VR-IL Directory: Other Participants

Other Participants in the VR-IL Employment Outcomes Partnership Project

These collaborations submitted nominations or indicated interest in the VR-IL Project, but did not complete the data collection process. They submitted the brief program descriptions below. Readers may contact the participating ILC and VR agency for more information.

Home-Based Business, Amarillo, Texas
Resource Utilization Network (RUN) CIL and
Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC)

The goal of this project is to develop and maintain a comprehensive self-employment program for individuals with disabilities. TRC has supported this project through funding and referral for RUN CIL to identify, train, and support these persons. The project offers training for business plans, tax info, and small business administration; identifies and recruits appropriate individuals for the program, and assists them in identifying their strengths and talents. Project staff also assist with advertising and promotion techniques.

Rick Van Hersh
RUN CIL
3212 34th Street
Lubbock, TX 79410
Voice: 1-800-429-4371
Fax: (806) 358-3991
Texas Rehabilitation Commission -- Amarillo Office
Jim Haile
5809 S. Western
Amarillo, TX
Voice: (806) 353-7491

Grand Rapids Business Resource Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids CIL and
Michigan Rehabilitation Services -- Michigan Jobs Commission

The project's mission has been to work in partnership with business and industry to address unique disability management needs. It strove to meet the employment needs of employers through workspace evaluations, accommodations, assistance in ADA compliance, and mediation. Services to employers included consultation on, and evaluation of, employment policies and procedures (e.g., related to attendance, workers' compensation, Family and Medical Leave Act, reasonable accommodations, etc.); disability management; office/industrial worksite evaluation; return-to-work case management; risk management; at-risk intervention; assistive technology evaluation, and other workplace issues.

Because the ILC has been redefining its relationship to the VR agency, the nature of this collaboration is expected to change.

Larry Wanger and Beth Harvey
Greater Grand Rapids CIL
3600 Camelot Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Voice: (616) 949-1100
Fax: (616) 949-7865
Betty Shaw Henderson
Michigan Rehabilitation Services -- Michigan Jobs Commission
750 Front Street, Suite 211
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Voice: (616) 242-6450

Journey into Opportunity and Beginnings (JOBS), Hot Springs, Arkansas
Spa Area Independent Living Services, Inc. and
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

This project aims to assist more people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. One objective is to work with consumers of VR services toward increased self-esteem, confidence and job seeking skills, making them more competitive in the job market. JOBS consists of a comprehensive two-week class focusing on the skills needed to obtain competitive employment. The course includes topics such as resume writing, job search, application process, ADA Title I training, mock interviews, etc. All of this is provided in a peer environment, facilitated by peers.

Brenda Tweedle, Executive Director
Spa Area Independent Living Services, Inc.
600 Main Street
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Voice: (501) 624-7710
Fax: (501) 624-7510
sails@direclynx.net
Bobby Simpson, Commissioner
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
PO Box 3781
Little Rock, AR
Voice: (501) 296-6104

American Indian. Cultural Awareness Workshops, New Mexico/Arizona
San Juan Independent Living Center (Aztec, New Mexico);
Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (ARSA) -- Flagstaff District Office and
Navaho Nation Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (NNOSERS)

This collaborative effort began in 1997, when staff from ARSA, NNOSERS, San Juan CIL, and the American Indian Rehabilitation Research and Training Center initiated a pilot training workshop to improve independent living service delivery to American Indian consumers and thus provide a foundation for better employment outcomes. An evaluation after nine months showed that 89% of active participants had improved or increased their level of IL services to American Indian consumers.

Policy makers and direct service providers were able to identify differences among American Indian cultures, identify strategies for successful IL services, apply cultural awareness in their work, and create outreach to American Indians with severe or significant disabilities living on and off Indian lands. Cultural awareness workshops consisted of consumer panels, IL and VR service providers, and Tribal members. Development of action plans included working with the various organizations and the distribution of manuals, reports, and directories among American Indian tribes. Workshops also consisted of cultural sensitivity training for IL service providers about American Indian diversity.

Treva Roanhorse
Director
Navajo Nation Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
PO Box 1420
Window Rock, AZ 86515
Voice: (520) 871-6338
Fax: (520) 871-7865
Russ Bull
Independent Living Counselor
Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
1510 S. Riordan Ranch
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Voice: (520) 779-4147
Fax: (520) 774-6915
Sherry Watson
Independent Living Director
San Juan Center for Independent Living
504 N. Main
Aztec, NM 87410
Voice: (505) 334-5805
Fax: (505) 334-5528

Technology to Assist the Blind, Mobile, Alabama
Independent Living Center of Mobile and
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

This collaboration is based on a written fee-for-service agreement between the regional office of the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mobile ILC. One goal of this project is to train low vision and blind consumers to operate computer systems and perform clerical functions in an office environment. Activities include an introduction to the keyboard and typing speed drills. The computer systems that are instructed include Microsoft Word, Windows for the Blind, Excel, and Quick Books. Clients are also taught filing and reading Braille. In addition, the collaboration supports a driver's training program on a fee-for-service basis. Both these training programs are offered to non-VR consumers.

William Gamble
Independent Living Center of Mobile
5304B Overlook Road
Mobile, AL 36618
Voice: (334) 460-0301
Fax: (334) 460-0302
Jerry Williamson
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services --
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
2419 Gordon Smith Drive
Mobile, AL 36617-2395
Voice: (334) 479-8611
Toll Free: 1-800-671-6842
Fax: (334) 471-6018

Partnering for Placement, Frankfort, Kentucky
Center for Accessible Living and
Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

The goal of this project is to place people with severe disabilities into competitive employment. Staffs of the ILC and VR meet with consumers to assist in finding employment outcomes that best met the goals of the individual in the occupation they have identified and work on placing individuals in traditional employment opportunities. The project has been successful in placing individuals in professional as well as trade and service-related occupations. Through a cross-referral system, consumers undergo intake interviews with members of staff of both agencies to help establish career goals, plan for developing resumes, and schedule interviews. Members of the Business Advisory Council provide informational interviews for consumers and notify employment staff about job openings in their respective companies. ILC staff provide technical assistance as needed. VR has placed a full-time employee on site at the ILC to work on this program.

Jan Day
Executive Director
Center for Accessible Living
981 S. Third Street
Louisville, KY 40203
Voice: (502) 589-6620
Fax: (502) 589-3980
janday@callou.win.net
Sam Serraglio
Commissioner
Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
309 St. Clair Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Voice: (502) 564-4440
Fax: (502) 564-6745

New Options for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury, Capitola, California
Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) and
California Department of Rehabilitation (DR).

This collaboration, based in a rural area, involves an interagency agreement between the county Department of Mental Health, the DR district office, and CCCIL. The goal of the program is to provide intensive services to survivors of traumatic brain injuries. DR reimburses CCCIL for "personal social adjustment services," including an individualized small group course in independent living, identifying and coping with barriers to employment, and increasing self-awareness, time management skills, self-esteem, and anger management skills. Ongoing services are also provided. As of June 1999, 12 consumers had completed the course with nine individuals still enrolled.

New Options is one of four demonstration projects originally supported by state funds for services to TBI survivors; at New Options, these state funds have been used to leverage federal vocational rehabilitation funding.

Liz Sparks
Central Coast Independent Living Center
1395 41st Street
Capitola, CA 95010
Voice: (831) 462-8720
TDD: (831) 462-8729
Fax: (831) 462-8727
sparks@cccil.org
Dan Clark
Program Analyst. Independent Living
Department of Rehabilitation
2000 Evergreen Street
Sacramento, CA 95815

Getting the Job Done, West Plains, Missouri
Ozark Independent Living
Missouri Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and
Lakes County Rehabilitation Center

"Getting the Job Done" involves the close partnership of the ILC, VR agency, and not-for-profit Lakes County Rehabilitation Center. This rehabilitation facility provides assessments, placement services, and supported employment purchased by VR. The ILC provides supportive services and is a financial resource for consumers' independent living needs, and offers supported employment follow-along services for mutual consumers who are seeking an employment outcome. The VR agency worked closely with the facility's main office in developing needed services for people with disabilities in this rural setting. Likewise, the establishment of a new ILC was a major goal of the District VR office. One unique feature of this collaboration is that the ILC and the rehabilitation facility chose to co-locate in order to provide a more complete service to consumers and to more efficiently utilize limited funds.

Dianna Weaver
Lake County Rehabilitation Center
1562 Imperial Center
West Plains, MO 65775
Voice: (417) 257-1545
Fax: (417) 256-0236
lcrcwp@townsqr.com
Charles Kimberlin
District Supervisor
Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
3417 Division Drive, Suite 2
West Plains, MO 65775
Voice: (417) 256-8294
Fax: (417) 256-8479

Job Coaching Contract, Casper, Wyoming
Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation (WILR) and
Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

This project provides on-the-job training and/or work experience for each consumer to enable him/her to compete for job openings on an equal basis with non-disabled applicants. Other organizations have replicated the concept and process for people with specific job training needs. Each VR counselor sets up a job-coaching plan with the consumer, hires the job coach, develops the employer site and sets paperwork in motion. If the consumer does not need a job coach, service can be provided as a "work experience." DVR cannot pay either the consumer or the job coach directly, so WILR acts as the fiscal agent, paying salaries, performing required paperwork, and assuming employer costs.

Carol Kinney
Executive Director
Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation
305 West 1st
Casper, WY 82601
Voice/TDD: (307) 266-6956
Fax: (307) 266-6957
ckinney@trib.com
Jim McIntosh
Field Services Operations
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
1100 Herschler Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7389
Fax: (307) 777-5939

Peer Mentors, Klamath Falls, Oregon
SPOKES Unlimited and
Oregon Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

This project aims to increase informed choice about vocational services, consumer involvement in the rehabilitation process, and quality of jobs/careers. The project also works to match consumers' interests, skills, and accommodation needs; to increase the retention rate due to more appropriate job placements and post-employment support from peers; and to increase linkages between ILCs and the rehabilitation systems toward an eventual fee-for-service for IL peer mentors. ILC staff work with consumers of VR and Oregon Commission for the Blind to conduct personal interest/skills inventory assessments using Person Centered planning and other techniques. Staff also work with consumers to develop skills needed to become more active participants in their meetings with VR counselors, and to become ready for job searches (e.g., preparation for job interviews). Peer Mentors assist consumers and VR counselors to identify other needed supports and resources that impact success in job placement. The project works to remove other independent living barriers to employment and to provide needed follow-up after job placement.

SPOKES Unlimited
111 N. 7th St.
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Voice: (541) 883-7547
Fax: (541) 885-2469
sustaff@cdsnet.net
Georgie Isaiah
VR Counselor
725 NE 7th, Suite C
Grants Pass, OR 97526
VoiceTTY: (541) 474-3130
Fax: (541) 474-3135

Assistive Technology Access Centers, Utah
Active Re-Entry (Price)
Options for Independence (Logan) and
Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR)

The goal is for USOR to contract with two ILCs to provide assistive technology services in order to increase employment among VR participants throughout northern and eastern Utah. Two ILCs are designated as Assistive Technology (AT) Access Centers with AT Coordinators who frequently visit VR offices in the districts to educate counselors on AT and to obtain referrals. The AT Coordinators do assessments and make recommendations to VR Coordinators. Two other ILCs participate but not through contract with USOR.

Helen Roth
Options for Independence
1095 N. Main Street
Logan, UT 84341
Voice: (435) 753-5353
Fax: (435) 753- 5390
hroth@optionsind.org
Blaine Petersen
Utah State Office of Rehabilitation
250 E. 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Voice/TDD: (801) 538-7530
Fax: (801) 538-7522

Vocational Services for VR consumers, Homer, Alaska
Kenai Peninsula ILC and
Alaska Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

The ILC contracts with a branch office of the VR agency to provide vocational services and independent living services to VR clients on a fee-for-service basis. The goal is to achieve excellent employment outcomes, consumer control, and cost efficiency. Among other services, the ILC counsels VR-eligible consumers on making optimal use of Social Security Disability/SSI work incentives.

Joyanna Geisler
Kenai Peninsula Independent Living Center
Box 2474
Homer, AK 99603
(907) 235-6235
(907) 235-6236
ilc@xyz.net
Duane French
Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
810 W. 10th Street, Suite 200
Juneau, AK 99801-1894
Phone: (907) 465-2814
Fax: 907) 465-2856

Job Skills Training, Kansas
Three Rivers Independent Living Resource Center (Wamego) and
Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services -- Manhattan Area office

Three Rivers ILC staff assist mutual VR/ILC consumers to obtain employment by teaching job skills targeting the needs and issues of people with disabilities. Through learning job-search skills such as interviewing, consumers are educated about their rights as job seekers and the civil rights provisions pertaining to the types of questions they may be asked in the course of job interviews. Consumers also learn other job-search skills such as creating resumes and cover letters.

In addition, the ILC has a distinctive face-to-face referral process that incorporates the agency's advocacy services.

Jaclyn Anderson
Three Rivers Independent Living
Resource Center
408 Lincoln, PO Box 408
Wamego, KS 66547-0408
Voice/TDD: (785) 456-9915
Fax: (785) 456-9923
Hank Harman
Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor
Kansas Rehabilitation Services --
Manhattan Area Office
2709 Amherst
Manhattan, KS 66505
Phone: (785) 539-5804
Fax: (785) 539-0179

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