• Fiscal Resources

• Emerging Practices

• SRC Online Training Series

• Vocational Rehabilitation Needs Assessment Guide

• VR Research in Brief

RSA has established the Emerging Practices as a mechanism for sharing state information to help promote communities of practice and increase awareness of a variety of approaches that provide a foundation for research and lead to the development of evidence-based practices. It is important to note that emerging practices were developed and implemented in each state for the purpose of enhancing improvement. The practices provide useful samples of programs, strategies, and activities. They were developed based on specific agency needs and implemented based on available resources in each agency. Therefore, the practice may work differently or produce different results in your agency if you choose to replicate it.

Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is pleased to announce that the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Online Training Series, developed by RSA in cooperation with the National Rehabilitation Continuing Education Programs, is now available.

This self-directed program intends to address the training needs of SRC members. It contains a series of topical modules, each approximately 30 minutes in length, intended to provide a resource to SRC members, especially new members, to increase knowledge of the VR program and improve understanding of SRC responsibilities. The series is designed for use "anytime-anywhere," including group settings or individually.

The training is organized into three series:

• Series One: Overview and Philosophy
  History of VR
  Overview of the Rehabilitation Act
  VR principles & policies
  The role of the SRC

• Series Two: State Plan
  The Statutory Basis of the State Plan
  Purpose of the State Plan
  Development of the State Plan

• Series Three: Operationalizing the State Plan
  Assessment
  Development of VR Goals
  Program Evaluation and Reporting
  SRC Infrastructure

The training includes graphics, interactive content, a glossary of frequently used acronyms, direct links to statutory and regulatory requirements, and a quiz of competencies at the end of each module. There is a certification of completion at the end of all modules.

The training is fully accessible to all individuals, and a broader audience of agency staff and stakeholders may find the training series to be helpful.

To access the SRC Online Training Series, go to http://www.erehab.org, select National Training Series, and then select SRC Online Training Series. Select "click to register" to get started. Registration instructions are available at the website.

RSA is committed to providing technical assistance resources to enable SRCs to meet their required responsibilities. We encourage each SRC member to utilize the online training series to enhance your skills and knowledge.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is pleased to announce the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Needs Assessment Guide and its Appendices. The Guide and its Appendices provide state VR agencies and State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC) with fundamental tools necessary to meet the requirements of a fully developed comprehensive statewide needs assessment (CSNA).

The Guide is arranged into two parts:

• Part I – The Model CSNA

  • Overview of the Model CSNA
  • Six Steps to Assessing and Addressing VR Needs
  • Seven Information Strategies

• Part II – Implementing the Model CSNA

  • Step 1: Defining and Establishing CSNA Goals
  • Step 2: Developing CSNA Plan for Information and Dissemination
  • Step 3: Gathering the information
  • Step 4: Analyzing the Results and Developing Findings
  • Step 5: Develop the Conclusions: Potential Action Strategies
  • Step 6: informing State Plan, Goals, Priorities, and Strategies

The Appendix is arranged into ten parts:

• Disability Population Statistics
• Disability Population Estimates
• Projections of State Population and Labor and Economic Forecasts
• VR Agency Data
• State-Level Data from National Programs
• State and Sub-State Reports and Other Materials
• Input from Stakeholders
• Minorities and Unserved or Underserved Groups
• Literature Review
• Reviews of State Needs Assessments

Frequently Asked Questions about the CSNA and a presentation on the materials are available as additional resources.

RSA is committed to providing technical assistance resources to enable VR agencies to meet their required responsibilities. We hope that state VR agencies and SRCs find these materials helpful in developing a plan for, conducting and reporting the results of a comprehensive statewide needs assessment.

Please contact your state liaison or TACE center if you require additional assistance.

• VR Needs Asessment Guide  MS Word (3.0M) | PDF (2.6M)

• VR Needs Asessment Guide Appendices  MS Word (2.8M) | PDF (7.0M)

• VR Needs Asessment Guide FAQ  MS Word (35K) | PDF (104K)

• VR Needs Asessment Training  MS Word (52K) | PDF (419K)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Research in Briefs provide readers with a summary of research and literature on issues, practices and topics related to the employment of individuals with disabilities, providing the reader with information to facilitate further exploration and study.