or participate in collaborations and partnerships with businesses and professional groups statewide that represent diverse populations.
•	The DOR will collaborate with the American Indian Advisory Council in partnership with the Native Hope International Pow Wow through the Annual Native American Resources Summit to improve Native American VR Services. 
•	The DOR will continue to strengthen its efforts to serve Asian Americans with disabilities by partnering with Asian American communities, including continuation of the Asian Taskforce established by the DOR in the northern and southern regions to increase the quality of services for Asian Americans with disabilities. 

Strategies to identify and serve individuals who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program
In addition to the Strategies identified in 4.11(d)(2) (Strategies to Carry Out Outreach Activities to Identify and Serve Individuals with the Most Significant Disabilities Who are Minorities and Strategies to Identify and Serve Individuals Who Have Been Unserved or Underserved by the VR Program) the DOR and SRC will collaborate to utilize the following strategies to identify and serve individuals who have been unserved or underserved by the VR program, including minority populations, individuals with TBI and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: 

•	The DOR District staff will continue discussions with Local Workforce Investment Boards to compare census data to populations served.
•	The DOR is an active participant at the 34th National Institute on Rehabilitation Issues related to veterans services to increase collaboration and access to rehabilitation services for returning veterans with service and non-service related disabilities
•	The DOR is collaborating with the Governor’s Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities to identify needs and service gaps for returning veterans with disabilities.  Recommendations to be forwarded to the Governor by 12/31/08.
•	The DOR will continue to coordinate services for persons with developmental disabilities with the DDS for each of the 14 DOR districts and 21 DDS funded Regional Centers.  
•	The DOR will track and determine Autism Spectrum Disorders consumers’ needs through SEP/WAP liaison meetings, collaborative partnership communications, and regular contact with Autism Spectrum Disorder stakeholders. 
•	The DOR will include Autism Spectrum Disorders as one of the Medical Aspects courses provided internally to staff on a regular basis.  In addition, the DOR will continue using two core trainings on early intervention for students to enhance partner knowledge and expertise around effectively serving the Autism Spectrum Disorders population.

Strategies to improve the performance of the state with respect to the RSA Evaluation Standards and Performance Indicators: 

The DOR identified specific program goals and measurable objectives to highlight RSA Evaluation Standards and Performance Indicators 1.1, 1.2, 1.5 and 2.1.  The DOR will continue to utilize effective strategies to monitor progress on all standards and indicators. These strategies include but are not limited to: 
•	Targeted Management Information System (TMIS) reports provided at District, Branch and counselor level,
•	Caseload reviews conducted quarterly by Centralized Services,
•	RSA evaluation standards and performance indicators Quarterly Reports provided to all DOR Management by Budgets and Fiscal Forecasting staff,
•	Quarterly Order of Selection updates, and
•	Monthly monitoring of high-cost, long-term cases.

4.11(d)(3): Describe how the state agency will use these strategies to overcome identified barriers relating to equitable access to and participation of individuals with disabilities in the state VR services program and the state SE services program (including one or more of the following barriers identified in Section 427 of GEPA:  gender, race, national origin, color, disability, and age)

Individuals with disabilities have identified no major barriers to equitable access and participation in either the vocational rehabilitation services or supported employment services programs.  The following information sources were reviewed to identify if such barriers existed: the preliminary SNAP report; Consumer Satisfaction Survey trends and analysis; Program Improvement Plan information; needs identified by EPSD and SSD staff; and caseload review analysis.