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RSA-227 for FY-2025: Submission #58

Nebraska
09/30/2025
General Information
Designated Agency Identification
Nebraska Department of Education; Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)
500 South 84th Street
2nd floor
Lincoln
Nebraska
68510
https://vr.nebraska.gov/index.html
4024301689
402-471-0788
Operating Agency (if different from Designated Agency)
Additional Information
Jodi Bodnar
Jodi Bodnar
402-417-3412
Jodi.Bodnar@nebraska.gov
Part I. Non-case Services
A. Information and Referral Services (I&R)
12
0
0
12
587
47
658
B. Training Activities
13
218
Nebraska CAP conducted 13 training sessions between October 2024 and September 2025 for a total of approximately 218 participants. Trainings were provided to Nebraska VR staff, the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI), Tribal VR programs, and other disability-related and community partners. Topics included education about CAP and the statewide CAP Hotline, CAP services and referral processes, release of information procedures, CAP’s role in mediation and dispute resolution, informed choice, self-advocacy, and client rights under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA. CAP also provided a statewide conference training on challenges with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) implementation and system-level advocacy.
The purpose of these trainings was to ensure consistent and accurate dissemination of CAP information across Nebraska’s VR and disability service system, to strengthen partnerships with service providers, and to promote early problem-solving and resolution of client concerns. Trainings also supported staff understanding of CAP’s independent role and how to appropriately refer individuals for assistance.
The presentations consisted primarily of staff from Nebraska VR, NCBVI, Tribal VR programs, disability agencies, and community-based providers. Trainings were delivered both virtually and in person across multiple regions of the state.
C. Agency Outreach
Nebraska CAP continued to engage in ongoing outreach to unserved and underserved individuals through participation in statewide councils, committees, and cross-system workgroups. CAP is an active member of the Nebraska State Rehabilitation Council, the Nebraska Statewide Independent Living Council, the Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council, and Nebraska VR’s Respect & Dignity and Committee, where issues affecting individuals from unserved and underserved communities are routinely addressed.
Through the Brain Injury Advisory Council, CAP participated in ongoing review and dissemination of the Brain Injury State Plan and Needs Assessment, providing opportunities to advocate for individuals with brain injuries and co-occurring disabilities. CAP also continued to participate in NCBVI supervisory meetings, Nebraska VR counselor and leadership groups, and Tribal VR outreach, allowing CAP to regularly elevate concerns and needs affecting historically underserved populations.
During FY25, CAP also initiated targeted outreach to behavioral health and supported employment providers, particularly those serving individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring disabilities, to improve awareness of CAP and strengthen referral pathways for clients involved in VR services.
In addition, CAP participates in the National Disability Rights Network’s CAP Community of Practice, which supports the sharing of outreach strategies and best practices for reaching marginalized communities nationwide.
D. Information Disseminated To The Public By Your Agency
0
4
0
2350
1
0
N/A
E. Information Disseminated About Your Agency By External Media Coverage
N/A
Part II. Individual Case Services
A. Individuals served
2
6
8
8
1
B. Problem areas
2
8
7
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
C. Intervention Strategies for closed cases
2
0
0
7
3
0
0
12
D. Reasons for closing individuals' case files
8
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
N/A
E. Results achieved for individuals
2
0
0
0
5
2
3
0
0
0
N/A
Part III. Program Data
A. Age
0
1
1
6
0
8
B. Gender
6
2
0
0
8
C. Race/ethnicity of Individuals Served
2
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
D. Primary disabling condition of individuals served
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
E. Types of Individuals Served
1
0
7
0
0
0
Part IV. Systemic Activities and Litigation
A. Non-Litigation Systemic Activities
1
During FY25, Nebraska CAP conducted non-litigation systemic activities through participation in statewide councils, committees, and interagency workgroups.
CAP participated in Nebraska VR's Respect & Dignity Committee. During FY25, this work included discussion of committee structure, escalation pathways, and alignment with agency leadership. These discussions informed later decisions to integrate Respect & Dignity Committee work into the VR Leadership Committee framework following FY25.
CAP also participated in the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Client Services Committee, contributing to the revision and administration of the VR customer satisfaction survey. While the survey was implemented during FY25, results yielded limited actionable data, reinforcing the need for broader approaches to capturing client experience beyond successful case closures.
Through participation in the Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council, CAP provided advisory input related to service access, coordination challenges, and system navigation issues affecting individuals with brain injury and co-occurring disabilities. CAP also engaged in outreach and coordination with Tribal VR programs and initiated exploratory outreach with behavioral health and supported employment providers to better understand referral gaps and access barriers.
B. Litigation
0
0
0
n/a
Part V. Agency Information
A. Designated Agency
Internal to the State VR agency
Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska VR
No
B. Staff Employed
Nebraska CAP consists of (1) Program Director position filled at 1.0 FTE and (1) Program Specialist position filled at 0.75 FTE during FY25.
Part VI. Case Examples
Case Examples
Case Example 1- Technology Access / Counselor Transfer
Service Type: Mediation / Alternative Dispute Resolution
Outcome: Services provided; communication re-established
Closure: All issues resolved in the individual’s favor
Summary:
A student who is blind contacted CAP after experiencing ongoing delays in receiving approved assistive technology needed for college coursework, including an iPhone and iPad. The student reported repeated communication challenges with their assigned VR counselor and growing concern about entering college without necessary accommodations in place.
CAP reviewed the case record, discussed service options with the student, and supported the student in requesting a counselor transfer. CAP then communicated with VR office leadership to clarify timelines, service preferences, and authorization status. Following the transfer, VR expedited the technology orders and scheduled training services. The student received the iPhone within weeks, the iPad order was confirmed, and training was arranged prior to the start of the academic term.
The student reported improved communication with the new counselor and greater confidence entering college with appropriate supports in place.
CAP observations:
Timely access to technology and honoring informed choice are critical for successful postsecondary transitions. Early intervention and clear communication helped prevent further delay.

Case Example 2- Counselor Communication / Plan Review
Service Type: Mediation / Alternative Dispute Resolution
Outcome: IPE reviewed; communication re-established
Closure: All issues resolved in the individual’s favor
Summary:
An individual receiving VR services contacted CAP due to ongoing communication difficulties with their assigned counselor and uncertainty about next steps in their employment plan. The individual expressed frustration and concern that progress toward employment had stalled.
CAP discussed self-advocacy options with the individual and, at the individual’s request, contacted VR office leadership to explore resolution options. A counselor transfer was arranged, and CAP participated in follow-up communication to support a joint meeting between the individual and the new team. During the meeting, the IPE was reviewed, service expectations were clarified, and a plan for regular check-ins was established.
Following the intervention, the individual reported improved communication, renewed engagement with VR services, and greater clarity regarding employment goals.
CAP observations:
Counselor-client communication breakdowns can often be resolved through early mediation and structured follow-up without the need for formal appeal.

Case Example 3- Relocation Support / Complex Navigation
Service Type: Mediation and other methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Outcome: Services provided; IPE implemented
Closure: All issues resolved in the individual’s favor
Summary:
An individual receiving VR services contacted CAP regarding relocation supports connected to employment. The individual had been working with an initial VR counselor and employment provider, but relocation assistance was not being considered despite the individual actively pursuing employment. The individual reported confusion about eligibility for relocation support, inconsistent communication, and difficulty ensuring that their accessibility and communication needs were respected throughout the process.
At the individual’s request, CAP remained involved in all communications to support accessibility accommodations and ensure the individual could meaningfully participate in discussions affecting their services. CAP reviewed VR policy related to relocation and employment-related supports, discussed informed choice with the individual, and engaged with VR staff to clarify how relocation requests should be evaluated when tied to employment outcomes.
After a counselor change, communication improved, and VR reconsidered the relocation request. CAP continued to support coordination and information-sharing during the transition to the new counselor to avoid further delay or misunderstanding. Ultimately, relocation support was approved and provided, allowing the individual to move forward with employment plans under a clearer and more collaborative service framework.
CAP observations:
Relocation requests require careful coordination, clear documentation, and consistent communication. CAP involvement helped ensure that policy was applied correctly, accessibility needs were respected, and the individual remained fully informed and engaged throughout the process.
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.
Lindy Foley
Nebraska VR Director
Yes
2026-01-28
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