U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

RSA-227 for FY-2025: Submission #47

Alaska
09/30/2025
General Information
Designated Agency Identification
Alaska State Department of Education and & Early
333 Willoughby Ave.
Juneau
AK
99801
9074652800
(907) 465-4156
Operating Agency (if different from Designated Agency)
Disability Law Center of Alaska
3330 Arctic Blvd. #103
Anchorage
99503
AK
akpa@dlcak.org
https://www.dlcak.org
907-565-1002
Additional Information
David Monroe
Ben Swimm
907-891-6428
bswimm@dlcak.org
Part I. Non-case Services
A. Information and Referral Services (I&R)
2
0
0
0
3
2
7
B. Training Activities
5
34
Topics of trainings included:
• Services available through CAP program for clients of community groups and public agencies
• Identifying barriers to work with DVR/TVR
• How to contact the P&A system to receive advocacy assistance
• Availability of education/training programs for parents/children navigating post-secondary education services
• Individual rights of individuals seeking services from DVR/TVR programs.

The purpose of these training sessions was to expand the Alaska P&A’s advocacy network and to increase knowledge amongst community groups, public agencies, and individuals with disabilities about Vocational Rehabilitation services, the role that the P&A system can play in helping individuals seek and maintain those services, and the availability of training and education programs. Attendees included agency and community group professionals, as well as individuals with disabilities and their parents.
C. Agency Outreach
In FY25, the Alaska CAP agency conducted several outreach activities geared toward various communities where potentially CAP eligible individuals could be found, including the homeless community and the veteran community. Examples of these efforts included:

Homeless Connect – Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 –
In October of 2024 and September of 2025, Alaska CAP staff performed outreach at the annual Anchorage Homeless Connect project. Staff provided P&A booklets/brochures, including those on DVR and CAP topics, and engaged with people who are disabled and homeless in Anchorage, Alaska. The purpose was to provide information not only through P&A publications and to verbally engage with the people stopping at the booth. Between the two events, staff were able to provide information and engage with over 100 individuals of the homeless population in Anchorage.

Stand Down 2025 Outreach–
DLC Advocates participated in an annual event that provides assistance and information to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The goal of the event is to provide a wide array of services to veterans in need, including food, winter clothing, shoes, haircuts, onsite medical care, and connections to organizations providing additional services. The advocates performed outreach, making participants in the event aware of general P&A services as well as consulting with individuals about what services they may be eligible for and benefit from. The event is an important venue to reach individuals with disabilities who are not otherwise aware of P&A services; according to the State of Alaska Department of Health, 45% of individuals who are homeless self-report a disabling condition, and according to a 2022 US Census Bureau report, 50% of veterans have a service related or other disability. This event serves both of these populations by making information about P&A services available to the portion of these communities who report a wide range of disabilities. Alaska CAP staff spoke with 75 individuals at this outreach event.

Embracing AK Disabilities Expo –

The Alaska CAP agency staffed a booth at the Embracing AK Disabilities Expo, a special event at the Alaska State Fair that features activities and resources for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the general public. The goal of this event was to reach individuals who did not already know about services that the agency can provide, including the Client Assistance Program, and to educate the public through interaction and by sharing P&A literature. Alaska CAP staff spoke with 130 individuals at this outreach event.
D. Information Disseminated To The Public By Your Agency
1
0
0
1329
9
0
NA
E. Information Disseminated About Your Agency By External Media Coverage
Multiple service providers in Alaska use their website to provide information about CAP and the services of the P&A. Many of the providers link to our website for quick access for their clients. These service providers include Statewide Independent Living Council of Alaska (SILC) https://www.alaskasilc.org/cap, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) http://labor.alaska.gov/dvr/, and Access Alaska (an independent living Center) http://accessalaska.org/services/advocacy/.
Part II. Individual Case Services
A. Individuals served
1
6
7
0
4
B. Problem areas
0
2
1
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
C. Intervention Strategies for closed cases
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
D. Reasons for closing individuals' case files
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
NA
E. Results achieved for individuals
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
In these cases, the CAP client either withdrew their complaint (1), or Alaska CAP staff lost contact with the individuals (2).
Part III. Program Data
A. Age
2
0
2
3
0
7
B. Gender
5
2
0
0
7
C. Race/ethnicity of Individuals Served
2
1
2
0
0
2
0
0
D. Primary disabling condition of individuals served
0
0
0
0
0
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
E. Types of Individuals Served
7
0
0
0
0
0
Part IV. Systemic Activities and Litigation
A. Non-Litigation Systemic Activities
0
The Alaska CAP program conducted the following Non-Litigation Systemic Activities during the FY25 reporting period:

• Participation in the Alaska Bar Association Pro Bono Services Committee
An Alaska CAP attorney sits on this committee, advocating for pro bono services for individuals and groups of individuals with disabilities who are unable to otherwise access legal services.

• Providing Feedback on Proposed Division of Vocational Rehab Policies
An Alaska CAP staff member participated in the process of revising and reviewing Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) policies in order to ensure they aligned with current Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The work helped to ensure that Alaska DVR is operating in compliance to effectively offer vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities seeking employment.

• Work Matters Task Force – State Task Force participant
The purpose of this taskforce, created by the governor of Alaska in 2021, was to review and analyze existing policies, practices, and procedures, barriers, and workforce utilization data regarding the employment of people with disabilities in the State of Alaska and prepare a report that included recommendations to the state to facilitate the expansion and improvement of employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities. An Alaska CAP staff member was one of over 20 representatives on the task force, which delivered its report in late 2024, identifying twenty-two recommendations and sixty-eight action steps for the state to take. Though policy changes have not yet been implemented, we plan to monitor this project to understand impacts of the work as they occur in future years.

• State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee Executive Sub-Committee
An Alaska CAP member sits on the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee, contributing to important discussions about policies and practices impacting individuals with disabilities seeking Vocational Rehab services in the state of Alaska.

• The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education - Support Employment Committee
An Alaska CAP staff member sits on the Governor’s Council Disabilities and Education Council and collaborates with other council members to improve services for Alaskans with disabilities. The CAP staff member services on the Support Employment Committee in particular, and advocates for improvement and access of individuals with disabilities to DVR and TVR services.

• Employment Services Collaborative Retreat
An Alaska CAP member participated in an extended gathering of professionals from different agencies that emphasize employment for individuals with disabilities in the state of Alaska, including the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities, and the Alaska Division of Senior and Disability Services. The goal of the gathering was to work collaboratively and strategically to improve and expand opportunities for Alaskans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to seek employment. In particular, the group discussed strategic approaches to how the Medicaid waiver/long-term service system intersects with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation resources for job seekers with disabilities. The ultimate goal is that more people with I/DD are successfully employed, and the Alaska CAP program participated in and impacted ongoing discussions.
B. Litigation
0
0
0
NA
Part V. Agency Information
A. Designated Agency
External-other public agency
State Department of Education and Early Development
Yes
Disability Law Center of Alaska
B. Staff Employed
Executive Director – 0.05 FTE from this grant. This position provides day-to-day supervision of Protection and Advocacy services, including both legal and non-legal advocacy and reports to the P&A Governing Board.

Staff Attorneys — 0.03 FTE from this grant. The Staff Attorneys provide support to the program's Legal Advocates, as well as providing training and legal assistance to clients. The CAP program operates with two staff attorneys, each who work a small portion of their total time in the CAP program equaling a total of 0.03 FTE. These positions are supervised by the Executive Director.

Legal Advocate — 0.50 FTE from this grant. Legal advocates provide general agency intake and advocacy services and are responsible for conducting training and outreach activities. Disability Law Center of Alaska has 3 legal advocates working for the CAP program for a portion of their time equaling 0.5 FTE. These positions report to Staff Attorneys and in some cases directly to the Executive Director.

Paralegal – 0.05 FTE from this grant. This Anchorage-based position provides legal and clerical support to the staff attorneys and advocates, primarily with conducting legal research, case file organization and maintenance, and the copying and organization of training materials for education and outreach activities.

Database & Grant Manager — 0.05 FTE from this grant. Under the general direction of the Executive Director, this position is responsible for managing the client database, ensuring program performance reports are completed and submitted in a timely fashion, assisting with administrative activities, and managing grant compliance.

Receptionist and Office Assistant – 0.05 FTE from this grant. This position provides clerical and program support to the entire staff, including Intake support, acquisition of program supplies and office services, printing and publication of outreach materials, and client accommodations. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Business Manager -- 0.05 FTE from this grant. This position manages revenue and expenses, grant draws, accounting and financial audits, contracts, employee benefits, and financial reporting for the organization and reports to the Executive Director.
Part VI. Case Examples
Case Examples
Example 1: A 32-year-old individual with PTSD, depression, anxiety and a skeletal impairment contacted Alaska CAP because she was concerned about DVR requesting a refund from her school for a training that she was scheduled to take in the fall for 2025 but needed to switch to the spring of 2026. The individual was worried that DVR had made an error in processing the refund, and that DVR would not be covering the training. She was looking for a refund herself.
Upon investigation, however, an Alaska CAP legal advocate found that the refunding process was within normal processes and procedures related to end of Fiscal Year management; the Alaska CAP advocate explained to the individual that DVR cannot carry over money into a new fiscal year without closing the current Authorization for Purchase (AFP) and creating a new AFP in the beginning of the new fiscal year, that the individual’s training would still be covered, and that the individual herself was not entitled to a refund. As a result, the individual dropped her complaint against DVR and has continued to receive services which will continue to improve her ability to be employed.

Example 2: A 56-year-old individual with depression and mental illness contacted Alaska CAP because she was happy with the services she was receiving from the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The individual had stated that she wanted to find a different place to help her find employment.
An Alaska CAP legal advocate met with the individual to learn more details about her complaint, and found that rather than leaving DVR altogether, she may just want a different Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. At the end of this reporting period, the advocate had begun an investigation into the individual’s complaint and was working to find a resolution to the issue.

Example 3: An 18-year-old male with autism, an intellectual disorder, and mental illness was in the process of enrolling in Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services with the assistance of his mother, who is his legal guardian. The mother was concerned that the services offered by DVR will not be fully provided or appropriate for her son while he is still in high school with a transition plan.
A CAP Legal Advocate met with the mother and individual to learn more about their needs, and to educate them about how to navigate DVR process, as well as the rights, role, and responsibilities for both DVR and the individual as services moved forward. Recognizing that the Alaska DVR office in not very strong or experienced with providing services to youth in transition while in high school, the Alaska CAP legal advocate plans to facilitate the application and services process for this individual, ensuring that they gain access to the services they need to find employment.
Certification
Reports are to be submitted to RSA within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report. Please be reminded that you can enter data directly into the RSA website via the internet. Information on transmittal of the form is found on pages 19 and 20 of the reporting instructions.
Name and Title of Authorized Certifying Official
I agree to submit this form by electronic means. By signing this form electronically, I certify under penalty of perjury that my answers are correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal meaning and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature.
Benjamin Swimm
Database and Grant Manager - Disability Law Center
Yes
2026-01-22
OMB Notice

OMB Control Number: 1820-0528, approved for use through 07/31/2023

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 16 hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The obligation to respond to this collection is required to obtain or retain a benefit (Section 13 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended). Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537 or email ICDocketMgr@ed.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1820-0528. Note: Please do not return the completed form to this address.