McFarlane, Schroeder and Enriquez (2014) wrote that the challenge is to ensure continuity in our government support systems for workforce development that addresses both the unique needs of the individual with a disability and the organizational systems through which public policies are carried out. This study sought to understand the challenges and needs of the state-federal VR program from the director’s perspective and to determine how these directors see the future of the public VR program. The study provides an in-depth examination of the research question “How do state-federal VR directors view the future of the public rehabilitation program, and what resources do they believe they need to create or to enhance their agencies’ success in light of the changes occurring in the field?” The 12 participants identified for inclusion in this study were state-federal VR directors leading higher-functioning VR agencies, based on three years of RSA 911 data from combined or general VR agencies in the continental United States. The results indicate that the state-federal VR directors interviewed are collaborating with workforce partners, school systems and other partners to meet the mandates of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Issues and concerns related to agency implementation of WIOA were examined. Creating a better world for people with disabilities was examined in terms of agency actions and policies. VR directors’ thoughts on their own training needs, and that of their staff, were shared.The findings from this study may be able to assist stakeholders in understanding and developing resources and supports that state-federal VR directors believe are needed in order to successfully operate public VR programs into the future.
Read
