Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act

Improving Business Engagement and Consumer Outcomes through Redesign of Maine’s Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) System

Maine VR has tried different approaches to strengthening the capacity of its Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) system with the primary goal of providing consistent statewide access to quality employment services for VR clients. When outcomes fell short of expectations, Maine worked with the JD-VRTAC to analyze its data and explore options that other states have tried with CRPs. In this webinar, Christine Robinson and Libby Stone-Sterling will discuss Maine’s efforts and lessons learned from their JD-VRTAC project.

A Dual-Customer Approach: Increasing business services partnerships and systematically using LMI for high quality employment outcomes

Colorado Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is aligning and enhancing collaborations with our core WIOA partners, including our Workforce Center business services teams and sector initiatives, to leverage opportunities with businesses and create better opportunities for our clients.  Along with this initiative, we are systematically and sustainably training all staff in the use of labor market information and the Career Index Plus.

North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation uses LMI with Consumers

North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NDDVR) participated in the JD-VRTAC intensive TA, with a focus on how to help consumers use LMI on their own. NDDVR developed and delivered VR consumer group trainings about how to use The Career Index Plus (TCI+) for career exploration, and included supplemental instructional guides for consumers to reference during and after the training.

Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Demand and Supply Meetings

The Career Pathways Project Coordinator (CPPC) at Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) hosts Demand Meetings and Supply Meetings in each region throughout the state around career pathway industries. Demand Meetings include VR business relations specialists (BRS), as well as representatives from businesses and community colleges. The BRSs, CPPC, and Community College representatives learn from employers about what credentials are important for potential employees.

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation LMI Staff Survey and Training

As part of their JD-VRTAC intensive TA project, Pennsylvania OVR surveyed and trained all staff who work with consumers or businesses on using and integrating LMI in the VR process. These staff included VR Counselors, Business Services Counselors, Business Services Representatives, Early Reach Coordinators, Supervisors, Managers, and District Administrators. OVR believes that incorporating LMI into VR practice is everyone’s responsibility. 

Using LMI to Improve Client Employment Outcomes: Connecticut BESB's JD-VRTAC Project 

Connecticut Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB), in collaboration with JD-VRTAC, improved client employment outcomes by training vocational rehabilitation counselors to use Labor Market Information (LMI) to enhance clients’ educational and career pathways. During the past year and a half, VR leadership researched and identified LMI tools, provided staff professional development on LMI data, and created a Career Index Plus training system to help clients independently research potential careers and employment opportunities.

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