What's New at DRS
Governor Kaine Announces Federal Approval to Provide Personal Assistance Services to Workers with Disabilities.
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand services available to workers with disabilities who are enrolled in Virginia’s MEDICAID WORKS program.
“With the approval of this alternative benefits package, we can further extend opportunities for Virginians with disabilities to work and achieve greater self-reliance,” Governor Kaine said. “As we continue efforts in workforce development for the Commonwealth, it is important to include this often untapped pool of potential workers so that they, too, have access to meaningful career opportunities.”
Read more at the Governor's web site.
The Governor’s Plan for Workforce Development Workforce Investment Act: State Partner Memorandum of Instruction and Understandings.
This State Memorandum of Instruction and Understandings (MOU) is by and between the following Governor’s Cabinet Secretaries and the following agencies that provide workforce, employment and training activities or supportive services. For more information, please see the links below.
- Memorandum of Instruction and Understandings (MOU) - WORD
- Appendix C - Sample Local Memorandum of Understanding - WORD
- State MOU Charts, Partner Info and Cost Data - EXCEL
Governor Kaine Signs Legislation on Military and Veterans Issues
April 4 — Governor Timothy M. Kaine today ceremonially signed several General Assembly bills providing support and assistance to military personnel, veterans and their families, demonstrating Virginia’s continued bipartisan support for active duty service members, Guardsmen and Reservists, veterans and their families
Virginia Business selects TecAccess as Small Business Success Story of the Year.
Rockville, VA - February 1, 2008-- TecAccess, an international leader in accessibility and workforce solutions, has been selected as both the regional and overall state winner of the annual "Small Business Success Story of the Year," by Virginia Business magazine. TecAccess, with its primary office located in Virginia, is featured in the February issue of Virginia Business along with other leading entrepreneurial ventures throughout the state competing in the rigorous competition. Read more on the TechAccess Web Site.
DePaul Study Finds Performance of Workers with Disabilities Favorable.
A recent DePaul University study found that workers with disabilities performed as well as other workers, while requiring about the same amount of supervision and minimal accommodations. Among other findings of the study, workers with disabilities had fewer unscheduled absences than those without disabilities; and those with disabilities took fewer scheduled absences than those without disabilities. The study said the benefits of hiring people with disabilities includes having "dedicated and reliable employees" and a more diverse workforce. To read an article on the study, visit: http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2008/02/performance-of.html.
Virginia gets Top Grade in Performance
Government Performance Project gives Virginia “A-“ overall score
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia again received the top score in the Government Performance Project’s “Grading the States 2008” report, the nation’s only comprehensive, independent analysis of how well each state performs in serving the public. In the first such rating in three years, Virginia achieved an overall grade of A- for performance. Two other states – Utah and Washington - received an A- grade, and the national average was B-. Virginia also received an A- ranking in the most recent “Grading the States” assessment in 2005.
Governor Kaine released the following statement in response to receiving the top ranking:
“My top priority is serving our citizens in a smart and efficient way, and I am so proud of the way our state employees have risen to the challenge. The GPP grade card gives Virginia an A for ‘People,’ and that is the heart of our success. I am also proud of the work that the Council on Virginia’s Future has done on the Virginia Performs website, which focuses our management effort on results and gives citizens unprecedented access to information about state services and outcomes.
“I would also like to thank the General Assembly and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission for their continued work and commitment to keeping Virginia one of the best managed states in the nation.
“Achieving a top grade doesn’t mean that we don’t have work to do to improve. The one area where Virginia’s performance achieved less than an A grade was in infrastructure, which offers a timely reminder of the importance of addressing our transportation and state building needs. I look forward to working with our employees and the General Assembly to address these needs and keep Virginia moving forward.”
The Government Performance Project’s press release can be accessed online. To access the entire report, including Virginia’s report card, please visit the Government Performance Project Web site. The GPP's information for Virginia is available on the Pew's Center on the States (PCS) Web Site.
Virginia launches website describing community living choice project for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Virginia is one of 31 states participating in a five-year, $1.75 billion Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration project designed to create a system of long-term services and supports that assist individuals to transition from certain long-term care institutions into the community. This project supports Virginia’sOlmstead initiative and complements the efforts of the recently awarded Systems Transformation Grant that aims to improve the infrastructure for community-based long-term supports. Virginia’s MFP project, administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services, will make over $28 million in federal Medicaid funds available to support Virginia’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.
For more details and the most current information on the MFP project, pleasevisit http://www.olmsteadva.com/mfp.
Studies Cite Head Injuries as Factor in Some Social Ills
New research indicates hidden traumatic brain injuries can cause social or educational failure, such as alcoholism or homelessness. The Wall Street Journal’s Tom Burton talks with researchers at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York for some insight. Read full article or visit the Wall Street Journal Online (External Site).
20,000 vets' brain injuries not listed in Pentagon tally - USATODAY.com
At least 20,000 U.S. troops who were not classified as wounded during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have been found with signs of brain injuries, according to military and veterans records compiled by USA TODAY. Read more at the USATODAY.com web site.
Style Weekly: Disabling Barriers
The Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services makes inroads with state employers. A success story at the Omni Hotel.Alicia Minns doesn’t like thinking about her unlikely prospects nearly a decade ago. That was before she found her home at the Omni Hotel in downtown Richmond with the help of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services. Read more at the Style Weekly web site.
Own Your Future
No one ever said aging would be easy, but there are steps you can take to age well! Take time now to prepare for your long-term care needs. Long-term care refers to a broad range of supportive medical, personal, and social services required by people who are unable to meet their basic living needs for an extended period of time. Learn more about how you can Own Your Future by reviewing the resources available at www.vda.virginia.gov/oyf.
2008 State Plan Public Comments
Read the 2008 State Plan Public Comments (Word Document)
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers who are eligible for and claim the credit. The credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund.
For just a few more dollars... unlimited horizons for deserving Americans
Read article by Sallie Rhodes, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR). Here is an excerpt: The public Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, which is authorized by Congress, assists approximately 1.5 million individuals with significant disabilities annually by providing services and supports to overcome barriers to employment. Last year, VR helped 217,800 individuals go to work, earn good wages, and pay taxes that in a very short time will far exceed the VR dollars spent on their behalf.
Longitudinal Study of the Vocational Rehabilitation Service Program
Highlights and Significance. (PowerPoint Download)
