NISH Comments on the Future of the Public VR Program
Tentative questions for all to consider:
1. What changes will occur over the next 10-15 years in the VR customer base?
Ø Number of people with severe disabilities seeking employment will increase
Ø They will have a sense of entitlement from Special Education
Ø Unless trends change they will be totally unprepared for work
2. What services will customers want and need?
Ø Greater self determination and choice
Ø More technology devices and services
Ø An employment outcome that either provides
o High compensation jobs to get to financial independence or
o Employment that maximizes cash income without jeopardizing public supports
Ø Home-based employment options
3. What do VR agencies need to do to be prepared to meet the customer needs?
Ø Work more cooperatively with other service providers; some, not all, SVRAs do not
Ø Challenge SVRAs to learn the 21st century JWOD Program; not the SW many “know”
Ø Seek to reestablish partnerships with partners, especially NPAs
Ø Seek additional funds with partners to meet shared needs
4. What opportunities are there in the environment to help VR meet the needs?
Ø Working with JWOD NPAs can help; most sophisticated social entrepreneurs in US
Ø Access to wide variety of employment options that can expand if work together
5. What challenges are anticipated in meeting the needs and how can VR address them?
Ø Employers want higher productivity from employees and supports handled by 3rd party; VR should assist all providers to increase productivity of workers with severe disabilities
Ø Easier for many employers to outsource functions than accommodate people with severe disabilities in jobs; outsource to overseas firms or to US businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities and Non-Profit Agency Social Entrepreneurs? VR should support US businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities and Non-Profit Agency Social Entrepreneurs
Final Comment: The JWOD Act is in line for reauthorization in 2007-2008. NISH invites constructive suggestions for improving the capacity of the Act to use its procurement authority to create employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities. Please send your ideas to me at tyoung@nish.org by June 30, 2006.
