Transition services for infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth to two years); In
1.
The State Education Department, Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID);
2.
The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD);
3.
The Office of Mental Health (OMH); and
4.
The Office of Children and Family Services, Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH);
Other agencies, such as the United States Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, also fund programs which benefit people with disabilities.
The Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) and The Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)
The Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), is located within the New York State Education Department. It is charged with meeting the needs of people with disabilities from early childhood through adulthood and into the workplace. VESID oversees special education services for students, ages 3-21, in public and private schools and the vocational rehabilitation services for individuals, beginning at age 16 through adulthood. VESID coordinates policy and services relating to:
Transition services for infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth to two years);
Special education services for students with disabilities (3-21);
Transition services for students with disabilities from school to adult services;
Vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, 16 and older; and
Independent living services for youth and adults with disabilities.
The Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH), is located within the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. It serves individuals with a primary disability of blindness. CBVH is also a Vocational Rehabilitation agency under the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act (see page 17
), providing vocational rehabilitation, independent living and supported employment services. CBVH provides technical assistance in:
Assistive technology;
Locating appropriate services to develop independence skills, including rehabilitation teaching and orientation and mobility; and
Planning post school transitions.
The Commission also administers the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) under the provisions of the Federal Randolph Sheppard Act. This program provides individuals with employment opportunities in vending and food service facilities on Federal, State and other public and private properties.
VESID and CBVH both provide a wide range of rehabilitation services designed to help people with disabilities prepare for work. These include vocational evaluation, vocational training and postsecondary education, transportation, mobility training, supported employment, interpreters, and adaptive equipment.
The employment services most used by VESID consumers include: Assessment; Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Guidance; and Transportation. 85 to 90 percent of consumers of VESID employment services receive some type of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Guidance. Approximately 25 percent of their consumers receive Assessment services..
The employment services most used by CBVH consumers include: Assessment; Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Guidance; and Disability Related Augmentative Skills Training. A list of the rehabilitation and employment services provided by VESID and CBVH is provided below. A C or V in the parenthesis indicates the agency providing the service.
Services and Technical Assistance Provided by VESID and CBVH
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Assessment (C,V)
Services provided and activities performed to determine an individual's eligibility for VR services, to assign an individual to a priority category of a State VR agency that operates under an order of selection, and/or to determine the nature and scope of VR services to be included in the IPE.
Basic Academic Remedial or Literacy Training (C)
Literacy training or training provided to remediate basic academic skills that are needed to function on the job in the competitive labor market.
College or University Training (C,V)
Full-time or part-time academic training above the high school level leading to a degree (associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional), a certificate or other recognized educational credential. Such training may be provided by a four-year college or university, community college, junior college, or technical college.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Impairments (C,V)
Corrective surgery or therapeutic treatment that is likely, within a reasonable period of time, to correct or modify substantially a physical or mental impairment that constitutes a substantial impediment to employment.
Disability Related Augmentative Skills Training (C,V)
Disability related augmentative skills training includes but is not limited to: orientation and mobility; rehabilitation teaching; training in the use of low vision aids; Braille; speech reading; sign language; and cognitive training/retraining.
Information and Referral Services (V)
Information and referral services are provided to individuals who need services from other agencies (through cooperative agreements) not available through the VR program.
Job Placement Assistance (C,V)
Job placement assistance is a referral to a specific job resulting in an interview, whether or not the individual obtained the job.
Job Readiness Training (C,V)
Training to prepare an individual for the world of work (e.g., appropriate work behaviors, getting to work on time, appropriate dress and grooming, increasing productivity).
Job Search Assistance (C,V)
Job search activities support and assist a consumer in searching for an appropriate job. Job search assistance may include help in resume preparation, identifying appropriate job opportunities, developing interview skills, and making contacts with companies on behalf of the consumer.
Maintenance (C,V)
Maintenance means monetary support provided for those expenses such as food, shelter and clothing that are in excess of the normal expenses of the individual, and that are necessitated by the individual's participation in an assessment for determining eligibility and VR needs or while receiving services under an IPE.
Misc. Training (C,V)
Any training not recorded in one of the other categories listed.
Occupational/ Vocational Training (C,V)
Occupational, vocational, or job skill training provided by a community college and/or business, vocational/trade or technical school to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation, not leading to an academic degree or certification.
On-the-Job Supports (C,V)
Support services provided to an individual who has been placed in employment in order to stabilize the placement and enhance job retention. Such services include job coaching, follow-up and follow-along, and job retention services.
On-the-Job Training (C,V)
Training in specific job skills by a prospective employer. Generally the individual is paid during this training and will remain in the same or a similar job upon successful completion.
Other Services (C,V)
All other VR services that cannot be recorded elsewhere. Included here are occupational licenses, tools and equipment, initial stocks and supplies. Medical care for acute conditions arising during rehabilitation and constituting a barrier to the achievement of an employment outcome is also included in this category.
Personal Assistance Services (C,V)
Personal assistance services are a range of services provided by one or more persons designed to assist an individual with a disability to perform daily living activities on or off the job that the individual would typically perform without assistance if the individual did not have a disability.
Three distinct services that are considered personal assistance services are reader services, interpreter services, and personal attendant services.
Rehabilitation Technology (C,V)
Rehabilitation technology means the systematic application of technologies, engineering methodologies, or scientific principles to meet the needs of, and address the barriers confronted by, individuals with disabilities in areas that include education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation, independent living, and recreation.
Technical Assistance Services
Technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analyses, to develop business plans, and to provide resources to individuals in the pursuit of self-employment, telecommuting and small business operation outcomes.
Transportation Services (C,V)
Transportation, including adequate training in the use of public transportation vehicles and systems, means travel and related expenses that are necessary to enable an applicant or eligible individual to participate in a VR service.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Guidance (C,V)
Discrete therapeutic counseling and guidance services that are necessary for an individual to achieve an employment outcome, including personal adjustment counseling, counseling that addresses medical, family, or social issues, vocational counseling, and any other form of counseling and guidance that is necessary for an individual with a disability to achieve an employment outcome. This service is distinct from the general counseling and guidance relationship that exists between the counselor and the individual during the entire rehabilitation process.
The New York State Office of Mental Health, (OMH) funds and provides mental health services including emergency access, treatment, and rehabilitation. Services are provided through state-operated psychiatric centers, voluntary not-for-profit provider agencies and local governments.
OMH funds a variety of vocational support services that assist individuals with mental illness including assessment, technical assistance with job preparation, career planning and exploration, job placement, post placement support, and sheltered employment.
One important function of OMH certified agencies receiving funds is to coordinate vocational services with a consumer’s natural supports, clinicians, case managers, housing services and the Social Security Administration. Post-placement support activities include: counseling regarding benefits; stress management strategies; and assessing job satisfaction.
The following list identifies the range of employment and vocational rehabilitation programs provided by or funded by OMH.
OMH Employment Programs for People with Disabilities
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Affirmative Business/ Industry
The objective is to provide vocational assessment, training, transitional or long-term paid employment, and support services for persons disabled by mental illness in a less restrictive/more integrated employment setting than sheltered workshops. Affirmative programs may include mobile contract services, small retail or wholesale outlets, and manufacturing and service oriented businesses.
Assisted Competitive Employment (Non-Licensed Program)
The objective is to assist individuals in choosing, finding, and maintaining satisfying jobs in the competitive employment market at minimum wage or higher. When appropriate, this program provides these individuals with job related skills training as well as long-term supervision and support services, both at the work site and off-site.
Client Service Dollars (Non ICM/ SCM/ ACT only)
Client Service Dollars may be used for any service(s) that address a recipient’s basic needs and assist the recipient in living, working and/or socializing in a community environment. Authorizations of Client Service Dollars must be noted in and consistent with the recipient’s Individual Service Plan.
Enclave in Industry
The objective is to provide vocational assessment, training, and transitional or long term paid work for individuals with severe disabilities in an integrated employment environment. An enclave consists of a small group of approximately five to eight individuals who work in an industrial or other economic enterprise either as individuals or as a crew. Individuals in enclaves are provided with training, supervision and ongoing support.
Federal
For 100% of the net operating expenses incurred by local governments and voluntary providers in support of Welfare-to-Work programs to serve hard to employ TANF recipients that are supported by Federal New York Works Employment, Retention and Advancement Program (NYW-ERA) funds. ERA requires a match in the amount of $1 in state/local funds for every $6 of Federal funds.
Intensive Case Management (ICM) Non-Emergency Service Dollars
Services consistent with a patient's treatment plan, designed to be flexible and responsible to current individual needs. These services may include emergency services (when not immediate) and also may include furnishings, utilities, tuition, job related costs, job coaching, education, vocational services, leisure time services and others.
Ongoing Integrated Supported Employment Services (Non-Licensed Program)
Provides ongoing job maintenance services including job coaching, employer consultation, and other relevant supports needed to assist an individual in maintaining a job placement. These services are intended to complement VESID time-limited supported employment services.
Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) (Not yet operational)
Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) is a comprehensive recovery oriented program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The goal is to integrate treatment, support and rehabilitation in a manner that facilitates the individual's recovery. Goals for individuals in the program are to: improve functioning, reduce inpatient utilization, reduce emergency services, reduce contact with the criminal justice system, increase employment, attain higher levels of education and secure preferred housing.
There are four "service components" in the program: Community Rehabilitation and Support (CRS); Intensive Rehabilitation (IR); Vocational Support (VS); and Clinical Treatment.
Three types of licenses will be available: Comprehensive PROS With Clinic; Comprehensive PROS Without Clinic; Limited License PROS - provides only Vocational Support (VS) and Intensive Rehabilitative Services (IR).
Psychosocial Club
The objective is to assist individuals disabled by mental illness to develop or reestablish a sense of self-esteem and group affiliation, and to promote their recovery from mental illness and their reintegration into a meaningful role in community life through the provision of two or more of the following: (1) consumer self-help and empowerment interventions; (2) community living: (3) academic; (4) vocational and/or (5) social-leisure time rehabilitation, training and support services.
Sheltered Workshop/ Satellite Sheltered Workshop (Non-Licensed Program)
The objective is to provide vocational assessment, training, and paid work in a protective and non-integrated work environment for individuals disabled by mental illness. Services are provided according to wage and hour requirements specified in the Fair Labor Standards Act administered by the Department of Labor.
Voluntary not-for-profit agencies who receive income through the operation of a sheltered workshop or industrial contract may have that income matched dollar-for-dollar through direct contract.
TANF Worker Recruitment Program – (OMH Only)
Funds the net operating expenses incurred by local governments and voluntary providers in support of employment services for adults with psychiatric disabilities who are receiving benefits under the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) population.
Transitional Employment Placement (TEP) (Non-Licensed Program)
The objective is to strengthen the individual's work record and work skills toward the goal of achieving assisted or unassisted competitive employment at or above the minimum wage paid by the competitive sector employer. TEP's provide time limited employment and on the job training in one or more integrated employment settings as an integral part of the individual's vocational rehabilitation growth.
Vocational Services – Children & Family (Non-Licensed Program)
The Vocational Program for Adolescents provides work training and clinical support services for older adolescents with poor academic performance and social adjustment in regular day treatment programs. The program identifies 5 goals on which to focus:
1.
Help youths identify problem areas and learn ongoing coping skills;
2.
Vocational Assessment and on-the-job training and experience;
3.
Improve Social Skills;
4.
Improve Educational Functions;
5.
Provide Family Education and Support.
Work Opportunities for Persons with Employment Barriers – (OMH Only) –
Federal funds (no state or local match) to support 100% of the net operating expenses incurred by local social service districts (LDSSs) to develop, in conjunction with a local mental health authority(ies), services for adults with psychiatric disabilities who are receiving benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program (CASP) funds.
Work Program
The objective is to provide vocational assessment, training and transitional or long-term paid work in institutional or community job sites for individuals disabled by mental illness. Paid by the vocational services provider.
The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
The New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) coordinates the provision of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. OMRDD certifies and/or funds voluntary provider agencies, local governments, schools and consumer groups to plan for and deliver: aging services; counseling; day treatment programs; extended supported work programs; family support services; financial planning assistance; forensic (criminal justice) service assistance; health care; housing and residential options; respite care; transportation; and individualized waiver services.
The following list identifies the range of employment and vocational rehabilitation programs provided by or funded by OMRDD.
OMRDD Employment Programs for People with Disabilities
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Certified Work Activity/ Sheltered Workshop
A program certified by the U.S. Department of Labor and OMRDD which provides services and experiences to participants with the goal of increasing their economic independence. Work activity programs would tend to emphasize prevocational skills with the objectives of task orientation, coordination skills, with the goal of preparing the individual to function in a sheltered workshop program.
Sheltered workshops are for developmentally disabled persons who have the prevocational skills necessary to perform occupational tasks with an acceptable level of output. The goals of such programs are to train individuals in the occupational tasks to be accomplished, provide necessary and appropriate adjustment training and to provide training and experience that will assist the individual in improving his/her performance.
Voluntary not-for-profit agencies who receive income through the operation of a sheltered workshop or industrial contract may have that income matched dollar-for-dollar through direct contract.
Day Training
A program or planned combination of services provided to developmentally disabled persons whose level of disability is not so severe as to require day treatment services but whose functional behavior deficits limit their ability to function independently.
The goal of day training programs is to provide program interventions that will assist developmentally disabled persons in the acquisitions of knowledge and skills that will enable them to improve their personal, social, and vocational skills and their ability to function independently.
HCBS Prevocational Services
Services that are aimed at preparing an individual for paid or unpaid employment, but which are not job task oriented. Services include teaching such concepts as compliance, attending, task completion, problem solving and safety. Prevocational services are provided to persons not expected to be able to join the general work force or participate satisfactorily in a transitional sheltered workshop within one year.
HCBS Supported Employment
Supported Employment services assist people in finding and keeping employment that the person finds meaningful. It provides appropriate staff and/or supports to help individuals obtain and maintain paid employment. The service takes place in integrated work settings in the community, which provide opportunities for regular interactions with individuals who do not have disabilities and who are not paid to provide services to people with a developmental disability.
Integrated Employment Transportation
A program that funds transportation for consumers who are enrolled in supported work and have encountered barriers to safe and reliable transportation to and from their supported employment work site.
The provider receives 50% of the transportation costs through a rate paid for actual round trips delivered. A consumer contribution is also collected from the riders.
Prevocational (Non-HCBS Waiver)
Relates to training needed to enhance social and vocational skills necessary to prepare individuals to enter vocational training programs and/or work programs with an increased chance for success.
State Operated Intensive Care Facility (SOICF) - Sheltered Workshop/Day Training
Sheltered Workshop/Day training services defined as part of the SOICF/DD Active Treatment Plan that are provided to SOICF/DD consumers via a contract.
Supported Employment (Non-HCBS Waiver)
Supported employment is designed for individuals who, because of the severe nature of their disabilities, require ongoing interventions and supports in order to obtain and maintain employment. It is not for those who would be better served in time limited preparations for competitive employment.
The individuals must be engaged in meaningful work for wages on a full-time or part-time schedule. The employment must be in an integrated work setting providing frequent daily social interactions with people who are not disabled and who are not paid care givers.
Federal guidelines suggest limiting the number of supported employees to eight per site. Supported employment exists only when there is on-going publicly financed support directly related to the maintenance of the supported employment.
Transitional Employment
Short term intervention to lead to employment at or above minimum wage. Aimed at individuals who need assistance in learning marketable skills, good work habits and appropriate on-the-job socializing and who can become competitively employed within a time limited period. This takes place in integrated community work settings and emphasizes support provided at the worksite.
VOICF/DD, Sheltered Workshop (operated by service provider)
VOICF/DD, Sheltered Workshop(not operated by service provider)
Sheltered Workshop services defined as part of the Voluntary Operated Intermediate Care Facilities (VOICF)/DD Active Treatment Plan that are provided to VOICF/DD consumers.
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