American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical …aivrttac.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/062716-Deliver… · · 2016-06-28Vocational Rehabilitation Training

American Indian

Vocational Rehabilitation

Training and

Technical Assistance Center

The content of this presentation was developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (CFDA 84.250Z; PR/Award Number H250Z150002). However, this content does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e - 3 and 3474)

Delivery of Services to American Indians and Alaskan Natives with Disabilities

Suzanne Malson, M.S.

VR Training and TA Specialist

Dr. Lee R. Gaseoma, Ed.D

Project Director

Thank you to

John McDermott

Dana Cihelkova

Darold Joseph

Georgie Ann Reblin

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Grand Canyon

Suzanne Malson, M.S.

Vocational Rehabilitation Training & TA Specialist

Over fifteen years of work experience in Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation!

The contents of this powerpoint were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (CFDA 84.250Z; PR/Award Number H250Z150002). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e - 3 and 3474)

Lee R. Gaseoma, Ed.D.,

Hopi Tribal Member

AIVRTTAC Project Director

Ed.D - Educational Leadership

Over twenty years of work experience providing training and TA to the AIVRS programs.

The contents of this powerpoint were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (CFDA 84.250Z; PR/Award Number H250Z150002). However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e - 3 and 3474)

Learning Objectives

AIVRS STAFF WILL BE ABLE…

LO1 …to gain insight into one example of an AIVRS process model

LO2 …to understand the importance of a systematic and sequential documentation of the delivery of consumer services

LO3…to understand the benefit of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the applicants’ impediment to employment fordetermining eligibility

LO4 …to gain understanding of a holistic approach to the provision ofTribal consumer services

LO5…to understand the importance of the joint development of the IPE by the consumer and the VR counselor focusing on consumers’ informed choice

LO6 …to provide VR services as described in the IPE

LO7 …to determine the criteria for Post Employment Services

Intake and Application Process

The application process for a applicant begins with a referral by oneself, a family member, or an organization.

Vocational Rehabilitation Processes

Examples of linking processes...

Orientation Intake Application Eligibility

Case OpenIndividual Plan of

EmploymentCase Close

Tracking & PostEmployment Services


The Intake is the most vital part of an AIVRS program because this is the first formal meeting between a VR Counselor and a potential consumer who may be uneasy about the vocational rehabilitation (VR) process


What happens during an Intake Interview…

a. Building of trust through program hospitality

b. Share program information

c. Gathering applicant data and information

d. Filling out and signing forms

e. Explanation of VR Process

Informing applicants a. Applicant Rightsb. Responsibilities of Applicant and the AIVRS program c. Client Assistance Program (CAP)d. Confidentialitye. Comparable Services and Benefits and a f. Program’s Ethical Responsibility


Intake is a comprehensive process to determine how an individual’s disability is an impediment to employment.

VR counselors need to observe potential consumer closely for signs of weariness or hunger -Schedule another appointment if necessary.

.

The person sitting opposite you may be a diabetic and may require a sugar snack.

Invite your consumer to sit comfortably and avoid barriers, such as a desk.

VR counselor’s need to ease any anxiety a person may feel when experiencing a difficult process.


Is your AIVRS program sensitive to the needs of your people with disabilities?

Contemplate the “holistic” approach to services that makes AIVRS different from the State VR agencies

Physical Mental

Spiritual Emotional

About AIVRS

• Inform your potential consumer about your AIVRS program; handouts are helpful tools, such as a Consumer Hand Book and Brochures

• Talk about program personnel, ethics and confidentiality

• Discuss applicants’ work history and educational background


Carlisle Pupils

Outside evaluation is considered when a VR Counselor is unable to verify or determine a disability or requires additional information to determine eligibility


Determining Eligibility is a comprehensive assessment of the following criteria:

• The eligibility of a potential consumer is the responsibility VR Counselor

• Documents proving applicants eligibility must be linked to case notes

Eligibility

Documents that are required to determine eligibility that must be processed during the application process

• Medical records

• School records

• SSI and/or SSDI documentation

• Presumptive eligibility with either of these documentation, and

• Documentation from outside professional vocational assessment


Eligibility

• An individual is “Presumed to Benefit” under The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended in 1998 setion102.

• Presumptive Eligibility refers to an individual who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income, (SSI)

• Presumptive Eligible for VR services is when an individual is receiving Social Security benefits Title II (SSI) or Title XVI (SSDI).

Five criteria to Determine Eligibility

1. Is the individual applying for service a Tribal member or a member of a federal or state recognized American Indian Tribe or an Alaska Native

2. Person must reside on or near the reservation or in the designated geographic service area

3. Person must have a mental or physical impairment, which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and…

Eligibility

Five criteria to Determine Eligibility4. Vocational rehabilitation services are required to

secure, retain, or regain employment consistent with the applicant’s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice;

5. The applicant can benefit from the provided services to achieve an employment outcome from Tribal vocational rehabilitation services

Eligibility

Before a final decision is determined about the provision of services for Tribal consumers too severe to benefit from Tribal VR services, consider acquiring an outside evaluation and technological resource procedure to better identify an individual's vocational abilities

Eligibility

Evaluation Options from External Sources

• Psychological evaluation

• Assistive technology assessment

• Reasonable Accommodations and evaluations at work sites to assess the more severely disabled

Eligibility

Documents required for eligibility?

• Tribal Certification - Identification Card or CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood)

• Residence Certification

• Tribal VR has 60-days maximum to Determine Eligibility

Eligibility

Ineligibility

Determination of Applicant’s Ineligibility

If an individual who applies for vocational rehabilitation is determined not to be eligible for services, the ineligibility determination involved shall be made only after providing an opportunity for full consultation with the individual or, the individual's representative.

A case is opened when a VR counselor determines an applicant eligible for VR services

The VR counselor signs off on an eligibility statement and/or creates a case note to support decision

All internal documents and external eligibility documents are placed in consumers’ file

Case Open

• The IPE is the written plan outlining a consumers’ goals and the services required to reach those goals

• The IPE is written based on the VR Counselor’s assessment and/or an external assessment and consumer’s input

• The Plan is design to recognize an individuals’ strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice

Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE)

• The implementation of the IPE should begin within 30-calendar days of signatures; if more time is required written justification for extension must be provided every 30-days from that point on

• The IPE is developed in collaboration and partnership with the participant or their representative, as appropriate and the VR Counselor


•Family can participate in process if necessary at the request of the consumer•The IPE must be reviewed annually


IPE Criteria

a. Employment goals

b. Objectives to meet goals

c. Services needed to reach consumer goals, includes the services from other agencies, if available

d. Responsibilities of consumer

e. Traditional Healing services as appropriate

f. Responsibility of AIVRS program

g. Comparable services and benefits


Vital information VR counselors need from consumer if they are to assist in the development of an IPE

• Gather information on education, employment history, and health

• Assess individual’s functional capacities

• Explore vocational options

• Investigate the details of multiple vocations that may be of interest

• Explore education and training opportunities


Expectations from Consumer Informed Choices• A desired outcome of employment in a competitive integrated work setting

• Expectation of achieving the goals in the IPE that leads to employment

• Know the Vocational Services required to achieve the goals of the IPE

• Consumers know their responsibilities• Know responsibilities of the AIVRS• Know the cost associated with the planned services


• Provision of consumer services is based on IPE

• IPE is monitored to determine if there is a need for an amendment to the IPE based on a consumer’s changing situation or progression of a disability

• The IPE can be amended at any time during the consumers relationship with AIVRS; however,

• It is mandatory to meet with a consumer once a year to insure that goals are met and perhaps a revision to the exiting IPE

Provision of VR Services

• Successful 90 day employment in the consumers’ choice of a work environment

• Provide reasonable accommodation for consumers to perform their positions effectively and efficiently

• Determination of appropriate job placement in an integrated setting to the satisfaction of the consumer and employer

Employment and Case Closure

• Meet with consumer and consider if Post Employment Services will be required

• Conduct a exit interview with consumer and have consumer complete a satisfaction survey

• Celebrate a successful consumer’s employment outcome with staff, family, Council members, and employer

Employment Case Close

Tracking a Successful Closure

• Three months after closure• Six months after closure• One year after closure

The AIVRS methods for internal data collection must be able to provide the 3-month, 6-month, and one year tracking for successful employment outcomes for the annual performance report.

Employment and Case Close

Other reasons for closure

• If a consumer indicates they are no longer interested in the services of the AIVRS Program;

• If the AIVRS counselor is unable to locate or contact consumer;

• If a consumer is no longer available to receive services;

• If a consumer cannot achieve suitable employment;

• If a consumer fails to cooperate.

Employment and Case Closure

Consumers are eligible for post-employment services for the next twelve (12) months after a case is closed successfully

The rational for opening a new case would be to examine if the individuals disability has progressed and now presenting a different set of impediments to maintain or retain employment

If so, there may be a need for the consumer to explore a different vocational goal in relation to their functional abilities and career interests

Post-Employment Services (PES)

Responsibility of AIVRS to Social Security Administration (SSA) with regard to closure:

If a consumer is currently receiving SSA benefits and has failed to achieve employment, AIVRS Programs are required to submit a disclosure report regarding information on a consumers’ status to the Social Security Administration.

Post-Employment Services (PES)

Delivery of Services to American Indians with Disabilities

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