annual report 2008 arizona governor’s state rehabilitation council Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) 2008 Annual Report Table of Contents Mission and Responsibilities of the Council .................................................. 2 A Message from the SRC Chair ........................................................................ 4 SRC Input and Recommendations to the VR State Plan............................... 5 he Council in Action ....................................................................................... 7 he SRC Strategic Plan for State Fiscal Year 2008 .......................................... 9 Council Membership ......................................................................................... 12 Recognizing Success........................................................................................... 13 he Vocational Rehabilitation Program .......................................................... 16 Consumer Satisfaction Survey .......................................................................... 17 VR Program Highlights ..................................................................................... 18 Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration Statewide Directory ....... 22 Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) Membership .......... back cover About the cover artist: Brian Murphy has attended Valley of the Sun School & Habilitation Center since February, 1996. He has participated in the Valley sponsored art program since its inception. Brian’s creativity is not hindered by his vision impairment, and he continues to produce amazing art. Several of Brian’s paintings were featured in the May, 2001 issue of Arizona Highways magazine. Mission and Responsibilities of the Council he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council mission also encompasses the Council’s vision, operating principles, and goals: Mission Serving all citizens of Arizona the mission of the Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation Council is to advise, evaluate and partner with the public Vocational Rehabilitation Program in support of improving access to employment and promoting a diverse workforce statewide. Vision he Arizona Governors State Rehabilitation Council envisions a statewide workforce that values disability and diversity, and is committed to full participation of its citizens. Operating Principles  Serve as an ally to the public Vocational Rehabilitation Program in structuring and conducting business in ways that relect the social, political, historical and economical experiences of disability.  Collaborate with state and other non-government agencies to promote meaningful and sustainable employment for everyone.  Foster a broad deinition of diversity that honors and appreciates disability alongside race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion as an integral part of human experience.  Promote disability discourse, awareness and involvement; honor disability culture and pride. Goals  Advise the Vocational Rehabilitation Program in the development, implementation, evaluation and review of innovative rehabilitation services and programs.  Support the development of public policy that improves opportunity for full participation for all citizens in the economic life of Arizona.  Engage business and industry statewide in the creation of inclusive environments guided by the principles of universal design.  Increase access and employment opportunities for people with disabilities through collaboration with outside agencies, councils and community partners.  Strengthen the Vocational Rehabilitation Program through collaboration on the development of human resource infrastructure. 2 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council functions, as deined in the Title I, Part A, Section 105 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, are as follows: Review, analyze and advise the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) regarding the performance of its responsibilities, particularly those related to eligibility (including order of selection); the extent and scope and efectiveness of services provided; and the functions performed by State agencies that afect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes under Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. Partner with RSA to develop, review and agree to State goals and priorities in accordance with the VR State Plan. he Council and RSA evaluate the efectiveness of the VR program and submit reports of progress to the RSA Commissioner. Advise the RSA on activities authorized to be carried out under the Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan. Assist in the preparation of the VR State Plan, and Amendments to the plan, applications, reports, Needs Assessments, and evaluations. Conduct a review and analysis of the efectiveness 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 with the State of Arizona. Coordinate activities with other disability related Councils with the State of Arizona. Establish working relationships between RSA, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and Arizona Centers for Independent Living. Perform other functions consistent with VR services deemed appropriate by the Council. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council, 2008 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 3 A Message from the SRC Chair 2007-2008 Paula S. Seanez A s the Chair of the State Rehabilitation Council, I am pleased to share the 2008 SRC Annual Report. At the national level, budget reductions and state inancial short falls were challenges faced by Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the Council. he Rehabilitation Act remained at a standstill within the legislative process. he Council, however, was instrumental in assuring full state match funding opening up all categories in the Arizona RSA Order of Selection. While there continues to be budget issues, the council remained forward moving in working on its Strategic planning goals. he year was illed with the Council’s committees hard at work in carrying out the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan. he redeining of the council mission, vision and goals directed the committees in focusing on key areas. Each committee worked many hours in partnering with the state VR agency and I would like to highlight a few accomplishment areas of each committee. he Program Planning Committee worked many hours in developing the recommendations to the State Plan Amendments. he Access and Employment Committee participated in the marketing aspect of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program by attending disability related conferences to provide information to employers and others as well as reviewing RSA’s client satisfaction survey results to plan for future public input activities of the SRC. he Business and Community Partnership Committee reached out to many of the community partners, including a Military Workgroup which developed processes for returning Wounded Warriors. hese activities have framed the SRC’s priorities for furthering partnership with RSA. I appreciate the time and energy of the SRC committee chairs and their committees in increasing the awareness of vocational rehabilitation services within communities, especially in rural Arizona. he council developed ways to increase collaboration and support of RSA by remaining involved at various levels of policy development. Much time was spent this year in working with federal RSA, who conducted a site visit to Arizona in May, 2008. he State Rehabilitation Council was instrumental in gathering partnering agencies and consumers with disabilities to provide input into the review process. As I relect back on the important work of the Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council, I appreciate the talents and personal passion that each member brought to the circle. I encourage the council to continue to embrace the mission and vision to guide the work of the Council as well as to remain committed to the disability and diversity initiatives. Ahe’hee (thank you in Navajo) for the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the SRC. Paula S. Seanez, Chair Arizona Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 4 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report SRC Input and Recommendations to the VR State Plan 1. SRC recommends that AZRSA keep SRC apprised through written or verbal means, on a quarterly basis, of progress regarding SRC VR State Plan Input and Recommendations including providing feasibility of recommendations made. 2. SRC recommends that AZRSA continue eforts to improve and expand marketing and outreach of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. 3. SRC recommends AZRSA analyze the data obtained from the client satisfaction survey, the employee satisfaction survey, focus groups, public input hearings, and the Triennial Statewide Needs Assessment Project (SNAP) and develop an action plan to address the strengths and weaknesses identiied. In addition, it is recommended that AZRSA provide data results to SRC, RSA staf statewide and VR Program participants including clients, providers, and other stakeholders. 4. SRC recommends that AZRSA consider the development and implementation of a mentoring program to assist ield staf at all levels in achieving consistent, quality service delivery statewide. 5. SRC recommends that AZRSA obtain public input regarding the Arizona RSA Strategic Plan as well as communicating the Plan goals, objectives and action steps to all staf levels. 6. SRC recommends that AZRSA take steps to ensure that counselors are providing informed choice in regards to service providers and service provision including clearly deining the nature of the relationship between counselors and service providers and service providers and clients. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 5 7. SRC recommends that AZRSA pursue the continuous monitoring and improvements outlined in the Federal Corrective Action Plan. 8. SRC continues to strongly recommend that AZRSA continue collaborative eforts regarding the provision of services, including promising practices, to transitioning youth in order to reine and expand service delivery options as it relates to the VR Program and the Department of Education policy/procedures. his should include BIA funded schools, charter schools and any other applicable entities. 9. SRC recommends that AZRSA outreach to other disability populations, outside of existing third party agreements, to ensure that VR services are distributed more equitably statewide. 10. SRC recommends that AZRSA continue its eforts to increase employee satisfaction and reduce staf turnover. 11. SRC recommends that AZRSA continue eforts to implement and evaluate Performance Based Contracting to determine the impact it has on system outcomes in comparison to current contracting methodology. 12. SRC recommends AZRSA ensure that Federal Standards and Indicators related to employment outcomes are passed per federal guidelines. 6 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report he Council in Action Access and Employment Committee he goal of the Access and Employment Committee is to increase access and employment opportunities for people with disabilities through collaboration with the Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation Program (RSA/VR) clients, outside agencies, councils and community partners. he Accessibility and Employment Committee is: (front row) John Gutierrez, Don Price; (back row) David Hirsch, Dr. Bill Downey, Dr. Alan Strauss, Eric Stark. Not pictured: Steven King. Business and Community Partnerships Committee he goal of the Business and Community Partnerships Committee is to create and foster business and community partnerships, while enhancing the SRC relationship with these partners, in order to expand employment opportunities, encourage involvement in policy development, promote advocacy for service provision, and economic self suiciency for individuals with disabilities. he Businesss and Community Partnerships Committee is: (front row) Erika Fillman; (back row) Paige Finely, Michael Duncan, Gretchen Evans, Liz Toone. Not Pictured: Valerie Lintz, Amina Kruck. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 7 Executive Committee he goal of the Executive Committee is to provide leadership to the SRC in furthering its mission, vision, and goals. Membership and Nominating Committee he Membership and Nominating Committee seeks to recruit new members from the community who will represent, and be representative, of individuals with disabilities, speciic disability groups, business and labor, rehabilitation program providers, disability advocates, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the State Workforce Investment Board, and American Indian Rehabilitation Programs. he Council accepts nominations at any time throughout the year when vacancies occur and submits candidates to the Governor, who makes the inal appointment of members to SRC. Program Planning Committee he goal of the Program Planning Committee is to advise, evaluate, and collaborate with the Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation Program to improve the quality and eiciency of VR services, including transition services, by building the capacity of RSA employees via the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development, increasing employee satisfaction, and reviewing VR State Plan implementation. he Program Planning Committee is : (front row) Wendy Dewey, John Gutierrez, April Reed, Paula Seanez; (back row) Ethan Orr, Mary Boegemann, Bob Blaylock. Not pictured: Wendy Collison. 8 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report he SRC Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2008 Goal 1: Increase access and employment opportunities for people with disabilities through collaboration with the Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation (RSA/VR), clients, outside agencies, councils and community partners. Objective 1: Utilize client satisfaction data to frame priorities for further discussion and partnership with RSA. Objective 2: Facilitate public input regarding the Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Objective 3: To promote and ensure that all VR Program clients are provided with services regardless of level of disability. Objective 4: Promote a better understanding of statewide and local issues regarding access to transportation by VR clients and individuals with disabilities within the community. Objective 5: Promote employment of individuals with disabilities. Goal 2: Create and foster business and community partnerships, while enhancing the SRC relationship with these partners, in order to expand employment opportunities, encourage involvement in policy development, promote advocacy for service provision, and economic self suiciency for individuals with disabilities. Objective 6: Promote the development of a signiicant relationship with the Governor’s Council on Workforce Policy (GCWP) for mutual understanding of SRC and GCWP priorities/concerns and expand SRC’s involvement with this entity. Objective 7: Examine One-Stop physical and programmatic accessibility statewide to focus on better access to job development services and provision of better services to individuals with disabilities. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 9 Objective 8: Educate SRC members about legislative issues that have the potential to impact VR and individuals with disabilities; as well as be informed about priorities of other disability organizations within the community, including membership in the Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC). Objective 9: Establish a relationship with the RSA Employer Services Coordinator and encourage RSA’s marketing eforts to expand business and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Objective 10: Educate employers and the self-employed regarding the abilities of individuals with disabilities. Goal 3: he SRC Executive Committee will provide leadership to the SRC in furthering its mission, vision, and goals. Objective 11: Maintain iscal accountability for the SRC. Objective 12: Update the SRC Full Council on RSA status and progress with the Federal Standards and Indicators. Objective 13: Update the SRC Full Council on RSA progress with the Federal Corrective Action Plan (FCAP). Objective 14: Advise RSA on their Strategic Plan. Objective 15: Partner with the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils. Objective 16: Partner with RSA regarding the Triennial Statewide Needs Assessment Project. Objective 17: Promote diversity within the VR service delivery system, RSA staf composition, and the SRC. 10 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report Goal 4: Advise, evaluate, and collaborate with Rehabilitation Services Administration/Vocational Rehabilitation (RSA/VR) to improve the quality and eiciency of VR Services, including transition services, by building the capacity of RSA employees via the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), increasing employee satisfaction, and reviewing VR State Plan implementation. Objective 18: Improve the quality, continuity, and standardization of VR service delivery as it relates to transition aged youth, including increased communication and collaboration with school partners. Objective 19: Advise, evaluate and partner with RSA in the review and implementation of the VR State Plan. Objective 20: Assess the adequate preparation of, and continued professional development opportunities for, RSA staf. Objective 21: Analyze and strategize on methods to increase employee morale and decrease turnover of RSA/VR staf. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 11 Council Membership Katharine M. Levandowsky, Administrator VR State Agency, Ex-Oicio Term: No Limit City: Phoenix Robert Blaylock Business, Industry and Labor Rep. Term: 2007-2009 City: Mesa Mary Boegemann Disability Advocacy Rep. Term: 2005-2008 City: Tucson Wendy Collison Speciic Disability Group Rep. Term: 2002-2008 City: Mesa Wendy Dewey Disability Advocacy Rep. Term: 2004-2008 City: Tucson William Downey Disability Advocacy Rep. Term: 2005-2008 City: Tucson Michael Duncan Community Rehabilitation Program Service Provider Rep. Term: 2006-2009 City: Phoenix Gretchen Evans Disability Advocacy Rep. Term: 2006-2008 City: Phoenix Erika Fillman Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Rep. Term: 2005-2008 City: Tucson Paige Finley Disability Advocacy Rep. Term: 2007-2010 City: Phoenix John Gutierrez Client Assistance Program Rep. Term: 2006-2009 City: Phoenix 12 David L. Hirsch Speciic Disability Group Rep. Term: 2006-2008 City: Flagstaf Ken Jacuzzi Statewide Independent Living Council Term: 2005-2008 City: Phoenix Valerie Lintz Speciic Disability Rep. Term: 2003-2009 City: Phoenix Ethan Orr Business, Industry and Labor Rep. Term: 2007-2010 City: Tucson Donald P. Price, Vice-Chair Current/Former Recipient of VR Serv. Rep. Term: 2005-2008 City: Tempe April Reed Speciic Disability Rep. Term: 2005-2008 City: Buckeye Paula Seanez, Chair 121 Project Director’s Rep. Term: 2002-2007 City: Window Rock Eric Stark Speciic Disability Rep. Term: 2007-2008 City: Tucson Alan L. Strauss Disability Advocacy Rep. Term: 2003-2008 City: Tucson Elizabeth Toone Disability Advocacy Representative Term: 2007-2008 City: Prescott Council Support: Carolyn Maciel, Council Liaison Nancy Kimball, Administrative Secretary he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report Recognizing Success Zachary Landis became involved with the Vocational Rehabilitation Program based on a neuro-psychological evaluation with a diagnosis of Learning Disorder NOS and Borderline Intellectual Functioning with focus on moderate to severe impairment in inferential and deductive reasoning. Based on his challenges, Zach was initially noncompetitive for employment in several areas such as clerical, manipulation of objects, and mechanical ability as he had several negative experiences and lost jobs due to incidents connected to his limited ability for insight and information processing. Zach was enrolled in Work Adjustment Training at the local Goodwill Industries Store when VR started working with him. In cooperation with Zach’s mother and Dee, the Employment Specialist at Goodwill, needs and supports were determined and provided until Zach was ready to face job searching within the community once again. He had to overcome severe anxiety based on his past, but consistently showed a great attitude. Zach’s ‘award-winning’ smile and his willingness to give it his all, with his team’s encouragement, enabled Zach to beneit from the Goodwill Program in not just work skills but real-life practicing and improving of his skills in social interaction and communication situations, as well as re-building his self-conidence and belief in himself.. Zach was also referred by VR to a Speech and Language herapist who recommended ongoing speech and language therapy, as well as Cognitive Retraining to support Zach in overcoming his challenges. Zach Landis is currently working as a courtesy clerk with Fry’s Grocery Stores in Prescott, Arizona, working 28-34 hours per week and receiving an hourly wage equal to that of other employees in that position. His duties are bagging groceries, arranging carts, stocking, and customer service. Zach was also honored by Goodwill of Central Arizona as the Adult Participant of the Year at their awards banquet on March 11, 2008. Zachary Landis He received the award because of his signiicant improvements personally and vocationally as well as his employment success. In addition, Zach earned a Fry’s Grocery Store “Employee of the Month” designation for his customer service eforts and was recently selected to serve on the Employee Council at the Fry’s store where he works. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 13 Donald Lee, 58, was referred to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program by the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Donald had experienced a work injury to his lower back along with pain in his lower legs, and right hip and he uses a cane to ambulate. Donald was also diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to his work injury trauma. At the time of his injury, Donald was working as a truck driver. He had some work experience in the social services profession but had let the ield for a higher paying job as a truck driver. He was interested in returning to the social service occupation since he enjoys helping people and his disability would not be exacerbated by his work activities. Donald was close to completing his AA degree in chemical dependency. A Vocational Rehabilitation counselor worked with Donald, and together they determined he might be successful as a Human Service Worker. VR paid for Donald to complete his AA degree. Donald also participated in psychotherapy services with a psychologist of his choice to address his PTSD issues. Donald says VR gave him hope and encouragement to achieve his vocational goal. Donald graduated with his AA degree and began an active job search with a job development agency entitled Working Solutions. Donald was very pro-active in his job search. He initially obtained a job at a social service agency working with juvenile delinquents but the job ended up not being suited for his personality and disability. Without getting discouraged, he continued to participate in interviews and actively pursued his job search. Donald was ofered a job position as a group facilitator at a private organization, Arizona Behavioral Counseling. His job position is to facilitate anger management, DUI, domestic violence and substance abuse groups. Donald gets paid a competitive wage and receives full medical beneits. he VR counselor also assisted Donald in obtaining his license as a substance abuse counselor. Donald told his counselor that his employer is really impressed with his job performance and commitment to the agency. Donald disclosed that he came to VR feeling discouraged and hopeless about his future. He says that VR gave him hope and encouragement to achieve his vocational goal. Donald shared that his experience in VR was life changing, he feels like a valuable member of society, and knows that he has a bright future ahead of him. 14 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report Deborah Peters was employed at a school for deaf and blind students as a reading specialist and was working as a reading teacher for deaf students only. Due to Ocular Histoplasmosis and macular damage to her central vision, she could no longer communicate easily with deaf staf and students who used sign language. Deborah did not realize that with proper training, she could remain successful at her job. A co-worker told Deborah about the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. She contacted VR, but was initially in denial about her vision loss and its impact on her life. Although the VR counselor recommended many avenues to improve her status, she participated minimally in services ofered to her. Transportation issues were also a barrier to Deborah maintaining her Deborah’s independence. She had some diiculty adjusting to alternative modes of transportation, and chose not to self-conidence venture out into the community other than for work and increased with the grocery shopping. As her vision loss progressed, she began understanding that counseling that helped her accept and adjust to her disability. she could function as a low-vison / legally blind individual. Deborah’s self conidence began to increase as she gained an understanding and acceptance that she could function well as a low vision/legally blind individual. Deborah received vocational counseling, a vision evaluation, low vision devices, orientation and mobility training, an assistive technology evaluation for a scanning device, adapted computer access training, an oice scanner, JAWS and ZOOMTEXT sotware, and a PAC MATE from VR. New glasses and other tools made it possible for her to continue working at her job. Deborah’s employer agreed to allow modiications to her worksite and workplace environment. Deborah continues to enjoy her full time job with beneits and a retirement package. Deborah has built conidence in her new abilities, including navigating public transportation without apprehension. She donated her car to a charity organization, and became comfortable with making arrangements for others to drive her for shopping, appointments, and work. She has created a more satisfying home and social life for herself and is involved in community activities. Deborah now prepares for classes, has reorganized her library of books, and manages her schedule with ease. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 15 he Vocational Rehabilitation Program T he mission of the Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR) 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. he 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. Eligibility for the VR 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. ARIZONANS EMPLOYED As A Result of VR Services 2,129 2,400 1,933 2,004 2,100 1,800 1,500 1,200 900 600 300 0 2006 2007 2008 State Fiscal Year 2008 Individuals Receiving VR Services, By Disability Total Served: 21,771 Visual Impairme nts Communicative Impairme nts 5% 9% Physical Impairme nts 22% Cognitive Impairme nts 32% Psychosocial Impairme nts Other Mental Impairme nts 16 24% 9% he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report Consumer Satisfaction Survey C onsumers whose cases closed during SFY2008 reported high levels of satisfaction with Rehabilitation Services Administration services, with 79% of respondents indicating they were satisied or very satisied with services received. Year on year comparisons* between SFY2007 and SFY2008 show improvement in satisfaction level for each survey question posed. Of particular note, 69% of respondents reported that they were currently working in SFY2008, compared to 64% of respondents in SFY2007. Additionally, 77% of respondents reported being satisied with their current job versus 60% satisfaction reported in SFY2007. Open-ended responses for SFY2008 indicate ongoing consumer frustration with service provision timelines (also reported in SFY2007) and impacts of RSA staf changes on service continuity and quality. SFY 2007 Responses Overall satisfaction with services provided by VR staff directly, especially your VR Counselor Satisfaction with the last job obtained as a result of receiving VR services Currently working (Y/N) If yes, satisfaction with this job? SFY 2008 Responses Satisfied / Very Satisfied Neutral Satisfied / Very Satisfied Neutral 77% 8% 79% 11% 53% 16% 64% 18% 64% Y — 69% Y — 60% 9% 77% 14% * Note: Prior year statistics included “neutral” responses together with “satisied” and “very satisied” responses. hese igures have been amended to relect industry reporting standards which do not include “neutral” responses in reported levels of overall satisfaction. his chart provides a comparison of SFY2007 and SFY 2008 survey scaled responses. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 17 VR Program Highlights Awards Ceremonies A celebration sponsored by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) took place on October 24, 2007 to honor clients achieving employment and outstanding employers. RSA Districts II and VI conducted the 21st Annual Client and Employer Awards Ceremony. For this event, each VR Counselor in the districts chose one client that they considered to have excelled in becoming employed and the clients chosen were recognized at the ceremony. In addition, each oice in the districts identiied one employer that they have worked with that has made an efort to support VR clients in becoming employed and in maintaining employment. he ceremony took place in the El Pueblo Center gymnasium in Tucson. On hand to present the awards was Representative Olivia Cajero Bedford, Senator Jorge Luis Garcia, Senator Victor Soltero, and Representative Jonathan Paton of the Arizona State Legislature. Each VR Counselor composed a short written description of their client’s achievements regarding obtaining employment and the account was read aloud by one of the legislators. he process was repeated to honor employers. Awards were given to forty nine RSA clients, and to six employers. Friends and family of those being recognized were encouraged to attend. Approximately 250 people attended this event and local agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities had informational tables set up to converse with the celebration participants about what they do. Ticket to Work Ticket to Work (TTW) is a federally funded Social Security Program, administered by Maximus. he TTW program is essentially a voucher system, whereby beneiciaries receiving Social Security Insurance (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can receive vocational rehabilitation services to allow them to go back to work. here are two categories of agencies which can provide services under the TTW program; Employment Network’s (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies. he program is voluntary, thus enabling persons to choose whether or not they are ready to participate. It is the expectation of Social Security and Maximus that recipients will “shop around” to ind out which agency can best server their particular needs. he Social Security Administration has promulgated new regulations for the TTW program, which went into efect on July 21, 2008. he most signiicant changes center on the payment structures to ENs (or VR agencies acting as ENs). he changes make payments to the ENs 18 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report easier for services provided and are designed as part of the marketing plan to enroll more agencies as ENs nationally. he regulation changes afect State VR programs in several ways. he irst change, as Arizona RSA has decided to continue with Cost Reimbursement as their method of payment, is the 1365 Ticket Assignment Form will no longer be used. he new regulations indicate that under cost reimbursement, the ticket is no longer assigned to VR, instead designated as “in service.” Arizona RSA will send to Maximus on a monthly basis a listing of all SSI/SSDI clients in the VR system as ticket holders. Designation of assignment or “in service” is important as it begins the process of CDR Protection, which prevents Social Security re-determination reviews as long as the client is making timely progress on their plans. he second change for VR is notiication at closure to ticket holders to contact Maximus for updated EN information, and a reminder that they have 90 days to assign their ticket to an EN for further services. Arizona RSA is in the process of developing this notiication letter. he inal major change for VR is that Maximus will be conducting yearly reviews to check on the status of clients in plan. his process has not been fully developed, and the irst reviews will not be taking place until 2009. Self-Employment Self employment is an employment opportunity option to assist eligible individuals with disabilities to establish their own business. Vocational Rehabilitation Program clients interested in self employment attend small business training and develop complete, thorough business plans. All self employment business plans of $2,500 or more are reviewed for approval by the Arizona Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation Program Self Employment Review Committee (SERC). he SERC, which formerly met on an as needed basis, began meeting on the irst Friday of the month in SFY2008 which provided a better structure for consumers and counselors completing business plans. Additionally, the SERC instituted a new procedure to provide review results and recommendations the same day of a consumer’s presentation. his allows consumers the opportunity to receive immediate feedback from the committee, or question the committee on their recommendations, funding procedures etc. In SFY2008, 14 business plans were submitted and 13 were approved by the SERC. Since the inception of the committee in 2000, 81 individuals have received funding for their small business and have been provided with the opportunity to use self-employment as a means to a more independent life. 2008 Transition Conference he eighth annual Transition Conference entitled “Transforming Visions to Realities” supported the commitment of Arizona stakeholders to provide efective transition opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities to help prepare them for productive and independent adult life. he Transition Conference was held at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort on September 22nd and 23rd, 2008. Conference participants had the opportunity to attend sessions representing fresh perspectives from national, state, and local experts in the areas of youth and young adult empowerment, family voice, community partnerships, legal he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 19 implications, accessing community resources, assistive and instructional technology, and secure care education. For the third consecutive year, the Conference also highlighted the creativity of youth and young adults with disabilities through displays of their creative artwork, entertainment performances, and their participation as session presenters. he theme of the Conference relected the determination and collaboration through intra and interagency eforts to improve post-secondary opportunities for youth and young adults with disabilities in the areas of employment, education, training, and adult living. Arizona Industries for the Blind Aizona Industries for the Blind (AIB) was established in 1952 to provide employment and training opportunities for individuals who are blind. AIB functions as a self-sustaining enterprise fund operating under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. Employees of AIB have an uncompromising dedication to their work and to the quality of products and services provided to the federal government and U.S. Armed Forces. his results in jobs with competitive wages, beneits, and upward mobility. All employees receive competitive wages with full beneits, including major medical, dental, life insurance and retirement. AIB paid approximately $2.4 million in wages and beneits to over 70 employees, who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, and multiple disabled Arizonans during SFY2008. During SFY 2008, AIB achieved total sales of $16 million, representing an 8% decrease compared to the prior year. he reduction in sales was attributed to decreased demand for products sold to the military. AIB continues to pursue growth opportunities for employment and training in Document Conversion Services, Call Center Operations, Production Services and Warehousing & Distribution. he AIB Rehabilitation Services Unit (RSU) has provided support services to the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the community as well as to 214 blind and visually impaired individuals. hese individuals were provided with one or more of the following services: job placement, job retention, job search skills, labor market surveys, work site assessments, on-thejob training, work adjustment training and assessment, assistive technology training, custom produced turn key computer, and access technology systems. Along with this service provided to individuals, the AIB Rehabilitation Services Unit assisted employers and RSA providers with training and consultation statewide. Business Enterprise Program he Arizona Business Enterprise Program (BEP) trains and places qualiied individuals who are legally blind as operators of food service operations, full service cafeterias, snack bars, git shops, and attended or unattended vending operations. During SFY2008, BEP concentrated its eforts on improving the proitability of facilities, restructuring basic program functions, improving operator accountability through inancial reviews of program facilities, and revising program policy. In addition to these activities, BEP has instituted a new six-month training program. Two new operators were initially trained and the program currently has four trainees 20 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report participating in the training process. he program has been working on, and developing plans to, open two upscale non-cooking snack bars in 2008. One of the new snack bars will be located at the Paradise Valley Community Center in Paradise Valley known as ‘Phoenix Perks’ and the grand opening is scheduled to occur on October 30, 2008. he second snack bar will be located at the Burton Barr Library in central Phoenix with a tentative opening date in January, 2009. BEP is also in the initial planning stages to remodel the Arizona Department of Revenue cafeteria in November of 2008 as well as installing new vending machines in several locations in SFY2009. In addition, BEP completed two new Grantor Agreements in 2008; one with the City of Apache Junction, and another with the City of Glendale. Eforts continue by BEP to discover other vending locations, such as in the Flagstaf area, where an operator/vendor could successfully install vending machines or a food service facility. Navigator Grant In its ith year, the Disability Program Navigator (DPN), through the Department of Labor, has focused on providing resources and referral support to One-Stop and community partners serving people with disabilities in Arizona. he DPN has maintained a key focus on systems change, removing barriers, resource building, and increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the employment community. In addition, Navigators have continued to educate and improve services across the state as each individual Navigator has essential skills and knowledge necessary for their respective locations throughout the state and work collaboratively as a team to ensure all available resources are accessible statewide. Navigators and employers coordinate with various county, city, state, and Jobing.com staf to put on local Job fairs twice a year in both Phoenix and Tucson. Each Jobing.com fair has maintained registrations of at least seven thousand, and the DPNs work diligently to ensure disabilities are not a barrier to employment. he ‘hink Accessibility’ program’s outreach and awareness educates employers on Assistive Technology and provides services to job seekers at the job fairs. Meetings occur with Employment Network Teams on a monthly basis and Navigators assist with presentations for each weekly Job Seekers Employment Network (JSEN-a mini job fair). Navigators also provide assistance at general job fairs as requested by the One-Stop Business Development Staf and every One-Stop job fair, and all partner fairs in the community, have interpreters available. As a team, the Navigators continue to strive towards greater diversiication and expansion throughout the state including educating various agencies and state, county, and city departments regarding accommodations and accessibility. Navigators also conduct workshops to partnering agencies about disability related services and One-Stop Career Center resources as well as meeting with business development staf to provide information on tax credits and tax incentives for businesses who hire individuals with disabilities. Navigators are also in the process of developing relationships with banks, restaurants and some of the new markets opening in the Phoenix area. he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 21 ARSA Statewide Directory Administrative Oices RSA ADMINISTRATION 1789 W. Jeferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 (602) 542-3332 1-800-563-1221 (AZ only) TTY (602) 542-6049 Katharine Levandowsky, Administrator Bertha Villegas-Kinney, Deputy Administrator DISTRICT I ADMIN 3221 N. 16th St., Ste. 200 Phoenix, AZ 85016-7159 (602) 266-6752 TTY (602) 241-1048 Michael Scione, Program Manager DISTRICT II ADMIN 400 W. Congress St., Ste. 420 Tucson, AZ 85701-1363 (520) 628-6810 1-800-835-2100 TTY (520) 628-6864 Joyce Choate, Program Manager DISTRICT III ADMIN 419 N. San Francisco St. Flagstaf, AZ 86001 (928) 637-7960 TTY (928) 774-1941 Phil Clayton, Program Manager DISTRICT IV ADMIN 3780 S. 4th Ave. Yuma, AZ 85365 (928) 247-8880 Darryl Long, Program Manager DISTRICTS V and VI ADMIN 120 E. 1st St. Casa Grande, AZ 85222 (520) 316-9311 Brent Emery, Program Manager DISTRICT I DISTRICT II DISTRICT III DISTRICT IV DISTRICT V DISTRICT VI District I Oices WEST HIGHLAND 103 W. Highland Ave., Ste 202 Phoenix, AZ 85013 (602) 274-0132 NORTH 16TH STREET 4620 N. 16th St., Ste B-106 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 266-9579 TTY (602) 266-9579 GILBERT – TRANSITION SERVICES 2328 W Guadalupe Rd., Bldg. 1 Gilbert, AZ 85233 (480) 820-5629 TEMPE 1270 E. Broadway, Ste. 120 Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 350-9746 SURPRISE 11526 W. Bell Rd. Surprise, AZ 85374 (602) 771-1850 22 SCOTTSDALE 10900 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste 401 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 948-3819 TTY (480)-948-3819 NORTH CENTRAL 3839 N. 3rd St., Ste. 303 Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 266-4434 TTY (602) 266-6716 VETERANS PROJECT 3221 N. 16th St., Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 266-6752 TTY (602) 241-1048 GILBERT – EAST VALLEY 2328 W. Guadalupe Rd., Bldg 1 Gilbert, AZ 85233 (480) 926-5100 CHANDLER 2018 N. Arizona Ave., Ste. D116 Chandler, AZ 85225 (480) 917-0493 TTY (480) 899-5001 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report 7TH STREET – ONE STOP 9801 N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 861-0208 TTY (602) 870-3118 EAST INDIAN SCHOOL 1430 E. Indian School Rd., Ste 100 Phoenix, AZ 85014 (602) 212-0068 TTY (602) 255-5641 TLAQUEPAQUE 4150 W. Peoria Ave., Ste 125 Phoenix, AZ 85029 (602) 564-1812 TTY (602) 548-0308 51ST AVENUE 3406 N. 51st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85031 (602) 247-3304 AVONDALE 290 E. La Canada Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85323 (623) 929-5200 WEST VALLEY – ONE STOP 9770 W. Peoria Ave. Peoria, AZ 85345 (623) 934-3231 SOUTHWEST 4622 W. Indian School Rd., Ste. D12 Phoenix, AZ 85031 (623) 873-4310 TTY (623) 873-4310 METRO CENTER 10640 N. 28th Dr., Ste. B-106 Phoenix, AZ 85029 (602) 789-9129 TTY (602) 789-9129 JUVENILE PROBATION AND PAROLE 22 E. Mitchell Dr., Ste. 104 Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 604-8835 TTY (602) 604-8835 District II Oices TUCSON – ONE STOP 100 N. Stone Ave., Ste. 500 Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 629-0225 TTY (520) 388-9003 NORTH STONE 100 N. Stone Ave., Ste 500B Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 629-0225 TTY (520) 388-9003 ONE STOP CAREER CENTER 340 N. Commerce Park Loop Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 798-0546 EASTSIDE 899 N. Wilmot Rd., Ste. D3 Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 790-4715 TTY (520) 790-8131 NORTHWEST 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste 202 Tucson, AZ 85741 (520) 544-8618 TTY (520) 575-0295 SOUTHSIDE 195 W. Irvington Tucson, AZ 85714 (520) 741-7188 TTY (520) 889-6829 COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER 4710 E. 29th St., Bldg. 8 Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 790-0787 TTY (520) 790-5674 KINO SERVICE CENTER 2797 E. Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713 (520) 243-6776 District III Oices SOUTH PHOENIX 4411 S. 40th St., Ste. D-12 Phoenix, AZ 85040 (602) 470-1802 TTY (602) 470-8056 FLAGSTAFF 1510 S. Riordan Ranch St. Flagstaf, AZ 86001 (928) 779-4147 TTY (928) 779-4147 GILBERT – ONE STOP 735 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 134 Gilbert, AZ 85234 (480) 497-0350 COCONINO WORKFORCE CONNECTION 397 S. Malpais Ln., #9 Flagstaf, AZ 86001 (928) 774-4557 PRESCOTT VALLEY 8128 E. Hwy 69, Ste. 201 Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 (928) 775-0163 he Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report PAGE 1057 Vista Ave. Page, AZ 86040 (928) 645-8103 SHOWLOW 2500 E. Cooley, Ste. 410 Showlow, AZ 85901 (928)-532-4300 PRESCOTT 1519 W. Gurley St., Ste. 12 Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 277-2788 ARIZONA WORKFORCE CONNECTION 8128 E. Hwy 69, Ste 211 Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 (928) 445-5100 COTTONWOOD 1500 E. Cherry St., Ste. H Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (928) 649-6800 TTY (928) 649-6877 District IV Oices KINGMAN 518 E. Beale St., Ste. 130 Kingman, AZ 86401 (928) 753-5105 TTY (928) 753-5105 SAN LUIS AND SOMERTON 663 N. 1st St. San Luis, AZ 85349 (928)722-5545 BULLHEAD CITY 2601 Highway 95 Bullhead City, AZ 86442 (928) 704-7776 TTY (928) 704-7713 HAVASU CITY 232 London Bridge Rd. Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 680-6007 YUMA 1310 S. 3rd Ave. Yuma, AZ 85364 (928) 329-9462 TTY (928) 329-9553 YUMA – ONE STOP 3826 W. 16th St. Yuma, AZ 85364 (928) 329-0990 MOHAVE – ONE STOP 201 N. 4th St. Kingman, AZ 86401 (928) 753-0723 District V Oices CASA GRANDE 318 N. Florence St. Casa Grande, AZ 85222 (520) 836-6388 TTY (520) 426-3963 COOLIDGE 1155 N. Arizona Blvd. Coolidge, AZ 85228 (928) 723-5351 APACHE JUNCTION 11518 E. Apache Trail, Ste. 110 & 111 Apache Junction, AZ 85220 (480) 983-0427 TTY (480) 288-0697 GLOBE 605 S. 7th St. Globe, AZ 85501 (928) 425-3101 PAYSON 122 E. Hwy 260, Ste. 110 Payson, AZ 85541 (928) 474-0784 TTY (928) 474-0784 District VI Oices DOUGLAS 1140 F Ave. Douglas, AZ 85607 (520) 364-4446 1-800-670-2028 BENSON 543 W. 4th St. Benson, AZ 85602 (520) 586-3520 1-877-402-8800 SAFFORD 1938 W. hatcher Blvd. Saford, AZ 85546 (928) 428-7700 TTY (928) 428-7700 SIERRA VISTA 820 E. Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 459-7196 2981 E. Tacoma Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 (520) 459-7063 NOGALES 480 N. Grand Avenue Nogales, AZ 85621 (520) 287-6538 TTY (520) 287-6538 23 Equal Opportunity Employer/Program • Under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI & VII), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Council prohibits discrimination in admissions, programs, services, activities, or employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. he Council 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 if necessary, the Council must provide sign language interpreters for people who are deaf, a wheelchair accessible location, or enlarged print materials. It also means that the Council 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. To request this document in alternative format or for further information about this policy, call 602-364-1773; TTY/TDD Services: 7-1-1. Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council Membership  Do you have ideas that may improve employment opportunities?  Would you like to be an advocate for improving the delivery of Vocational Rehabilitation Program services in Arizona?  Would you enjoy working with other stakeholders from around the state? Become a member of the Governor’s State Rehabilitation Council (SRC)! Get more information by contacting the SRC: Call Us! 602-364-1773, TTY 602-542-6049 Fax Us! 602-542-3778 Browse Our Webpage! http://www.azdes.gov/rsa/srac.asp E-mail our Council Liaison! CMaciel@azdes.gov Write Us! Site Code 930A 1789 W. Jeferson Street, 2nd Flr NW Phoenix, AZ 85007 MIV-234 (12-08)