Purpose

Program Office: Rehabilitation Services Administration

CFDA Number: 84.126A
Program Type: Formula Grants
Also Known As: State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program

Program Description

This program provides grants to assist States in operating statewide vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs, each of which is an integral part of a statewide workforce development system. The VR program is designed to provide VR services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, so that they may prepare for and engage in competitive integrated employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Eligible individuals are those who have a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment, who can benefit from VR services for employment, and who require VR services. Priority must be given to serving individuals with the most significant disabilities if a state is unable to serve all eligible individuals.

Requirements

Funds are distributed to states based on the statutory formula that takes into account population and per capita income in determining the amount of Federal funds made available to states for VR program purposes. Grant funds are administered under the approved VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified and Combined State Plan Requirements.

VR implementing regulations require that the state incur a portion of expenditures under the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan from non-Federal funds to meet its cost sharing requirements (34 CFR §361.60). The Federal share for expenditures made by the state, including expenditures for the provision of VR services and the administration of the VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan, is 78.7 percent. The state’s share is 21.3 percent of the total program cost. The VR program considers non-Federal share to be allowable as match only when obligated during the year of appropriation of an award. The state non-Federal share for the cost of construction of a facility for community rehabilitation program purposes is 50 percent.

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Eligibility

Who May Apply: (specifically): State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies may apply.

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Awards to Grantees

Note on this table: the numbers shown represent the awards made during the fiscal year to RSA grantees. There may be additional set-asides for the program which are not shown.

Performance

• Performance Information available on-line
• Additional Information

Performance Information available on-line

• Ad Hoc Query
  Ad Hoc Query allows users to run customized queries against RSA data. Users may run a previously saved query, or may create a new query from scratch by choosing from the RSA forms listed at this location on the RSA website.
• Monitoring Reports and Tables
  Section 107 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), requires the Commissioner of RSA to conduct annual reviews and periodic on-site monitoring of programs authorized under Title I of WIOA to determine whether a state VR agency is complying substantially with the provisions of its State Plan under Section 101 of WIOA and with the evaluation standards and performance indicators established under Section 106, which are subject to the performance accountability measures in section 116(b) of WIOA and 34 CFR part 361, subpart E. RSA also publishes Monitoring Reports and Tables used in monitoring.
• Performance
  RSA reports on the performance of its programs under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).
• Quick Tables
  Quick Tables allows users to run pre-defined tables against data of choice or generate custom tables and graphs from RSA data. Users can choose to build a customized table or view core tables for VR agencies.
• Research and Statistics
  For the purposes of improving program management and effectiveness, RSA evaluates all programs authorized by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA. In this section readers will find summary Research and Statistics describing the outcomes of various programs funded by RSA and, in particular, data on individuals with disabilities served and rehabilitated (including caseload data and client characteristics) through the Title I Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant. Program evaluation studies are also listed under Publications and Products.
• RSA Reports
  Users may view all available reports for a given form.
• Wall Chart of State Vocational Rehabilitation Performance
  The Wall Chart contains the results of various performance measures of the 80 State VR agencies grouped by type of agency (general, blind, and combined).

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Additional Information

• Annual Report to CongressThe RSA Annual Report to Congress provides a description of the activities of RSA under the Rehabilitation Act. RSA is the principal agency for carrying out Titles I, III, VI and VII, as well as specified portions of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
• Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA)
  The CSNA (also known as the Vocational Rehabilitation or VR Needs Assessment Guide) and its Appendices provide state VR agencies and State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC) with fundamental tools necessary to meet the requirements of a fully developed CSNA.
• Email Updates
  RSA uses the Department of Education's email subscription service to provide updated topical information to a broad audience of stakeholders. Data collection and analysis, research, and related performance topics are among the areas addressed. Subscription to the list of categories is available at the link below.
• Publications and Products
  RSA and its partners, through their programs, projects and activities, develop a wide range of publications and other resources to inform and assist agencies, providers, individuals with disabilities, their families and others.

See also Supporting Information for the RSA 911 Data.

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Total Awards to RSA Grantees

Note on this table: the numbers shown represent the sum of awards made during the fiscal year to RSA grantees. There may be additional set-asides for the program which are not shown.

Legislation

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by title IV of WIOA,
PART B—BASIC VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (PDF 791KB).

Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Part 361 — State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Part 397 — Limitations on Use of Subminimum Wage

See also Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and Other Applicable Grant Regulations

Guidance

PD-19-01—"Discontinuation of the Quarterly Cumulative Caseload Report (RSA-113)"
Feb 12, 2019 — PDF (18KB)

TAC-18-02—"Submission Procedures for Prior Written Approval Requests under the State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Program"
Apr 11, 2018 — PDF (113KB)

TAC-18-01—"Two-Year Modification Requirements for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified and Combined State Plans"
Jan 19, 2018 — PDF (169KB)

TAC-17-05—"WIOA Annual Performance Report Submission"
Sep 11, 2017 — PDF (28KB)

PD-16-04 — "Revision of Policy Directive (PD) 14-01 instructions for the completion of the Case Service Report Manual (RSA-911) for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and the State Supported Employment Services Program"
June 17, 2017 — PDF (929KB)

PD-16-03 — "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Requirements for Unified and Combined State Plans"
Mar 9, 2016 — PDF (72KB)

PD-16-02 — "Announcement of OMB Approval for Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA-722)"
Dec 14, 2015 — PDF (119KB)

TAC-15-02 — "Vision for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program as a Partner in the Workforce Development System under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act"
Aug 17, 2015 — PDF (69KB)

TAC-15-01 — "Vision for the One-Stop Delivery System under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)"
Aug 13, 2015 — PDF (99KB)

PD-15-05 — "Revisions to PD-12-06, instructions for completing the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program"
Feb 5, 2015 — PDF (131KB)

TAC-13-02 — "Reorganization of the Designated State Agency and the Designated State Unit for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program"
Jul 9, 2013 — PDF (99KB)

PD-13-01 — "Announcement of OMB Approval for Annual Report on Appeals Process (RSA-722)"
Oct 22, 2012 — PDF (74KB)

TAC-12-04 — "Provision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to an Individual by More Than One Agency"
Jun 11, 2012 — PDF (52KB)

TAC-12-03 — "Organizational Structure and Non-Delegable Responsibilities of the Designated State Unit for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. "
Apr 16, 2012 — PDF (73KB)

MOU-12-01 — "Memorandum of Understanding Between Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service and U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration"
May 23, 2011 — PDF (46KB)

IM-07-08 — "Transition Programs & Services: High School/High Tech & Vocational Rehabilitation"
Jul 23, 2007 — PDF (47KB)

PD-05-01 — "Liquidation of Obligations Under RSA’s Formula Grants."
Mar 8, 2005 — PDF (31KB)

IM-01-44 — "Applicability of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program."
Sep 25, 2001 — PDF (21KB)

IM-01-43 — "Basic Information and Resources Available Regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
Sep 25, 2001 — PDF (21KB)

PD-01-03 — "Implementation of Informed Choice."
Jan 17, 2001 — PDF (42KB)

IM-01-18 — "Development of National Registry for the Deaf-Blind."
Dec 18, 2000 — PDF (19KB)

TAC-00-02 — "Self-employment, Telecommuting, and Establishing a Small Business as Employment Outcomes."
Jul 24, 2000 — PDF (27KB)

TAC-98-01 — "Support Services for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities and Others Who Need Assistance in Implementing Informed Choice."
Nov 3, 1997 — PDF (48KB)

Other Communication

See Frequently Asked Questions on Period of Performance for Formula Grant Awards.

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Resources

GAN Attachments

The following documents are standard attachments to a Grant Award Notification (GAN).

• RSA-1 – Carry-over requirements for formula programs (PDF 42KB)
• RSA-2 – Program income for formula programs (PDF 17KB)
• RSA-3 – Prohibition against subgranting for formula programs (PDF 22KB)
• RSA-4 – Treatment of indirect costs for purchased services (PDF 28KB)
• RSA-6 – Specific Grant Terms and Conditions for Performance and Financial Reports (PDF 114KB )
• RSA-VR-1 – Pre-employment transition services (PDF 46KB)

Other Resources

Here are other resources for this program.

• Performance Accountability Overview for Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
  RSA has developed a training curriculum which provides an overview of the joint guidance issued in Technical Assistance Circulars TAC-17-01 and TAC-17-04. This curriculum contains seven independent modules that provide information on the key terms outlined in section 116 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as well as the six performance accountability indicators: Employment 2nd Quarter after Exit, Employment 4th Quarter after Exit, Median Earnings 2nd Quarter after Exit, Credential Attainment, Measurable Skill Gains, and Effectiveness of Serving Employers. It also provides an overview of supplemental wage guidance issued in TAC-17-04. Contact RSAData@ed.gov with any questions or comments about the training.
• Youth Pathways to Post-Secondary and Employment website
  This website brings together five different National Youth-Focused Training and Technical Assistance Centers, funded by the US Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), as well as the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP). These five centers are working together to provide technical assistance and training to state/local agencies and programs to build successful pathways to postsecondary education and employment opportunities for youth and students with disabilities.
• A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities
  Blueprint for Governors. A 2013 report by the National Governors Association (NGA).
• Federal Employment Resources
  As the Nation's largest employer, the Federal Government is actively recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities into a variety of exciting jobs with competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. The resources provide quick and efficient access to information and technical assistance related to the employment of individuals with disabilities within the Federal Government.
• Fiscal Resources
  Resources providing guidance on fiscal matters related to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program.
• Orientation & Technical Assistance Guide for State Vocational Rehabilitation Directors
  The Orientation Guide is provided to support new state vocational rehabilitation (VR) directors in the important work of administering federal programs within your state funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, including the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program, the Supported Employment Program, the State Independent Living Services Program, and the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind Program. RSA developed this guide to provide quick and efficient access to information and technical assistance resources related to the administration of these programs.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Needs Assessment Guide
  The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Needs Assessment Guide and its Appendices provide state VR agencies and State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC) with fundamental tools necessary to meet the requirements of a fully developed comprehensive statewide needs assessment (CSNA).

(March 8, 2017)

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Frequently-Asked Questions

See Frequently-Asked Questions on www.ed.gov

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Contacts

Carol Dobak
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
PCP, Room 5151
Washington, DC 20202
Phone: 202-245-7325
Email: carol.dobak@ed.gov

For this program, RSA has designated State Liaisons for each state and territory.

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Supporting Information for the RSA-911 Data

Information on this page supports the data required for the RSA-911 file. This information is designed to be used by state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies who are responsible for collecting the data. For any given fiscal year, the RSA-911 data contains a record of demographic and programmatic data for each person who exited the Vocational Rehabilitation program in that fiscal year.

Policy Directives

VR agencies will begin submitting RSA-911 data consistent with PD-16-04 for PY 2017, which begins July 1, 2017. By July 1, 2017, each VR agency must ensure that:

1. the agency’s data collection system is capable of capturing and reporting all the required data elements;
2. VR staff have completed training necessary to ensure the collection and reporting of the required data elements; and
3. the agency has implemented internal control processes to ensure the accuracy and validity of the data.

PD-16-04—"Revision of Policy Directive (PD) 14-01 instructions for the completion of the Case Service Report (RSA-911) for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program and the State Supported Employment Services Program"
Revised June 14, 2017 (PDF, 1MB)

VR agencies will submit RSA-911 data in accordance with RSA PD-14-01, dated October 25, 2013, for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2016 (October 1, 2015–September 30, 2016).

PD-14-01—"Revision of PD-13-05 Vocational Rehabilitation Program Case Service Report (RSA-911) data elements
Oct 25, 2013 (PDF, 520KB)

The following policy directives are obsolete.

• PD-13-05
• PD-12-05
• PD-09-01
• PD-07-01
• PD-06-01
• PD-04-04

Other Resources

Guidelines: Supporting Documentation for Case Service Report (RSA-911)

"Guidelines: Supporting Documentation for Case Service Report (RSA-911)" (PDF, 107KB) will assist your vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency in maintaining appropriate supporting documentation in individual service records. The supporting documentation described in the Attached Guidelines pertains to certain key data elements in the Case Service Report (RSA-911) that Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) staff will review during Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2017 monitoring and technical assistance visits. These particular data elements also are those that will be reviewed by State auditors conducting A-133 audits during the next year.

The examples of supporting documentation in these guidelines illustrate the types of documents RSA would consider to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of certain key data reported through the RSA-911. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other documents that RSA would find provide sufficient support to verify the data.

RSA plans to update and expand these guidelines once the revised RSA-911 described in PD-16-04 is implemented on July 1, 2017. The revised RSA-911 will implement all performance data requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, all of which will be necessary for calculating levels of performance under section 116 of that Act. In updating and expanding the guidelines later this year, RSA will take into consideration feedback provided by the VR agency during the monitoring and technical assistance visits conducted during FY 2017.

Webinars on the RSA-911

RSA has also developed a series of webinars related to the changes in the collection and reporting of data via the RSA-911 under WIOA. In these webinars, RSA provides an overview of the performance measures, key terms in the joint policy guidance, information on how the terms apply to VR, and the RSA-911. RSA also discusses the deliverable timelines for 2016 and 2017 and how to use RSA-911 data to monitor performance.

• The New RSA-911
• Introduction to Data Collection and Reporting

Questions about the RSA-911

Read answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the RSA-911. Other questions can be answered by sending an email to RSAData@ed.gov.

Download Aggregate RSA-911 Data

Aggregate RSA-911 can be viewed and downloaded at https://rsa.ed.gov using Ad Hoc Query.

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Fiscal Resources

Grantees may find the following documents useful in providing guidance on fiscal matters related to the Basic VR program.

• General information
• Frequently Asked Fiscal Questions
• Federal Financial Reports (SF-425)
• Match
• SMPID Formula Grant Programs—Minimum Award Calculations
• State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Reallotment Data for FFY 2018

General Information

• Due dates on SF-425s
  Previously, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual interim Federal financial reports (SF-425) were due within 45 days after the end of the reporting period. This was the result of an error that occurred when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published in its December 7, 2007 Federal Register Notice (72 FR 69236) that interim reports were due within 45 days of the interim reporting end dates instead of within 30 days as originally identified. Because of this error, grantees were permitted to exercise the 45 day period as published by OMB within the Federal Register. With the publication of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) on December 26, 2013, OMB corrected this error. In accordance with (2 CFR 200.328(b)(1)), interim Federal financial reports (SF-425) are due within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. The final report is still due within 90 days after the end of the period of performance.
• Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards: Technical Assistance for ED Grantees
  September 24, 2015
  The Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. § 200) streamlines and consolidates government requirements for receiving and using federal awards so as to reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes. It was published in the Federal Register (79 Fed. Reg. 75871) on December 19, 2014, and became effective for new and continuation awards issued on or after December 26, 2014. Please note the new regulations do not affect grant funds awarded prior to December 26, 2014, unless funds made available under those grants are carried forward into a new federal fiscal year or a continuation grant.
  www.ed.gov/policy/fund/guid/uniform-guidance
• Accessing and Initiating Changes to Formula Grant Award Notifications
  February 19, 2014
  This document describes the process to be used to request changes to the GAN (Grant Award Notification) such as address; however this process may be used only when the rights and obligations of the grantee are not affected. Also, please note that this process does not apply to the State Grant for Assistive Technology program. “Accessing and Initiating Changes to Formula Grant Award Notifications” (PDF, 232KB)
• ED Memoranda & Guidance for Grantees
  "OMB Uniform Guidance: Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards"
  On December 26, 2013, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published new guidance for Federal award programs, OMB Uniform Guidance: Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Guidance). The Guidance supersedes and streamlines requirements from OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, A-110, A-122, A-89, A-102 and A-133 and the guidance in Circular A-50 on Single Audit Act follow-up. It is a key component of a larger federal effort to more effectively focus federal grant resources on improving performance and outcomes while ensuring the financial integrity of taxpayer dollars.
  See the links at ED Memoranda & Guidance for Grantees.
• Email Updates
  RSA uses the Department of Education's email subscription service to provide updated information about fiscal resources.

Frequently Asked Fiscal Questions

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about Pre-Employment Transition Services
• Read Frequently Asked Questions about Period of Performance

Federal Financial Reports (SF-425)

• PD-15-05—"Revisions to PD-12-06, instructions for completing the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services program"
  Feb 5, 2015 (PDF, 131KB)
• PD-11-03—"Instructions for completing the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) for other formula grant award programs"
  Oct 26, 2010 (PDF, 80KB)

Match

• MATCH Calculator
  On-line tool at https://rsa.ed.gov/calculate_match_funds.cfm

SMPID Formula Grant Programs – Minimum Award Calculations

State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Reallotment Data FFY 2018

This process ensures that:

1. No State receives more in reallotment than their requested amount.
2. States with current year MOE penalties have the MOE penalty amount deducted from the available pool of reallotment funds before determining the amount of additional VR funds awarded to the State so that a State cannot share in in the receipt of its own penalized funds.

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Monitoring Reports on the Basic VR program

FY 2018 Monitoring Reports

For fiscal year 2018, the following state agencies have been or will be visited.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Nevada
• New Jersey – Blind
• New Jersey – General
• New York – Blind
• New York – General (PDF, 855 KB)
• North Carolina – Blind
• North Carolina – General
• Rhode Island
• Utah

FY 2017 Monitoring Reports

For fiscal year 2017, the following state agencies were visited.

• Colorado – Combined (PDF, 808 KB)
• Florida – General (PDF, 978 KB)
• Florida – Blind (PDF, 752 KB)
• Georgia – Combined (PDF, 1.2 MB)
• Indiana – Combined (PDF, 1.0 MB)
• Maine – General (PDF, 981 KB)
• Maine – Blind (PDF, 825 KB)
• Maryland – Combined (PDF, 893 KB)
• Massachusetts – General (PDF, 981 KB)
• Massachusetts – Blind (PDF, 871 KB)
• Michigan – General (PDF, 968 KB)
• Michigan – Blind (PDF, 891 KB)
• Ohio – Combined (PDF, 854 KB)
• Tennessee – Combined (PDF, 762 KB)

FY 2016 Technical Assistance Summary Reports on the Vocational Rehabilitation Program

RSA conducted on-site visits of State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies regarding issues related to Federal Financial Reports (SF-425s), including the reliability, accuracy, and validity of financial data.

For fiscal year 2016, the following report is available.

• Kentucky (PDF, 116KB)

On-site visits of State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies were also conducted in FY 2016 for the following states.

• Arizona (PDF, 212KB)
• Illinois (PDF, 282KB)
• Nevada (PDF, 207KB)
• Oklahoma (PDF, 167KB)
• Wyoming (PDF, 239KB)

FY 2015 Technical Assistance Summary Reports on the Vocational Rehabilitation Program

RSA conducted on-site visits of State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies regarding issues related to Federal Financial Reports (SF-425s), including the reliability, accuracy, and validity of financial data.

For fiscal year 2015, the following reports are available.

• Utah (PDF, 180KB)
• Georgia (PDF, 151KB)

FY 2013 Monitoring Reports

For fiscal year 2013, fourteen agencies in ten states were reviewed.

• Read the FY 2013 Section 107 Monitoring reports.

RSA used the following documents during its monitoring reviews:

• FY 2013 Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide: MS Word (955 KB) | PDF (912 KB)

FY 2012 Monitoring Reports

For fiscal year 2012, fourteen agencies in eleven states were reviewed.

• Read the FY 2012 Section 107 Monitoring reports.

FY 2011 Monitoring Reports

For fiscal year 2011, ten agencies in eight states (AZ, AR, GA, IL, ME, NE, PA, and TN) were reviewed. In addition to the ten scheduled monitoring reviews, RSA conducted other site visits to state VR agencies in order to follow-up the agency’s implementation of its corrective action plan or to provide technical assistance.

• Read the FY 2011 Section 107 Monitoring reports.

RSA used the following documents during its monitoring reviews:

• FY 2011 Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide:
  MS Word (780 KB) | PDF (702 KB)

FY 2010 (and earlier) Monitoring Reports

RSA continues to make available prior year monitoring reports as well as the Information Guide and Monitoring Protocols used to develop those reports.

• Read the Monitoring on the Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Programs for FY 2010 and earlier.

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Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA)

The Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) is also known as the Vocational Rehabilitation or VR Needs Assessment Guide. The Guide and its Appendices provide state VR agencies and State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC) with fundamental tools necessary to meet the requirements of a fully developed comprehensive statewide needs assessment (CSNA).

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 added two new requirements for the CSNA. The CSNA must also identify, report and address the VR service needs of youth with disabilities and students with disabilities with respect to:

• their need for pre-employment transition services or other transition services; and

• an assessment of the needs for transition services and pre-employment transition services and the extent to which such services are coordinated with transition services provided under the IDEA.

While this Guide has not been updated to include the new requirements, the recommended process for conducting a CSNA is still appropriate.

The Guide is arranged into two parts:

• Part I—The Model CSNA
  • Overview of the Model CSNA
  • Six Steps to Assessing and Addressing VR Needs
  • Seven Information Strategies

• Part II—Implementing the Model CSNA
  • Step 1: Defining and Establishing CSNA Goals
  • Step 2: Developing CSNA Plan for Information and Dissemination
  • Step 3: Gathering the information
  • Step 4: Analyzing the Results and Developing Findings
  • Step 5: Develop the Conclusions: Potential Action Strategies
  • Step 6: informing State Plan, Goals, Priorities, and Strategies

The Appendix is arranged into ten parts:

• Disability Population Statistics

• Disability Population Estimates

• Projections of State Population and Labor and Economic Forecasts

• VR Agency Data

• State-Level Data from National Programs

• State and Sub-State Reports and Other Materials

• Input from Stakeholders

• Minorities and Unserved or Underserved Groups

• Literature Review

• Reviews of State Needs Assessments

A presentation on the materials is available as an additional resource.

RSA is committed to providing technical assistance resources to enable VR agencies to meet their required responsibilities. We hope that state VR agencies and SRCs find these materials helpful in developing a plan for, conducting and reporting the results of a comprehensive statewide needs assessment.

Please contact your state liaison if you require additional assistance.

VR Needs Assessment Guide (PDF, 776KB)

VR Needs Assessment Guide Appendices (PDF, 1.9MB)

VR Needs Assessment Training (PDF, 128KB)

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Orientation & Technical Assistance Guide for State Vocational Rehabilitation Directors

Overview

RSA extends a special welcome to new state vocational rehabilitation (VR) directors. This orientation is provided to support you in the important work of administering Federal programs within your state funded under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program, the State Supported Employment Services Program, and the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind Program. RSA developed this guide to provide quick and efficient access to information and technical assistance resources related to the administration of these programs. We hope that you find this information useful and encourage you to contact your RSA state liaison for assistance in locating other resources or for responses to questions pertaining to the administration of any of these programs.

The RSA web site is a primary source for locating pertinent information described below related to RSA’s formula and discretionary grant programs, including current policy guidance, on-line training and technical assistance tools and resources, state and national data, grant-related reporting forms, VR State Plans, and other state-specific information. Links to this information are included below for ready access.

To access the most current information and notifications from RSA, VR directors may subscribe for email updates regarding RSA in general, the VR program, data collection and analysis, fiscal/financial management, legislation and policy, service programs, technical assistance resources, training programs, and RSA website news.

Legislation, Regulations and Guidance

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of WIOA, P.L. 114-18
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, P.L. 113-128
• The Randolph-Sheppard Act, P.L. 74-732, as amended by P.L. 83-565 and P.L. 93-516; 20 U.S.C. Sec. 107 et seq.

Program Specific Regulations

• 34 CFR Part 361: State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program
• 34 CFR Part 363: State Supported Employment Services Program
• 34 CFR Part 367: Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind
• 34 CFR Part 370: Client Assistance Program
• 34 CFR Part. 381: Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights
• 34 CFR Part 395: Vending Facility Program for the Blind on Federal and Other Property
• 34 CFR Part 397: Limitations on Use of Subminimum Wage
• 2 CFR 200: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for
• Federal Awards

Guidance

• Sub-Regulatory Guidance
• Policy Directives
• Technical Assistance Circulars
• Information Memoranda

Technical Assistance Centers and Demonstration Projects

Aligning with RSA’s mission to provide leadership and resources to grantees and stakeholders, RSA created a series of training and technical assistance centers and demonstration projects to assist state VR agencies and their partners in providing VR and other services to individuals with disabilities. Each technical assistance center focuses its efforts on a specific set of topics designed to provide universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance for the purpose of improving services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.

• National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training materials
• American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Training and Technical Assistance Center
• Job-Driven Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center
• National Technical Assistance Center on Transition
• Older Individuals Who Are Blind Training and Technical Assistance Center
• Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center for Program Evaluation and Quality Assurance
• Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Youth with Disabilities
• Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center—Targeted Communities
• Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center

State Rehabilitation Council

The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is a key partner with the VR agency in the administration of the VR program. Among its several responsibilities, the SRC reviews, evaluates and advises the agency regarding its performance and effectiveness in the delivery of services and the effect of service provision on the achievement of employment outcomes by individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the SRC ensures that the voice of the community of stakeholders is heard as agencies develop and implement policies and procedures that directly effect the individuals served by the VR agency.

The SRC brings together a variety of individuals with disabilities, disability groups, VR professionals, service providers, and leaders in the community, including those representing business, industry and labor.

Vocational Rehabilitation /Supported Employment State Plan

The VR services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must satisfy all requirements set forth in section 102 or 103 of WIOA. Under the provisions of WIOA, the Governor of each state or territory must submit a Unified or Combined State Plan to the U.S. Department of Labor that outlines a four-year strategy for the state’s workforce development system.

States submitted their four-year WIOA State Plans for Federal review and approval in early 2016. The Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Agriculture, whose programs are addressed, provided review and approval for each Plan for the period July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020.

An important component of the vocational rehabilitation services portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan is the results of a comprehensive, statewide needs assessment, jointly conducted by the designated State unit and the State Rehabilitation Council (if the State unit has a Council) every three years. Results of the needs assessment are to be included in the vocational rehabilitation portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan and must describe the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the state.

Monitoring of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Programs

Section 107(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Act), as amended by title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), 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 vocational rehabilitation (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 of the Act, which are subject to the performance accountability measures in section 116(b) of WIOA and 34 CFR part 361, subpart E. To fulfill, in part, this requirement, RSA has developed this Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide (MTAG), through which it will provide technical assistance to, and review the progress of, VR agencies toward compliance with new requirements under the Act, as amended by WIOA, and assess improvements in the performance of the VR program as well as compliance with pertinent Federal programmatic and fiscal requirements.

Fiscal Management

To assist states with the fiscal administration of the VR and other formula grant programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, RSA developed a number of fiscal resources including policy directives and training materials on specific areas of fiscal policy and program administration. Resources available address a variety of topics such as establishment, maintenance of effort, indirect cost and cost allocation, match, third party cooperative arrangements, award calculation and reallotment, liquidation of obligations, and reporting. In addition, resources have also been developed to provide technical assistance regarding funding contributions and operations of One-Stop Centers Infrastructure Funding of the One-Stop Delivery System TAC-17-03, and One-Stop Operations Guidance for the American Job Center Network TAC-17-02.

WIOA established new requirements for the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in the one-stop service delivery system. The Innovation and Opportunity Network (ION) website has posted a Sample MOU and accompanying Cost Allocation Analyses that may be used as a reference guide or toolkit when developing an MOU. The sample MOU and toolkit includes the one-stop operating budget, Infrastructure Funding Agreement (IFA), and cost allocation methodologies pursuant to the requirements of section 121 of WIOA, its implementing regulations in the Joint WIOA Final Rule at 20 CFR part 678 and the corresponding Department of Education implementing regulations at 34 CFR parts 361 and 463 and the relevant guidance.

The Departments of Education and Labor conducted a joint technical assistance webinar on One-Stop Infrastructure Funding on June 7, 2017. This webinar provided a hypothetical example of how partner contributions towards infrastructure costs may be determined under the state funding mechanism.

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page has been developed to provide clarification regarding the period of performance for RSA formula grant awards and the impact on the obligation and carryover of Federal funds.

Data and Performance

Data

The RSA web site provides resources to enable access to national and state specific performance data. You may query agency-specific reports including the RSA-113 (VR program quarterly cumulative caseload report); RSA-911 (Case Service Report); RSA-7-OB (Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who are Blind report); and the RSA-15 (Randolph Sheppard Vending Facility Program report). The RSA web site also provides the capacity to run pre-defined tables for the entire nation, for your state, or for your agency.

RSA uses the data collected through the RSA-911 to describe the performance of the VR and Supported Employment programs. For more information on the RSA-911, please review supporting information for the RSA-911 resources. A curriculum related to the changes and the collection and reporting of data via the RSA-911 is also available that addresses performance measures, key terms in the joint guidance, information on how the terms apply to VR, as well as a discussion about the deliverable timelines for 2016 and 2017 and using the RSA-911 data to monitor the performance of the VR program.

Performance

Section 116 of WIOA establishes performance accountability indicators that apply across the core programs to assess the effectiveness of States and local areas in achieving positive outcomes for individuals served by these programs. Under section 116(b)(2)(A) of WIOA, there are six primary indicators of performance: Employment Rate—2nd Quarter After Exit; Employment Rate—4th Quarter After Exit; Median Earnings—2nd Quarter After Exit; Credential Attainment; Measurable Skill Gains; and Effectiveness in Serving Employers.

More information on the common performance indicators can be found in TAC-17-01 Performance Accountability Guidance for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I, Title II, Title III and Title IV Core Programs. Additional joint guidance in the area of performance accountability can be found at TAC-17-04 Guidance on the Use of Supplemental Wage Information to Implement the Performance Accountability Requirements under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The Departments of Education and Labor conducted a joint webinar on January 11, 2017, in support of TAC-17-01. Additional webinars have been developed on the topic of performance accountability provisions of WIOA, and matching personally identifiable information in education records and personal information in VR records with wage records held by the state agency responsible for administration of the state’s unemployment compensation (UC) program. We will continue to post new webinars related to data and performance as we develop them.

This content was copied from www.ed.gov on 02/09/2018