Governor's State Rehabilitation Council annual report

              Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council Mission .................. 1
A Message from the SRC Chair 2002-2003 .......................................... 2
A Message from the ARSA Administrator ............................................ 3
The Council’s Responsibilities ................................................................ 4
Summary of Input and
Recommendations to the VR State Plan............................................. 5
Consumer Feedback ............................................................................. 7
The Council at Work ............................................................................... 8
Strategic Plan for SFY2002 ..................................................................... 10
Council Members ................................................................................... 12
The VR Program and Updates .............................................................. 13
Charting VR Progress .............................................................................. 15
The Vocational Rehabilitation Program .............................................. 17
Other ARSA-Related Programs ............................................................. 20
ARSA Statewide Directory ..................................................................... 21
Contents
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Dear Friends and Colleagues:
Being elected the Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation
Council (SRC) Chair for a second term is a great honor. Thank
you to the members of the SRC for entrusting me with this
responsibility. I look forward to continuing our work, in
partnership with the Governor’s Office, Arizona Rehabilitation
Services Administration (ARSA), Arizonans with disabilities,
and the Arizona business community, to assist Arizonans with
disabilities to obtain effective, individualized vocational rehabilitation
services that result in employment that is meaningful to each individual
served by ARSA.
The Council has identified seven Strategic Goals and Objectives for
State Fiscal Year 2003. The key to reaching these Strategic Goals and
Objectives will be to work together, collaboratively with our partners.
I am a very lucky person that happens to use a wheelchair. I have a
career and professional life that brings me joy and allows me the
opportunity to help my two daughters reach their dreams. One daughter
is a University of Arizona senior, and the other is a University of Arizona
freshman. Not surprisingly, they are both training for careers that involve
helping others. I’ve been a taxpayer for over 30 years. I wouldn’t have
the life I have without services that were previously provided by the
Rehabilitation Services Administration. It is my personal goal that every
Arizonan with a disability be provided the same opportunities.
Sincerely,
Dona L. Rivera, MS, CRC, CCM
Chair, Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council
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Through our partnership, the Arizona Rehabilitation Services
Administration (ARSA) and the Governor’s State Rehabilitation
Council (SRC) have made significant contributions to people with
disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program by
providing creative approaches to participate in the workforce.
Many factors have positively influenced these efforts, such as the
substantial growth in technology; the Ticket to Work and the Work
Incentive Improvement Act, a Social Security initiative that will
enable Social Security recipients to present an employment voucher to the
employment network of their choice, implementation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act; and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Throughout
all these changes, the State Rehabilitation Council has been an important ally to
ARSA advising state government on the significance of Arizona’s Vocational
Rehabilitation Programs. They have assisted in the preparation of the VR State
Plan; studied consumer satisfaction in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program;
and reported progress to the Governor and the United State’s Department of
Education.
This has been a challenging year for the Arizona Rehabilitation Services
Administration with high staff turnover; overextended resources which resulted in
the need to prioritize services and the creation of a waiting list for VR services;
the struggle to match federal vocational rehabilitation dollars as well as Arizona’s
revenue shortfall and economic climate. All of these conditions have affected
services to people with disabilities. One of ARSA’s most important issues has
been and remains the desire to continually increase the active participation of
VR consumers. This effort is centered on the goal of creating choice offices.
This initiative will significantly affect the traditional office scheme and the delivery
of services emphasizing the importance of the client/counselor relationship and
the efficiency of service delivery. It is our intention, despite the economic
problems, to implement ARSA choice offices over the next several years on an
incremental basis.
As we all move to resolve Arizona’s budget issues it will be even more critical for
the disabled community to join with us to advocate for services for persons with
disabilities; streamline our service delivery patterns; and maximize our resources
to provide quality services to persons with disabilities throughout Arizona. I truly
hope that you will join me in these most difficult times to strengthen our
partnerships; continue to work together, and be creative in our approach for the
benefit of persons with disabilities in the State of Arizona.
EVIEW, ANALYZE, and ADVISE the Arizona Rehabilitation Services
Administration (ARSA) regarding the performance of its responsibilities,
particularly those related to eligibility (including order of selection); the extent,
and scope and effectiveness of services provided; and the functions performed
by State agencies that affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving
employment outcomes under Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.
PARTNER with ARSA to Develop, Agree to, and Review
State goals and priorities in accordance with the VR State Plan. The Council and
ARSA evaluate the effectiveness of the VR program and submits reports of
progress to the RSA Commissioner.
ADVISE the ARSA on activities authorized to be carried out under the VR
State Plan. Assist in the preparation of the State Plan, and amendments to the
plan, applications, reports, needs assessments, and evaluations.
CONDUCT a REVIEW and ANALYSIS of the effectiveness of vocational
rehabilitation services and consumer satisfaction regarding functions performed,
VR services provided, and employment outcomes achieved.
PREPARE and SUBMIT an ANNUAL REPORT to the Governor and the
Federal U.S. Department of Education Commissioner of RSA on the status of
vocational rehabilitation programs operated within the State.
COORDINATE ACTIVITIES with other disability related councils within
the State.
ESTABLISH WORKING RELATIONSHIPS between ARSA, the
Statewide Independent Living Council, and Arizona Centers for
Independent Living.
PERFORM OTHER FUNCTIONS consistent with VR
services deemed appropriate by the Council.
4
The Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) conducts monthly meetings with
the Arizona Rehabilitation Service Administration (ARSA) to communicate advice on issues,
policies and administration of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program.
Issues are determined by the SRC through public input from consumers, family members,
community rehabilitation providers, advocates and others. Issues for which the SRC requests
a written response from the ARSA, and the Administration’s response to those issues, follow:
Coordination and Collaboration Issues
Encourage the ARSA to improve school to work transition services by clarifying and
enforcing current established policies.
ARSA Response: The ARSA continues to have regular meetings with its staff, both
regionally and statewide, regarding staff/teachers to coordinate referrals to VR based on the
Interagency Agreement with the Arizona Department of Education.
Statewide training about the Agreement was completed. As an example of continued
communications with the schools, the ARSA management staff held special meetings with
local school staff to discuss the recent closure of a category in the ARSA’s Order of
Selection.
Consumer Services
Encourage the VR Program to address client issues broadly and refer clients who do not
meet the Order of Selection (OSS) criteria to viable community services and/or providers.
Encourage the ARSA to keep assistive technology services a priority. VR counselors need
to assess and address assistive technology issues early in the VR process, and they need
to keep abreast of assistive technology services in order to better serve VR clients.
ARSA Response: The ARSA has kept exceptional consumer services as a priority in its
planning. A lack of resources resulted in the closure of one category of Arizona VR’s Order
of Selection. This closure has been accompanied by training and resource information for
counselors and consumers regarding varied community resources and providers. The ARSA
has published for each region of the state a resource directory listing the One-Stop Centers
and other resources that will benefit those consumers who are waiting for VR services.
Assistive technology remains a priority with the ARSA. The administration has expanded its
personnel and providers to serve individuals with technology needs. Staff training, informal
and formal, continues yearly at specialized workshops as well as at statewide meetings. VR
counselors have tools to assist in identifying technology needs early in the VR process.
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Service Providers
Encourage ARSA to keep service provider issues a priority. There has been no pay rate
increase for providers in over five years. A cost-based rate system is imperative. The cost of
living and inflation have taken money from service providers being able to provide services.
This affects not only individuals within the system but also those who get overlooked.
ARSA Response: The ARSA has raised rates where it is possible within its budget. There
was a bill, supported by the SRC, before the Legislature last year that would increase the
rates to Community Rehabilitation Providers, and thus add to the ARSA budget for such
services. This bill did not pass. The current state budget deficits have created a climate in
which it would be difficult to give provider rate increases without additional funding.
Encourage the ARSA to continue seeking career incentives to maintain their VR counselors.
ARSA Response: ARSA has continued to seek upgrades to the position and pay for VR
counselors and supervisors. In September of 2000 the VR counselors received a 12% pay
adjustment. An ARSA Unit Supervisor reclassification package is now being reviewed by the
Arizona Department of Administration, Human Resources Department. It is hoped that this
will result in an upgrade of the Supervisory positions. The ARSA is also pursuing an
incentive package that would increase pay for the attainment of the CRC and meeting the
“qualified counselor” standards.
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Encourage the ARSA to seek more work adjustment training and supported employment
opportunities in the rural areas.
ARSA Response: Over the past four years, the ARSA has issued contracts to new
providers and those providers expanding their range of services in rural areas. Many of
those contracts ended in 2001 and are expected to be extended for another fiscal year. The
issuance of a call for contracts for employment-related services such as work adjustment
and supported employment training will likely be taking place in 2003.
The ARSA continues to work with Community Rehabilitation Providers to increase services
to the rural areas. The ARSA management staff attend regular quarterly meetings of the
CRP Advisory Committee.
The SRC appreciates the involvement of
stakeholders who will take the time to share
their stories, concerns and successes. There
are many ways for you to give us input:
Attend a Public Forum. Forums are usually
scheduled across the state twice a year. Notices
upcoming forums are placed in local
newspapers and are advertised on the radio.
We also post notices on the ARSA website.
Attend a Meeting. Council meetings are held
quarterly. Agendas with the place, time, and
scheduled issues are posted at the State Capitol
building, in the West Wing of the Executive
Tower. The SRC Project Teams meet quarterly
and the agendas for these meetings are also
posted in the Capitol building.
sing a survey and methods developed in collaboration with the SRC Program, Planning,
and Evaluation Project Team, the ARSA conducted the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2002
survey of VR clients. VR clients who had just started their rehabilitation plans, those who closed
as successfully employed, and those who closed as unsuccessful after receiving services under
the employment plan were
mailed an individually
addressed survey. There
were two follow-ups for
consumers who did not
respond to initial attempts.
The survey was
conducted from November
2001 through May 2002.
Forty-six percent of
consumers returned
completed surveys,
compared with eighteen
percent the previous year.
The increase was most
likely due to the personalized addressing and the follow-up. Seventy-seven percent of all
respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the services they received.
Write Us.
Chairperson, Site Code 930A
Arizona State Rehabilitation Council
1789 W. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: www.de.state.az.us/RSA/SRAC.asp
Call Us. 1-800-563-1221 or 602-542-6291
TTY 602-542-6049, Fax 602-542-3778
Join Us! Apply to join the SRC. The Council is com-prised
of a maximum of 27 members appointed by the
Governor. The members represent a broad range of
individuals with disabilities
and organizations interested
in individuals with disabilities.
Please contact us to request
an application.
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CONSUMER SATISFACTION SURVEY
How satisfied are you with the service areas listed below? Please circle the appropriate response. When you are finished, please
drop this card in the nearest mailbox. Your answers are confidential and will only be used to improve services to clients.
Very
Satisfied
Satisfied
In
Between
Dis-satisfied
Very Dis-satisfied
Overall services provided by VR staff directly, especially
your VR Counselor
1 2 3 4 5
Your involvement in decisions and choices in your VR plan 1 2 3 4 5
The appropriateness of VR services you received 1 2 3 4 5
The timeliness of VR services you received 1 2 3 4 5
The quality of VR services you received 1 2 3 4 5
The extent (amount) of VR services you received 1 2 3 4 5
The job you obtained as a result of VR services 1 2 3 4 5
What did you like best about the services you received? __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
What did you like least about the services you received? __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSA-1074OTHNA (9-01)
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Membership and Nominating Committee
The Membership and Nominating Committee was very active this year recruiting
nominations for SRC, including giving presentations to community and business groups.
Currently, there are 21 members of the SRC representing various constituencies:
individuals with disabilities, specific disability groups, representatives from business and
labor, rehabilitation program providers, disability advocates, the Statewide Independent
Living Council, the State Workforce Investment Board and American Indian
Rehabilitation Programs. The Council accepts nominations at any time during the year.
The Council submits candidates to the Governor, who makes the appointment of
members to the SRC.
Marketing and Outreach Project Team
The primary functions of the Marketing and Outreach
Team (M & O) are to provide outreach and education to
consumers, employers and the public about the services
provided by the ARSA, and to collaborate with other
disability related councils with regard to the focus of
resources and energies that address issues affecting the
disability community. This team strives to improve
employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities
through varied statewide activities.
Employer outreach and education has been enhanced
with the establishment of the Employers Disability
Resource Network (EDRN). This unique partnership will
allow employers to easily access information and
resources with regard to hiring individuals with disabilities. An informational brochure
has been developed by the EDRN and will be given to employers.
The M & O team worked to develop public interest stories around the employment of
individuals with disabilities as well as spreading the word to human resource
professionals and business associations. Additionally, schools, hospitals and medical
rehabilitation facilities were targeted as groups for information distribution.
The team worked to bring together eleven disability related councils by creating the
Arizona Disability Alliance. The Alliance is in the development phase with the first
meeting scheduled to take place in the Fall, 2002.
Public Policy Project Team
The mission of the Public Policy Team (PP) is to significantly increase the Council’s
involvement in public policy development related to the needs of the disabled in
Arizona. The major goals and accomplishments of this project team are to aggressively
advocate for priority Legislative Issues, to ensure that the DES Director’s Office and the
Marketing and Outreach Project
Team (back row, from left) Bill Hafner,
Jerry Traylor, Sally Werner; (front row)
Frank Szalay, Tony DiRienzi, and
Judy Schneider.
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Governor’s Office are aware of SRC’s role and
priorities, and to educate the Legislature regarding
employment issues.
The most important accomplishment this year was
the PP team’s advocacy for and ultimate success of the
continued funding of the Arizona Health Care Cost
Containment System (AHCCCS) Buy-In legislation during
a budgetary crisis. Additionally, research was completed
on third party funding. As a result, the team will continue
to advocate for full funding for the VR program. The
monitoring of the work incentive program will continue to
be a priority for the team. Arizona has taken the lead in the Ticket to Work program, and
the first milestone check issued by the federal government was to an employment
network in Arizona.
Program Planning and Evaluation Team
The mission of the team is twofold: to continue
to increase SRC’s role as a proactive partner
with and resource to the RSA, and to evaluate
and monitor the effectiveness of the Vocational
Rehabilitation Program, evaluate consumer
satisfaction, and coordinate needs assessment
activities.
The team’s primary goals are: to determine
RSA needs and expectations; to continue
effective communication with RSA; working together with RSA, to lead the Council in
determining policies; assist RSA in developing the VR State Plan, to coordinate and
lead a needs assessment; to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the VR program;
to evaluate and advise RSA regarding the results of the consumer satisfaction survey;
and to coordinate public input activities, and prioritize issues.
The Program Planning and Evaluation Team coordinated public videoconference
forums with multiple sites across Arizona, to obtain public input regarding Vocational
Rehabilitation services. The team provided input and recommendations for the VR State
Plan through summarization and prioritization of the public forum information.
This year, this team took the lead in pursuing an Arizona Statewide Needs Assessment.
A workgroup comprised of SRC members, DSU representatives and others was created
to formulate ideas and review proposals. Ultimately, the workgroup will make a recom-mendation
on a contract to conduct the Needs Assessment during SFY 2003.
Public Policy Project Team (from left)
Charlie Thomas, John Gutierrez, Dr.
David Wayne Smith, and Barry Rader.
Program Planning and Evaluation Project
Team (from left) John Hunter, Laura Linam, John
Gutierrez, Diane McElmury, and Paula Seanez.
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), in partnership with the
ARSA, will monitor and evaluate the quality of VR services by:
• Obtaining public input about the VR program through Public Forums
statewide.
• Developing and implementing the Arizona Statewide Needs Assessment.
• Evaluating the implementation of Pilot Offices by the ARSA, and the impact
of those offices on consumers.
• Monitoring Federal Performance Standard and Indicators.
• Reviewing, evaluating and making recommendations regarding the VR
Consumer Satisfaction Survey.
• Evaluating implementation of informed choice throughout the VR process.
Secure additional State funding dollars by SFY2003 to draw down
all available Federal VR funds to maximize services to individuals
with disabilities by:
• Educating public officials
• Forming a community coalition to accomplish the education process.
• Researching comparisons of VR funding and state match nationally.
Identifying incentives and increasing opportunities for integrated
employment by:
• Evaluating and analyzing clients who have successfully transitioned
from sheltered employment to integrated employment settings, as well as
students transitioning from high school directly to integrated employment.
• Educating the Council, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)
and other stakeholders and agencies, both governmental and public.
• Providing oversight regarding new regulatory changes implacting the ESS
program.
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Increase employer awareness of the VR program and services by:
• Distributing and using the current employer video and brochure.
• Developing and marketing public interest stories around employment of
individuals with disabilities.
• Increasing awareness of VR through presentations.
• Partnering with the ARSA in developing “Employer Services.”
Improve knowledge and availability of VR services to individuals
with disabilities by:
• Working with the ARSA to reach out to students in the 504 Program.
• Marketing VR services specifically to hospitals and medical rehabilitation
facilities.
Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Ticket to Work/
Work Incentives Improvement Act and provide input to the
appropriate agencies by:
• Reviewing the final Federal Ticket to Work regulations.
• Encouraging a collaboration of the ARSA and the Arizona Health Care Cost
Containment System (AHCCCS) on implementation of the AHCCCS Buy-in
Bill, and that the ARSA pursue an HCFA infrastructure grant.
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Improve collaboration efforts between disability related
councils by:
• Initiating a “Council of Councils” meeting once a year.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the “Access to Success” conference.
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Skip Bingham, ARSA Administrator
Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
Director, VR State Agency, ex-officio
Term: 1998-2002 City: Phoenix
Sherri Collins, Executive Director
Arizona Commission for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 2000-2003 City: Phoenix
Sharon Cox
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 2001-2004 City: Yuma
Anthony DiRienzi, Early Intervention Coordinator
Arizona Bridge to Independent Living
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 2000-2003 City: Phoenix
John Gutierrez, Staff Advocate
Arizona Center for Disability Law
Client Assist. Program Representative
Term: 1997-2002 City: Phoenix
Patrick Hanley, Vice President of
Business Services
Coss Technology Group, Inc.
Chair 2000-2001
Business/Industry/Labor Representative
Term: 1999-2002 City: Scottsdale
John Hunter, Chair Board of Directors
SMILE (Services Maximizing Independent
Living Empowerment)
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 1996-2002 City: Yuma
Rex L. Kent, Board of Directors
Cybercil
Statewide Independent Living Council
Representative
Term: 1997-2002 City: Mesa
KV Kumar
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 1999-2002 City: Scottsdale
Laura Linam, Program Coordinator
Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 1999-2002 City: Higley
Laura L. Love, Academic Associate
Arizona State University West
State Education Dept., Special Education Rep.
Term: 1999-2002 City: Phoenix
Diane McElmury, VR Supervisor
DES, Rehabilitation Services Administration
VR Counselor Representative
Term: 2000-2003 City: Phoenix
Edward Myers III
Arizona Technical Assistance Program
Disability Advocacy Representative
Term: 2001-2004 City: Phoenix
Dona L. Rivera, Community Outreach
and Education Manager
University of Arizona
Chair 2001-2002
Specific Disability Group Representative
Term: 1999-2002 City: Tucson
Paula Seanez, Assistant Director
Navajo Nation Office of Special Education
and Rehabilitation Services
121 Project Director’s Representative
Term: 1998-2002 City: Window Rock
Dr. David Wayne Smith, Professor and Director
Disability and Assessment Clinic
University of Arizona Medical Center
Specific Disability Representative
Term: 1999-2002 City: Tucson
Charlie Thomas, Social Worker
Samaritan Transplant Services
Vice-Chair 2001-2002
Business/Industry/Labor Representative
Term: 2000-2003 City: Phoenix
Jerry Traylor, Consultant
Motivational Speaker
Current/Former Recipient VR Services
Term 1999-2002 City: Fountain Hills
Sally Werner, Director of Vocational Services
Valley of the Sun School & Habilitation Center
Community Rehabilitation Program
Service Provider Representative
Term: 2001-2004 City: Phoenix
Council Support
Carolyn Maciel, Council Staff
Dan Tang, Council Secretary
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he mission of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is to work with
individuals with disabilities to achieve increased independence and/
or gainful employment through the provision of comprehensive
rehabilitative and employment support services in a partnership with all
stakeholders. The VR program provides a variety of specialized
services to individuals who have physical, mental or emotional
impairments that create barriers to employment and/or independent
living.
The VR program is for individuals with
all types of disabilities. Eligibility for
the program is determined by the
following:
• An individual wants to become or
remain economically independent
through work
• An individual’s disability is serious
enough to make it hard to get or
keep a job
• Available services can help the
individual get or keep a job
• The VR program is the only or best
place to provide the individual with the help he or she may need.
Although VR strives to serve all eligible individuals with disabilities,
resources sometimes fall short of the needs. Such a shortfall occurred
this fiscal year. On February 1, 2002, the State of Arizona developed a
prioritization system based on level of need. This prioritization process
is called an “Order of Selection” (OOS). The OOS process is designed
to ensure that those with the most significant needs receive top priority.
The three OOS categories are: Priority 1 - Individuals with the most
significant disability related service needs; Priority 2 – Individuals with
significant disability service needs, and Priority 3 – All other individuals
with disabilities. Priority 3 has been closed to new clients. These
individuals will not receive VR services, but will be referred to other
employment related programs such as One-Stop Centers.
Congressional reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act in 1998
incorporated the VR program into the Workforce Investment Act. Since
that time, the ARSA staff have become active members on state and
local Workforce Investment Boards focusing on the employment needs
of persons with disabilities in Arizona.
The ARSA has a number of partners in delivering Vocational
Rehabilitation services to eligible clients. Partnerships include the
Arizona Workforce Development Network, the Arizona Department of
Health Services (Behavioral Health), the Arizona Department of
Education (Exceptional Student Services), local education agencies, the
Arizona Department of
Juvenile Corrections, the
Superior Court of Arizona
(Juvenile Court Center)
and county juvenile
probation departments,
as well as agreements
with other state and local
governmental entities.
These partnerships
provide additional
resources, better
collaboration, and greater
access to services for
persons with disabilities
throughout Arizona.
14
Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (ARSA)
Expenditures SFY 2002
Total $84,634,217
ARSA Revenues SFY 2002
Total $84,634,217
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FIELD OPERATIONS: All costs associated
with staff and operating expenses in local
office and district office locations statewide.
ADMINISTRATION: Costs associated with the
administrative office and indirect costs charged
to cover department support services.
SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS:
Funds spent to purchase services for clients
from Community Service Providers and other
vendors.
SERVICES TO GROUPS OF CLIENTS: Funds
spent to purchase services through Program
Development contracts or Intergovernmental
Agreements (IGAs) that benefit groups of
ARSA clients.
ARSA STATE APPROPRIATIONS: Funds
appropriated by the State Legislature from the
General Fund that are budgeted to support
specific program activities.
OTHER NON-STATE APPROPRIATIONS:
Funds appropriated by the State Legislature
from the Spinal and Head Injuries Trust Fund
to support specific program activities that
benefit the community and individuals.
OTHER REVENUE FUNDS: Funds received
through Interagency Service Agreements
(ISAs) and Intergovernmental Agreements
(IGAs) for the purpose of matching federal VR
Basic Support grant dollars.
FEDERAL VR BASIC SUPPORT GRANT:
Funds appropriated by Congress to the
Department of Education for the purpose of
providing Vocational Rehabilitation services to
persons with disabilities.
OTHER FEDERAL GRANTS: Funds
appropriated by Congress and awarded as a
formula, block, or discretionary grant for the
purpose of supporting specific VR or
independent living (IL) activities.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Expenditures SFY 2002
Total $52,551,382
VR Revenues SFY 2002
Total $52,551,382
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FIELD OPERATIONS: All costs associated
with staff and operating expenses in local
office and district office locations statewide.
ADMINISTRATION: Costs associated with the
administrative office and indirect costs charged
to cover department support services.
SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS:
Funds spent to purchase services for clients
from Community Service Providers and other
vendors.
SERVICES TO GROUPS OF CLIENTS:
Funds spent to purchase services through
Program Development contracts or Inter-governmental
Agreements (IGAs) that benefit
groups of VR clients.
ARSA STATE APPROPRIATIONS: Funds
appropriated by the State Legislature from
the General Fund that are budgeted to support
specific program activities, the majority of which are
used to match the basic support grant.
OTHER NON-STATE APPROPRIATIONS: Funds
appropriated by the State Legislature from the
Spinal and Head Injuries Trust Fund to match
Federal VR basic support grant dollars.
OTHER REVENUE FUNDS: Funds received
through Interagency Service Agreements (ISAs)
and Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) for the
purpose of matching Federal VR basic support
grant dollars.
FEDERAL VR BASIC SUPPORT GRANT: Funds
appropriated by Congress to the Department of
Education for the purpose of providing Vocational
Rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities.
OTHER FEDERAL GRANTS: Funds appropriated
by Congress and awarded as a formula, block, or
discretionary grant for the purpose of supporting
specific VR or independent living (IL) activities.
Implementing Informed Choice: “Choice Offices”
n the early part of 2000, the ARSA set in motion a five year strategic plan to
implement major changes within the RSA VR program. A major focus of these
changes is creating a VR service delivery system that supports and promotes
consumers taking responsibility and control of their own rehabilitation.
This vision requires a delivery system in which applicants and clients are active
partners in their own rehabilitation plans, including the making of informed
choices. The ingredients of creating and supporting such a delivery system
include:
• Creating forms and developing resources to allow the applicant/client to fully
understand and participate in his or her
rehabilitation;
• Creating a separation of duties that allows the
counselors to spend more time with the clients and
less time on administrative functions currently part of
their jobs.
• Continuing emphasis of professionalism in VR
counselors, and expanding the ability of the ARSA to
provide clients with value-added consultation and
counseling services;
• Increasing the accuracy and efficiency of support staff in doing administrative
work of vital support to the counselors and clients.
Throughout the state, VR staff do an outstanding job of implementing the vision
of empowering clients to take control and responsibility for their lives, and
enhancing their full participation. The ARSA plans to build on the experiences in
Pilot Offices, and gradually convert all of the field offices to “Choice Offices.” The
ARSA will continue support of the Pilot Offices and staff, while working to
formally implement these tools and practices statewide.
“Choice Offices” are offices in which clients are empowered with the tools and
encouragement to manage and take responsibility for their own rehabilitation
plans. Counselors regard clients as active partners, and clients have access to
their counselors and other members of the rehabilitation team. Members of the
rehabilitation team mirror “choice” principles in the way they relate and work
together as partners in the rehabilitation effort, respecting each others’ roles and
responsibilities. In addition, there are clear divisions of labor and responsibilities
within the local offices. This division of labor enhances timely and responsive
delivery of services to the client, and improves management of the VR program.
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Throughout the state, VR staff do
an outstanding job of implementing
the vision of empowering clients to
take control and responsibility for
their lives, and enhancing their
full participation.
Ticket to Work Program: Up and Running
The Ticket to Work Program is the centerpiece of new legislation signed into law in
December 1999, under the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. The
goal of this program is to increase the choices for Social Security beneficiaries with
disabilities in obtaining employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR) or other support
services from public and private providers. Under this program, the Social Security
Administration (SSA) provides disability beneficiaries with a ticket they may use to
obtain the services they need from an Employment Network (EN) of their choice, or
from the state’s VR program.
The ARSA has established memorandums of understanding with fifteen of the
Employment Networks to ensure that all persons with a disability have the opportunity
to obtain the full range of services necessary to become successfully employed.
Beneficiaries receiving tickets have the option of contacting the state agency, or one or
more of the ENs to discuss services. The EN and the
beneficiary work together to design an Individual Work Plan
(IWP) that outlines the services to be provided to enable the
beneficiary to reach his or her employment goal. Upon
agreement between the beneficiary and the EN and the
signing of an IWP, the ticket for that beneficiary will be
assigned to the EN in order for the EN to receive payment.
To ensure successful implementation, the Ticket to Work
Program is being phased in gradually over a period of three years. The Social Security
Administration released the initial group of tickets concurrent with publication of the final
Ticket to Work Program regulations. The first thirteen states involved were Arizona,
Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma,
Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin. Implementation of the program will
be completed nationwide by early 2004.
The Ticket to Work Program is fully implemented in
Arizona. Nearly 130,000 tickets and packets were
mailed to eligible beneficiaries during 2001-2002. There
are 26 ENs in Arizona, and 168 tickets had been
assigned as of June 30, 2002. VR clients are fully
utilizing the services of the new SSA Benefits Planning,
Assistance and Outreach grant to help them understand
work incentives to assist them in going to work. ARSA
has also provided training to all VR staff statewide in the
processing and assigning of tickets.
Consumers can get more information about the Ticket to Work program by contacting
their VR counselors, calling 1-800-563-1221, or visiting the RSA web site at
www.de.state.az.us/rsa.
The Ticket to Work Program is
fully implemented in Arizona.
Nearly 130,000 tickets and
packets were mailed to eligible
beneficiaries during 2001-2002.
18
Employer Services and the “Employers Disability Resources Network”
The Employer’s Disability Resources Network is a coalition of employment and
rehabilitation organizations, which are available to provide employers information and
resources.
The Network includes members from the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
(ARSA), Employment Security Administration (ESA), the Arizona Governor’s State
Rehabilitation Council (SRC), Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs), and the
Arizona Business Leadership Network (AZBLN). Members work together in developing
best approaches and materials to address Arizona employers’ needs in finding, hiring
and maintaining employment for individuals with disabilities. The goals of
the network include increasing employer awareness, being responsive to
employers needs, coordinating employer contacts, maximizing
coordination for common clients, establishing an appropriate referral
system, and sharing training and job listings.
An informational brochure was developed by the partnership, and an
Employers Disability Resources Network Resources Guide is being
finalized. The guide explains the services and relationship of each
partner. All partners will receive training to strengthen the relationship
and ability of all Network partners to meet the needs of employers and
job seekers.
The Arizona Employment Partnership sponsored a job fair in March 2002,
in which the ARSA participated. Over 200 employers participated,
recruiting for positions from entry level to professional, in technology,
retail, aerospace, healthcare, financial services, law enforcement services,
and state and local government jobs. The ARSA provided employers with
information about Vocational Rehabilitation services. Assistive technology devices were
also provided to assist individuals with disabilities in accessing employment information.
The job fair attracted over 16,000 job seekers.
Self Employment
The ARSA VR Program Self Employment Review Committee continues its review of
self-employment business plans. A client interested in pursuing a self-employment goal
works with his or her VR counselor in determining the knowledge, skills, interests and
motivation necessary for the individual to succeed as a business owner.
Clients interested in self-employment attend small business training and develop a
complete and thorough business plan. This plan is presented to the Self Employment
Review Committee for review and comment. The entire process of training, business
plan development, and committee review increases the client’s chances for successful
self-employment.
19
Arizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) was established in
1952 to provide employment and training opportunities for
individuals that are blind. The employment opportunities for
individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind and
multiply disabled are made available through AIB’s Productions Services Unit,
Retail Services Unit, the Distribution Services Unit and the Rehabilitation Services Unit.
During state fiscal year 2002, AIB achieved total sales of $15,333,991. This is an 11% decline
from prior year sales. The drop was attributed to the General Services Administration’s
elimination of two supply warehouses and the events of September 11, 2001. Although there
has been a decline in sales, the average hourly wage for individuals who are blind working at
AIB was $9.72 per hour. All AIB employees receive full benefits, including major medical,
dental, life insurance and retirement.
On January 9, 2002, AIB was recogonized as the Defense Logistics Agency Outstanding
Javits-Wagner O’Day Program (JWOD) vendor. AIB was recognized for consistently
outstanding performance as a supplier of military-unique medical field products.
The Business Enterprise Program
The Arizona Business Enterprise Program (BEP) trains and places qualified individuals who
are legally blind as operators of food service operations, full service cafeterias, gift shops, and
unattended vending operations.
During the past year, the Business Enterprise Program has concentrated its efforts on
assessment and restructuring of the program’s basic functions and facilities. A business
consultant position has been replaced with a contract specialist. The reporting assignments of
twelve other BEP office staff personnel were restructured. The BEP elected to close or modify
services at six facilities this year, to ensure a livable wage and to meet minimum standards
established by the ARSA.
Several new merchandising ventures are in the works for the BEP program, including an
upscale full service cafeteria at the new Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) buildings
in Phoenix, slated to open in early 2003. The Lake Havasu Carousel is due to open in mid-
November 2002. The Veteran’s Administration is planning a new office building in central
Phoenix that will accommodate approximately 400 employees, and BEP is investigating a
snack shop in this location.
Additionally, BEP is working to establish statewide vending contacts to increase program
revenues through unassigned vending locations.
Employment Support Services Program
The Employment Support Services Program provides long-term employment related support
services to assist individuals with significant disabilities to maintain employment. Major
services include case management, job coaching, transportation, peer support and other
employment supports. Services are contingent on the availability of agency funding.
20
RSA ADMINISTRATION
1789 W. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-3332
1-800-563-1221 (AZ only)
FAX (602) 542-3778
TTY (602) 542-6049
Skip Bingham, Administrator
Craig Warren, Deputy Admin.
REGION I
3221 N. 16th St., Ste. 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-6752
FAX (602) 241-7158
TTY (602) 241-1048
Barbara Knox, Prog. Manager
REGION II
400 W. Congress St., Ste. 420
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 628-6810
FAX (520) 628-6858
TTY (520) 628-6864
Craing Warren, Prog. Manager
REGION III
1510 S. Riordan Ranch St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 779-4147
FAX (928) 774-6915
Lawrence Powers, Prog. Manager
REGION IV
3221 N. 16th St., Ste. 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-6751
FAX (602) 241-7158
TTY (602) 241-1048
Craig Warren, Acting Prog. Mgr.
ARIZONA INDUSTRIES
FOR THE BLIND
3013 W. Lincoln St.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
(602) 269-5131
FAX (602) 26909462
Don Peterson, Manager
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
PROGRAM
4620 N. 16th St., Ste. 206
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-9070
FAX (602) 235-9491
Otis Stevenson, Manager
APACHE JUNCTION
288 N. Ironwood Dr., Ste. 106
Apache Junction, AZ 85220
(480) 983-0427
FAX (480) 983-3235
TTY (480) 288-0697
BENSON
543 W. 4th St.
Benson, AZ 85602
(520) 586-3520
FAX (520) 586-3582
BULLHEAD CITY
2601 Hwy. 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 763-8422
FAX (928) 763-5841
TTY (928) 763-4168
CASA GRANDE
318 N. Florence St.
(P.O. Box 10630, AZ 85230)
Casa Grande, AZ 85222
(520) 836-6388
FAX (520) 836-8025
TTY (520) 426-3963
CHANDLER
793 N. Alma School Rd.,
Ste. C-8
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 917-0493
FAX (480) 917-3512
TTY (480) 899-5005
COOLIDGE
1155 N. Arizona Blvd.
Coolidge, AZ 85228
(520) 723-5351
FAX (520) 723-9133
COTTONWOOD
1430 E. Cherry
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
(928) 634-0063
FAX (928) 639-0967
TTY (928) 634-0063
DOUGLAS
1140 F Ave.
Douglas, AZ 85607
(520) 364-4446
FAX (520) 364-7159
TTY (520) 364-4446
FLAGSTAFF
1510 S. Riordan Ranch St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 779-4147
FAX (928) 774-6915
TTY (928) 779-4147
continued
Field Offices
21
Administrative Offices
GLOBE
605 S. 7th St.
Globe, AZ 85501
(928) 425-3101
FAX (928) 425-7950
KINGMAN
519 E. Beale St., Ste. 130
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-5105
FAX (928) 753-5110
TTY (928) 753-5105
LAKE HAVASU CITY
232 London Bridge Rd.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928) 680-6007
FAX (928)680-9559
MESA
4115 E. Valley Auto Dr., #105
Mesa, AZ 85201
(480) 926-5100
FAX (480) 926-5602
TTY (480) 926-5601
MESA - West
1845 S. Dobson Rd., Ste. 201
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 820-5629
FAX (480) 820-5722
NOGALES
480 N. Grand Ave.
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 287-6538
FAX (520) 287-3185
TTY (520) 287-6538
PARKER
1032 Hopi Ave.
Parker, AZ 85344
(928) 669-8389
FAX (928) 669-6753
PAYSON
140 E. Hwy. 260
Payson, AZ 85541
(928) 474-0784
FAX (928) 468-8211
TTY (928) 474-0784
PHOENIX - East Bell Road
706 E. Bell Rd., Ste. 115
Phoenix, AZ 85022
(602) 494-6229
FAX (602) 494-3573
TTY (602) 494-9379
PHOENIX - E. Indian School
1430 E. Indian School Rd.,
Ste. 100
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 277-8724
FAX (602) 277-5562
TTY (602) 277-8724
PHOENIX - Good Samaritan
1012 E. Willetta St., Room 1B
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 239-4762
FAX (602) 239-5256
PHOENIX - Juvenile
22 E. Mitchell St., Ste. 104
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 604-8835
FAX (602) 604-8901
TTY (602) 604-8835
PHOENIX - Metrocenter
10640 N. 28th Dr., B106
Phoenix, AZ 85029
(602) 789-9129
FAX (602) 789-9309
TTY (602) 789-9129
PHOENIX – N. 16th Street
4620 N. 16th St., Ste. B106
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-9579
FAX (602) 264-7819
TTY (602) 266-9579
PHOENIX - N. Central/East
1430 E. Indian School Rd.,
Ste. 205
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 212-0068
FAX (602) 241-1479
TTY (602) 255-5641
PHOENIX - North Central
3839 N. 3rd St., Ste. 303
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 266-4434
FAX (602) 230-7554
TTY (602) 266-6716
PHOENIX - Paseo Verde
4150 W. Peoria Ave., Ste. 125
Phoenix, AZ 85029
(602) 564-1812
FAX (602) 564-0627
TTY (602) 548-0308
PHOENIX - Rehab
Instructional Services
4620 N. 16th St., Ste. A204
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-9286
FAX (602) 277-6294
PHOENIX - Sight
Conservation
4620 N. 16th St., Ste. 100
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 266-7284
FAX (602) 266-1201
PHOENIX - South
4411 S. 40th St.,
Bldg. D, Ste. 12
Phoenix, AZ 85040
(602) 470-1802
FAX (602) 470-1596
TTY (602) 470-8056
PHOENIX - Southwest
4622 W. Indian School Rd.,
Ste. D12
Phoenix, AZ 85031
(623) 873-4310
FAX (623) 873-6210
TTY (623) 873-4310
PRESCOTT
1555 Iron Springs Rd., Ste. 11
Prescott, AZ 86302
(928) 445-6432
FAX (928) 445-5819
TTY (928) 445-6432
SAFFORD
1938 W. Thatcher Blvd.
Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-7700
FAX (928) 428-4018
TTY (928) 428-7700
SCOTTSDALE
10900 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
Ste. 401
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 948-3819
FAX (480) 596-5349
TTY (480) 948-3819
SHOW LOW
2500 E. Cooley St., Ste. 410
Show Low, AZ 85901
(928) 537-2953
FAX (928) 537-8216
TTY (928) 537-2953
SIERRA VISTA
471 E. Bartow Dr.
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
(520) 459-7612
FAX (520) 452-8549
TTY (520) 459-7612
SOMERTON
350 W. 16th St., Ste. 309
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 782-4343
FAX (928) 329-9453
TEMPE
1270 E. Broadway Rd., Ste. 120
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 350-9746
FAX (480) 350-9829
TTY (480) 350-9746
TUCSON - ATP
4710 E. 29th St., Ste. 8
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 790-0787
FAX (520) 790-0825
TTY (520) 790-0787
TUCSON – Downtown
100 N. Stone Blvd., Ste. 500B
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 629-0225
FAX (520) 624-9469
TTY (520) 629-0225
TUCSON - Eastside
899 N. Wilmot St., Ste. D3
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 790-4715
FAX (520) 790-5148
TTY (520) 790-8131
TUCSON – Northwest
7225 N. Mona Lisa, Ste. 259
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 544-8618
FAX (520) 544-8072
TTY (520) 575-0295
TUCSON – Southside
195 W. Irvington Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 741-7188
FAX (520) 889-7099
TTY (520) 889-6829
TUCSON - Westside
100 N. Stone Blvd., Ste. 500A
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 620-6909
FAX (520) 792-8717
TTY (520) 620-6909
YUMA
1310 S. 3rd Ave.
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 329-9462
FAX (928) 329-9530
TTY (928) 329-9553
22
Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council
Site Code 930A • 1789 W. Jefferson St. • Phoenix, AZ 85007
Telephone •1-800-563-1221 • 602-542-6291
TTY • 602-542-6049
FAX • 602-542-3778
E-mail • cmaciel@mail.de.state.az.us
Website • http://www.de.state.az.us/rsa/srac
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department must make a reasonable
accommodation to allow a person with a disability to take part in a program, service, or
activity. For example, this means that if necessary, the Department must provide sign
language interpreters for people who are deaf, a wheelchair accessible location, or enlarged
print materials. It also means that the Department will take any other reasonable action
that allows you to take part in and understand a program or activity, including making
reasonable changes to an activity. If you believe that you will not be able to understand or
take part in a program or activity because of your disability, please let us know of your
disability needs in advance if at all possible. This document is available in alternative
formats by contacting the Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council at 602-542-6291.
MIV-234 (12-02)