Alaska

~~Alaska’s “Employment First” legislation calls for “competitive integrated employment” as the preferred outcome for those with disabilities. DOLWD has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Health and Social Services; and is obtaining MOU signature with Education and Early Development to ensure progress towards that goal. The MOU includes commitments for active participation on the Interagency Council on Employment First, under the auspices of the Employment First State Coordinator.  (Page 45) Title I

DVR has a cooperative agreement and participates with the Alaska Integrated Employment Initiative (AIEI), which consists of a consortium of agencies committed to working together to improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the Employment First Initiative. The cooperative agreement outlines the goals and collaboration needed to successfully achieve increased employment outcomes for youth with I/DD. The results of this collaboration were published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 47, no. 3, 2017. (Page 147) Title I
 

~~DVR provides the services necessary to achieve competitive, integrated employment, such as guidance and counseling, assessment, vocational and other training, transportation, diagnosis and treatment, on-the-job training, job-related services, customized employment, and supported employment.  (Page 28) Title I

In addition, DVR has an on—going commitment to quality SE services, as evidenced by the recent formation and active participation in several cross—agency SE related initiatives such as the Alaska Integrated Employment Initiative and piloting the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model with DBH. DVR has sustained the principles of the system change customized employment grant that focused on wrap—around services for the most severely disabled. DVR continues to be involved in an advisory capacity with different organizations that focus on groups that may often require SE services, such as those individuals with traumatic brain injury, those diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and individuals with severe mental illness. (Page 154) Title I
 

~~The Alaska Youth Works project has established a multifaceted approach, building on existing systems and services, by creating a bridge framework to provide for coordination, resource leveraging, and blending and braiding of funds to increase access to career pathway programs and lead to self-sustaining employment. By utilizing resources and leveraging funds, the grant has guided partner agencies in system changes that will sustain their new models after the ending of the grant cycle. (Page 27) Title I

The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) “Alaska Youth Works” grant will continue to build a cohesive system with DVR and other partners to meet the needs of Alaska’s youth with disabilities, ages 14 to 24, by expanding access to employment and career pathways to prepare for in-demand careers. The Alaska Youth Works project will complement DVR services through coordination, resource leveraging, and blending and braiding of funds to increase access to Pre-Employment Transition Services, career pathway programs and ultimately lead to self-sustaining employment. (Page 168) Title I

Priority 1.3: Continue to improve VR services to rural Alaskans.
Strategies:
• Ensure DVR's rural work group and local TVR partners will meet to identify realistic goals for rural services, develop strategies for meeting these goals, and convey this information to VR field staff.
• Continue to leverage relationships with TVR, LEAs, CRPs, other state agencies and Job Center partners.
• Ensure all rural hubs have a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) timely assigned and trained to meet the needs of rural participants. (Page 173) Title IV

SCSEP coordinates with 75 host sites and leverages resources to ensure successful outcomes for SCSEP participants that foster individual economic self-sufficiency and promote useful opportunities in community service activities. The State provides a wide range of programs and services to seniors, spanning multiple divisions and other private and public entities. Funds from OAA are leveraged with WIOA, other federal programs, and resources from Alaska’s State Employment and Training Program.

SCSEP works closely with DVR to ensure those with special needs or disabilities are enrolled in community service training to work. Once a participant is deemed work ready, DVR’s has an approved provisional hire process and SCSEP works directly with recruitment staff to obtain necessary approval to hire in 9 steps. The provisional hire may be used for any State permanent or non-permanent positions. (Page 206-207) Title IV

~~DOLWD received a Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) - Round VI grant entitled “Alaska Youth Works” to serve youth with disabilities in 2015. This project will continue to build a cohesive system with multiple partners to meet the needs of Alaska’s youth with disabilities, aged 14 to 24, by expanding access to employment and career pathways to prepare for in-demand careers. The Alaska Youth Works project has established a multifaceted approach, building on existing systems and services, by creating a bridge framework to provide for coordination, resource leveraging, and blending and braiding of funds to increase access to career pathway programs and lead to self-sustaining employment. By utilizing resources and leveraging funds, the grant has guided partner agencies in system changes that will sustain their new models after the ending of the grant cycle. (Page 27) Title I

DOLWD supports integration of services through a single delivery system for both businesses and individuals. This efficient use of resources includes integrating all WIOA core programs with Unemployment Insurance (UI), veterans’ programs, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, apprenticeship and sector partnership development, and the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). (Page 53) Title I

The referral process among the core programs is implemented on an individualized basis depending on the specific needs of the individual. All DOLWD staff are trained and expected to be knowledgeable in the requirements and eligibility of other core programs to ensure an appropriate program referral. Appropriate referrals are necessary to leverage resources and maximize service delivery to individuals while ensuring non-duplication of services. For example, AJC staff that provide initial intake and career services have been trained through the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) to appropriately identify and refer individuals to disability services such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation, and other supporting entities. This training has provided a high level of thoughtfulness to the reason for each referral, increasing the success for the participant when obtaining needed services. Coordinated data collection mechanisms will be implemented to capture cross-agency referrals. (Pages 54-55) Title I

DETS administers many programs that are covered by the laws, regulations, and policies encompassing POS. These include the WIOA Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker programs, Wagner-Peyser, Trade Act programs, National Emergency Grants, SCSEP, Helmets to Hardhats, and the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). (Page 87) Title I

o As a result of 3 Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) grants, all AJC staff have and will continue to receive Disability Resource Coordinator I (DRC I) training, which includes awareness of programmatic and physical barriers to accessibility and covers familiarity of the “ADA checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal.” The ADA checklist is completed annually at each facility and any needed corrective action is identified and implemented;
o The DRC I training is an integrated and mandated part of new-hire training for all AJC staff;
o Each regional office has a higher-level staff member trained to the Disability Resource Coordinator II (DRC II) level, who is the disability and accessibility subject matter expert for the region. The DRC II functions as the technical assistance advisor for all staff on disability and accessibility related issues;
o The DRC IIs, the statewide lead for the DEI, and the Training Coordinator identify periodic and on-going training in specialized topics to augment standardized training and ensure continual learning and awareness in improving access to all services within the AJC system for individuals with disabilities; (Pages 89-90) Title I

The state intends to use the governor’s set-aside funding to enhance services to one or more of Alaska’s priority populations, including youth and adults with disabilities. DOLWD will use these funds to leverage other programs and initiatives, for example, DOLWD’s DEI Grant for Youth and American Apprenticeship Initiative for Health Care. DOLWD may continue to support projects such as the Department of Health and Social Services’ development of the “Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)” online tool. Including incorporating DB101 training for AJC staff and other counselors in using the tool with clients, as well as other programs targeted at serving those with disabilities and multiple barriers to employment. (Page 98) Title I

Youth project operators are procured from the 6 economic regions of the state via a competitive process. Project operators provide academic, employment, and training services to eligible in-school and out-of-school youth ages 14-24. The project operators offer a comprehensive workforce development program that prepares youth for post-secondary education, employment, career development, and can provide accommodations and support services for youth with disabilities. Project operators are familiar with the division’s Disability Employment Initiative youth program and will co-enroll youth with disabilities with the DEI to coordinate work experience and other training and supportive services. (Page 114) Title I

The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) “Alaska Youth Works” grant will continue to build a cohesive system with DVR and other partners to meet the needs of Alaska’s youth with disabilities, ages 14 to 24, by expanding access to employment and career pathways to prepare for in-demand careers. The Alaska Youth Works project will complement DVR services through coordination, resource leveraging, and blending and braiding of funds to increase access to Pre-Employment Transition Services, career pathway programs and ultimately lead to self-sustaining employment. (Page 168) Title I

~~The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) allows eligible persons with disabilities to secure a “taxed advantaged” savings account of up to $100,000 without affecting public benefit limits. Calculating benefits and ABLE savings is a critical tool for achieving quality long-term outcomes. After the website was completed, AJC and partner staff were trained in using the tool with clients. DOLWD’s Disability Employment Initiative will collaborate with the Department of Health and Social Services’ Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Project (WIPA) on work incentive counseling for Social Security beneficiaries. These projects will build a system with multiple partners to meet the needs of Alaska’s youth and adults with disabilities by expanding access to employment and career pathways to prepare for in-demand careers through comprehensive access to benefits planning by certified Community Work Incentive Counselors (CWICs). (Page 44) Title I

~~Through DVR, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provides the following required activities to students with disabilities (16- to 21-year-olds) who are eligible or potentially eligible for vocational rehabilitation services: (1) job exploration counseling, (2) work-based learning opportunities, (3) counseling on postsecondary educational opportunities (4) workplace readiness training, and (5) instruction in self-advocacy. Implementation of (Pre-ETS) has resulted in increased coordination among local school districts and DVR. (Page 45) Title I

DVR has a Transition Services policy that is currently under revision. Additionally, DVR is also drafting new Pre-Employment Transition Services policy and procedures. ADVR has set a policy completion goal of October 2018. In the interim, DVR has created Business Practice Revisions, which provide specific guidance to staff to carry out the Pre—Employment Transition Services activities specified in WIOA. DVR is coordinating with state and local education officials to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities from education services to provision of VR services, including having completely revamped the referral process from education agencies to DVR for Pre-Employment Transition Services and VR Services to ensure a smoother transition. Referral forms having been provided to local education officials across Alaska and DVR’s website has been updated to provide information on which regional office is responsible for each school district throughout the state. DVR has established. DVR has prioritized that individualized plans for employment are developed within 90 days or, prior to graduation if an applicant is in the final semester of their final year. (Pages 148-149) Title I

DEED’s Special Education Unit, Division of Teacher and Learning Support (TLS) and DVR have updated their interagency agreement designed to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities from receipt of educational services in school to the receipt of vocational rehabilitation services. The agreement includes:
• DVR’s assurance of the development and implementation of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for each student determined to be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services within 90 days of eligibility or at least before the student leaves school;

• Providing or arranging for the provision of pre-employment transition services to all students with disabilities identified as requiring these services;
• Designation of a regional DVR contact in each school district who is responsible for clarifying questions and concerns relating to the implementation of the agreements with the local school districts, including access to DVR’s Transition Coordinator as needed for additional coordination and technical assistance needs to be provided locally or at other events in which a TLS or DVR representative may connect; (Pages 149-150) Title I

Introduction and guidance of students with disabilities to post-school alternatives which include, but are not limited to employment, post-secondary education, vocational training, and adult education, by TLS transition coordinators and ADVR staff. Planning may also include coordination of social or vocational experiences for students with disabilities in real life work settings to improve competitive integrated employment outcomes; and

• DVR’s assurance that the core tenets, principles, and career goals stated in each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP) will be incorporated into the development of their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). EED’s Special Education Unit also provides funding for members of the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee to travel to events related to transition students such as the annual Statewide Special Education Conference. (Page 150) Title I

DVR implemented the simplified Secondary Transition Referral form in 2014 in coordination with DEED. Efforts to encourage referrals through this refined process include DVR/DEED joint training to special education directors at the annual Special Education Director Training and to teachers at the Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference. The form provides teachers with an easy and efficient way to connect a student with the VR counselor serving the school and provides the teacher with an avenue to request a joint conference with the student and counselor. Teachers can access the referral form directly through links on EED’s IEP form, DEED’s transitions resources web page, and DVR’s Transition Tools for Teachers web page. DVR played a pivotal role with the expansion of the ATOP project, by conducting 16 Transition Camps in PY17 including increased coordination with the Division of Juvenile Justice, Office of Children’s Services (OCS), and American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation projects. (Pages 151-152) Title I

DVR Transition Services — DVR reaches out to teachers throughout Alaska in order to provide information on appropriate referral processes to foster students’ transition from secondary school into vocational/academic training and into the world of work. DVR counselors within each regional office are assigned to specific schools to streamline the referral process, ensure counselor participation in Individual Education Plan (IEP) development, and ensure that all schools and students are informed of DVR services. DVR contacts schools on a monthly basis during the school year. Rural and village schools communicate with DVR through their special education staff, as well as DVR staff who are assigned and travel to that rural region. This coordination allows for on-going coordination and education between both LEA staff and local DVR staff. (Page 165) Title I

Under WIOA, VR agencies are required to set aside 15 percent of their federal award to provide required Pre-Employment Transition Services youth currently in school. The 2010-2014 American Community Survey estimated 3,575 Alaskans aged 16-21 who reported experiencing a disability. DVR provides Pre-Employment Transition Services to students with disabilities aged 14-21 who are receiving services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP), eligible for section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or are otherwise potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. In FFY16, ADVR provided Pre-Employment Transition Services to approximately 11 percent of this population. During Program Year 17, the number of students who were provided these services increased to 957 students or approximately 27 percent of the ACS population. This exceeded DVR’s target goal of providing required Pre-Employment Transition Services to 16 percent (585) of new students with a disability annually. This population has been surveyed directly to obtain input into needs and goals for transition information and services and for future CSNA purposes. Barriers that were identified in DVR’s prior CSNA included transportation obstacles, lack of existing programs to meet specific disability needs, unstable living situations, and lack of family support. (Page 169) Title I

DVR supports and participates in the Tapestry Postsecondary Transition Program through the University of Alaska's Center for Human Development. This partnership between DVR, UAA and the Anchorage School District provides students with disabilities Pre-ETS self—advocacy, career exploration, counseling towards postsecondary education, work readiness and a work experience. This program is specifically geared towards a population that could benefit from postsecondary education but needs assistance with overcoming barriers before they can fully participate. The partnership with the school district allows students, not eligible for further transition services through the district, to defer their diploma for a 1-year intensive program on the UAA campus. (Page 180) Title I

~~The Department of Health and Social Services developed a website called “Disability Benefits 101 (DB101),” an online tool for those with disabilities that provides available work incentives and helps individuals determine how their SSI, SSDI, or other public benefits may be impacted by employment. The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) allows eligible persons with disabilities to secure a “taxed advantaged” savings account of up to $100,000 without affecting public benefit limits. Calculating benefits and ABLE savings is a critical tool for achieving quality long-term outcomes. After the website was completed, AJC and partner staff were trained in using the tool with clients. DOLWD’s Disability Employment Initiative will collaborate with the Department of Health and Social Services’ Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Project (WIPA) on work incentive counseling for Social Security beneficiaries. These projects will build a system with multiple partners to meet the needs of Alaska’s youth and adults with disabilities by expanding access to employment and career pathways to prepare for in-demand careers through comprehensive access to benefits planning by certified Community Work Incentive Counselors (CWICs). (Page 44) Title I

DVR works closely with local school districts, hospitals, and CRPs to implement the national Project SEARCH model in the Matanuska—Susitna, Kenai, Anchorage, and Fairbanks school districts. A collaborative internship model was developed in FFY2012 to provide youth with developmental or intellectual disabilities opportunities to learn real job skills in 1—year, school—to—work internship positions set up throughout the 3 hospitals involved. Sites were at Mat—Su Regional Medical Center, Central Peninsula Hospital, Providence Medical Center, and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and OJT and support through internships or worksite rotations. The goal for each participant is obtaining integrated employment using the skills learned through the internships. The State of Alaska has adopted this model for student interns with developmental disabilities. For SY17, 24 youth participated in Project SEARCH, and 22 successfully completed their internships at the hospitals with 14 of those individuals now working in paid, competitive employment. Project SEARCH is no longer being funded by the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education. The Project SEARCH model is being used to provide Pre—Employment Transition Services to Students with Disabilities under the Client Services Component. (Page 180) Title IV

~~DOLWD’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will continue to provide training for AJC and partner staff working with clients who have disabilities. Alaska has implemented the Ticket to Work program and is reaching out to those on Social Security Insurance (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to encourage them to go to an AJC for those services. DOLWD has a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Divisions of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Employment and Training Services to provide seamless Partnership Plus services for beneficiaries of Social Security benefits. Both divisions will work to expand this program to other agencies and programs, such as the Division of Behavioral Health; the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services; the Division of Public Assistance Work Services; and Centers for Independent Living.
The Department of Health and Social Services developed a website called “Disability Benefits 101 (DB101),” an online tool for those with disabilities that provides available work incentives and helps individuals determine how their SSI, SSDI, or other public benefits may be impacted by employment. (Page 44) Title I

To ensure these activities are carried out to the maximum extent possible, DVR will:
- Ensure DETS staff are regularly trained or made aware of DVR and its services. This is especially true of DETS locations that are served by DVR on an itinerant basis.
- DVR leadership team and managers continue to identify functional DETS issues that require on-going work at all levels of the division including integration and the local management teams.
- Work with DETS staff to develop a means to provide information about DVR to individuals who self-identify as having a disability and who receive job training services through DETS programs.
- Develop a referral process to the DETS employment networks.
- Train DVR staff to use DETS services. (Pages 168-169) Title IV

Priority 3.5: Evaluate Social Security Reimbursement Process
Strategies:
• Implement a new Ticket To Work (TTW) tracking system.
• Monitor ticket reimbursement amounts. Performance Indicators:
• Software implemented and staff trained.
• Continued collection of Social Security Reimbursements.
• Improved capability to capture all available reimbursements. (Page 176) Title IV

Priority 3. Evaluate Social Security Reimbursement Process.
• Strategies contributing to success:
o Purchased new software that automates the process for submitting claims to SSA for the Ticket to Work program. (Page 188) Title IV

Another long-term strategy to improve SCSEP services is to include discussion with participants on financial and work incentives, to provide information on Social Security 1619b Medicaid While Working, and to explore specialized work incentives through programs including Ticket to Work, Impairment-Related Work Expenses, Blind Work Expenses, and Plan to Achieve Self-Support, and to provide referrals to those in need of these services. (Page 210) Title IV

~~Employer service representatives, particularly Business Connection staff, pay attention to local labor market trends to match employers with skilled job seekers. Staff work with employers to coordinate recruitments, plan job fairs, post job orders, provide applicant pre-screening and referrals, develop jobs, provide space for job recruitments, and offer employment and training service plans. Using a mass e-mail distribution list of employers and other interested parties, staff send daily messages on new job postings, recruitments at the AJCs, and upcoming job fairs. DOLWD has identified that the health care, oil and gas, and mining industries are the highest-demand industries and continually engages industry leaders in these fields. Under WIOA, Business Connection staff will be provided more in-depth training to work with the various industry sector partnerships to meet training and labor needs for those industries. (Page 56) Title I

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) partners with employers to promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities. DVR has implemented the dual customer model to deliver services to employers. DVR has created a Business Employment Services Team (DVR-BEST), which is tasked with providing employers with the four required services as outlined in Section 109 of the Rehabilitation Act within WIOA, to secure competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities, which is part of DOLWD’s strategy to focus on serving those with disabilities. (Page 58) Title I

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) utilizes a management information system called AWARE. AWARE was developed based on Vocation Rehabilitation (VR) business practices and federal requirements. AWARE offers a comprehensive set of cases, financial, and organizational modules. The features and procedures in AWARE are consistent and standardized throughout all modules, and are designed around the natural flow of the VR case process, making it intuitive for VR Counselors. (Page 65) Title I

AWIB members come from a variety of industries and represent all geographic and economic regions of the state. They bring the voice of employers, educational institutions, Alaska Native regional corporations, and other workforce partners in their respective regions. The AWIB focuses on employer engagement, connecting education and training strategies through building career pathways; supporting work-based learning; and improving career results for all job seekers and employers alike, based on the demographics and needs of each economic region. The AWIB will continue to successfully carry out the functions of both a state board and a local board, as it has for over a decade. (Page 95) Title I

Most AWIB members are representatives of business and the private sector. Board members come from a variety of industries throughout the state and are committed to bringing the voice of employers to the table and reaching out to others to engage them in the workforce system. In addition, in response to feedback from ETA, two chief local elected officials have been appointed to the board. The AWIB will continue to focus not only on employer engagement but on connecting education and training strategies through building career pathways, supporting work-based learning, and improving career results for all job seekers and employers alike. (Pages 119-120) Title I

DVR partners with employers to promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities. DVR implemented the dual customer model to deliver services to employers. DVR has a Business Employment Services Team (BEST) that is tasked with providing employers four core services as outlined in WIOA.

1. Training and Technical Assistance in:

• Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its application to a workplace situation; referral to the ADA partners’ project;
• Disability awareness training provided to HR, managers, staff, boards, and other interested groups;
• Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs regulations;
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations;
• Balancing the application of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

2. Creating Opportunities for Placement by:

• Developing opportunities for both adults and youth to provide a full range of unpaid work experiences, informational interviews, job shadows, and On—the—Job Training (OJT);
• Offering recruitment supports, assisting in workforce development including placement, OJT, Schedule A, and Provisional Hire;
• OJT, Job Coaching, and external training (not at worksite).3. Network Development through:
• Connecting with community partners and employers, locally and nationally. The BEST has connected over 50 employers with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs staffers, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities & Special Education, the AJC’s Business Connection, and the VA VR&E’s employment support team. (Pages 154-155) Title IV

DVR’s most underserved population continues to be rural Alaskans. This has been an ongoing challenge for the Rural Development Team, as there are so few jobs within remote and rural communities. Available employment opportunities and employers are much more available in urban areas. The Rural Team strategizes ways to obtain more CRPs in rural areas, which are traditionally underserved. The Business Employment Services Team has been created specifically to provide outreach and training services to employers, with the goal of encouraging more employers to provide employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. (Page 181) Title IV

Performance measure 6: Effectiveness in Serving Employers.

• DVR is working with the Business Development Team to develop and track contacts and services/training provided to employers. (Page 192) Title IV

~~The State of Alaska has a State Rehabilitation Council consistent with Section 105 of the Act and 34 CFR 361.17. The State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee (SVRC) serves as the State Rehabilitation Council. At every SVRC quarterly meeting, the focus is on a particular region of the state, such as Anchorage, Northern, rural, etc. Agenda items include reports from the Director, Chief and the specific area manager; general DVR operations, major initiatives and regional and statewide challenges. In addition, there are reports from various partners such as the Alaska Workforce Investment Board, Tribal VR programs, Parent Training representative, Client Assistance Program, the State Independent Living Council and the Governor’s Council of Disabilities and Special Education. During this past year, the quarterly meetings included guest presentations addressing such topics as DVR’s Pre-ETS programs, transition from corrections/incarceration, repealing subminimum wage regulations, new WIOA requirements, the ABLE Act in Alaska, Peer Mentoring, and DVR’s collaboration with University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation programs, Alaska Job Centers, Independent Living Center Access Alaska’s efforts to better serve Barrow and the North Slope. (Page 145) Title IV

DVR has, or is in the process of developing, cooperative agreements with all levels of educational institutions within the state, including local school districts, the Department of Education & Early Development (DEED), and the University of Alaska statewide system. DVRs agreement with DEED has not yet been finalized, however there is a target date of August 2018 as an effective date. The agreement, which will form the basis for LEA agreements outlines the overarching purpose of the transition from high school or the education of those students and youth with disabilities. Additionally, respective definitions are described in order to ensure programmatic understanding. These agreements will, or do contain specific information regarding consultation and technical assistance, transition planning for students, roles and responsibilities for each agency, coordination for employment in subminimum wage (which is now a moot point), assurances, and financial responsibilities of each agency. (Page 149) Title IV

~~DVR continues to work with individuals assigned to the Anchorage Mental Health Court. Mental Health Courts are designed to divert people with mental disabilities, charged with misdemeanor offenses, from incarceration and into community treatment and services including mental health counseling and vocational rehabilitation as appropriate. The hope is to prevent further contacts with the criminal justice system. (Pages 146-147) Title I

The current MOU between DVR and the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) is in the process of being updated to clarify roles and responsibilities relative to common consumers and assure services are provided in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and WIOA. A preliminary draft of a MOU document is almost complete. DVR provided DHB with the draft MOU on January 31, 2018. Both agencies have identified the Individual Placement and Support model to pilot in at least two regions. DBH is requesting proposals from providers who will provide IPS in Kenai and Anchorage. This model is designed for individuals with significant mental health disabilities to better prepare them for long-term employment. Additionally, DHS is now moving towards providing long-term supports for this population, making pursing supported employment a better option for this population. Each agency has assigned staff to resolve any issues or questions and it is anticipated that the MOU will be executed no later than late 2018. (Page 157) Title IV

• Work with the Center for Human Development, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, and other partners to increase provider capacity for employment services and supports. (Page 179) Title IV

Strategies contributing to success:

• Continued efforts coordinated with the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education.

• Continued to work with the Center for Human Development and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to increase provider capacity for employment services and supports.

• Continued to increase use of the Provisional Hire process. (Pages 190-191) Title IV

Goals and Priorities for the FFY2017—FFY2020 supported employment (SE) program:

1. DVR will provide SE services to 200 eligible individuals.

2. DVR will set aside 50 percent of the SE award to provide services to youth with the most significant disabilities.

3. DVR will assist 50 SE eligible individuals to obtain competitive employment.

4. DVR will be able to provide all the identified required VR services to all SE eligible individuals.

5. Explore opportunities for CRPs and other entities to become employment networks to provide long—term supports.

6. Work with the community mental health system to increase and establish work—related programs within that system.

7. Emphasize community—based, integrated employment settings with the Governor’s Council on Disability and Special Education, the Alaska Mental Health Board, community behavioral health programs, and the Alaska Mental Health Trust to increase vocational programs within the mental health service delivery system. (Pages 192-193) Title IV

4. DVR has continued to work with the community mental health system to increase and/or to reinstate work related programs within that system of providers. (Page 193) Title IV