Definitions

Some terminology in the Menu of Services may require an explanation in order for the process and components to be understood.

Accreditation:

The basis of accreditation is to determine how the process and procedures the organization has developed are producing positive outcomes in the lives of the persons served, the organization and the community. It is the industry’s recognition of a quality service or program. It is the policy of the VR to use CRPs that are accredited by appropriate accreditation organizations, such as Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL); the International Center for Clubhouse Development; Project Search International; the Council on Accreditation (COA); and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO). VR will apply its own standards to those programs which are in the process of becoming accredited. VR requires service providers to be trained through one of the following options: IA-APSE (Association of Persons Supporting Employment First); or DirectCourse; or to have credentials as a licensed Educator or Paraeducator in the State of Iowa; or worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor; or is credentialed by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) and has at least 6 months of practical experience.

Authorization:

A VR-generated document that authorizes a purchase transaction much like a purchase order to control the purchasing of services from approved providers. An authorization sets forth the descriptions, quantities, prices, date of performance, other associated terms and conditions, and identifies a specific provider which has been approved to work with VR. Authorizations are mailed, faxed, or emailed by VR to a CRP/IP once the employment service is agreed upon by all parties. An authorization is signed by the CRP/IP and returned to VR once the employment service is completed. The authorization and accompanying form for the service must be received in order for VR to issue payment to a vendor (see “Documentation” definition).

Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE):

Work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis including self-employment for which an individual:

1. Is compensated at a rate that shall not be less than the federal minimum wage; and
2. Is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other employees who are not individuals with disabilities, and who are in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; or
3. In the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is
   comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are self-employed in similar occupations or on similar tasks, and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
4. Is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees;
5. Is at a location where the employee interacts with other persons who are not individuals with disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are providing services to such employee) to the same extent that individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are in comparable positions interact with other persons; and
6. Presents opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other
   employees who are not individuals with disabilities, and who have similar
   positions.

Documentation:

A report that is due with the signed authorization to support services rendered. Documentation requirements should demonstrate billed units, in 15-minute increments and submitted to VR within 30 days after services have been provided. The report should have the following parts:

• The name of the JC
• The name of the service rendered
• Date(s) of service
• Start and end times to the minute of each date service was rendered
• Total number of service units rendered
• Total number of units claimed
• Details that includes:
  • Activities completed/observed and signs of fading if doing job coaching
    • Progress updates and/or new barriers to be addressed
    • Next Steps and/ or CRP/IP recommendation(s)
• CRP/IP Provider name and signature

Employment Specialist:

An individual trained by an IVRS approved training program as a job developer, job coach, or a certified employment specialist professional (CESP).

Exception to Policy:

An occurrence deemed needed that is beyond the scope of current policy and procedures. An example is a billable service that exceeds the maximum number of units and must be approved in advance by VR staff for funding to continue.

Extended Supports:

Means job coaching after stabilization and follow-along services that are required after 90 days of stabilized employment. VR staff must obtain a commitment from the funding source to provide, at a minimum, twice-monthly monitoring of these services at the work site to assess employment stability. These services are provided by a state agency, a private nonprofit organization, an employer, or any other appropriate resource, after an individual has made the transition from supported job coaching services from IVRS. The funding source for this service is any organization other than IVRS that makes the commitment. The financial support for the extended supports is paid from funds other than those received from the State and Federal VR program. If it is determined in the IPE that off-site monitoring is most appropriate, then it should, at a minimum, consist of two meetings with the individual and one contact with the employer each month. The VR counselor must assure that the plan of natural support is implemented.

Homemaker:

A person who spends their time looking after a home, household and doing housework rather than being employed outside the home.

Informed Choice (in relation to CIE):

Decisions empowered by the individual with disabilities to make choices and decisions for themselves. Informed choice involves presenting options and education on alternatives without opinion or prejudice. Informed choice respects the individual’s right to make decisions and requires clear discussion; recognizing that every individual has the basic right to choose their own future. Individuals’ and their families’ initial response when offered integrated options may be reluctance or hesitancy. Public entities must take affirmative steps to remedy this history of segregation and prejudice in order to ensure that individuals have an opportunity to make an informed choice. Such steps include providing information about the benefits of integrated settings; facilitating visits or other experiences in such settings; and offering opportunities to meet with other individuals with disabilities who are living, working, and receiving services in integrated settings, with their families, and with community providers. Public entities also must make reasonable efforts to identify and address any concerns or objections raised by the individual or another relevant decision-maker.

Individual Plan for Employment (IPE):

The plan of services developed between VR and a JC to identify a vocational goal and the mutually agreed upon services to reach that goal is called the IPE.

Instructional Training:

Training on employability skills provided to a student with a disability. Employability skills may include programming to develop social skills and independent living, such as communication and interpersonal skills, financial literacy, orientation and mobility skills, job seeking skills, understanding employer expectations for punctuality and performance, as well as other “soft” skills necessary for employment. This service is provided in the early stages of career exploration during the student’s transition process and usually funded by the student’s school.

Natural Supports:

Supports provided to an employee with a disability from supervisors and co-workers, such as mentoring, friendship, socializing at breaks or after work, providing feedback on job performance or learning a new skill together. A plan for natural supports requires a detailed description of how the natural support will be trained and the agreement on how to connect with the long-term provider when difficulties arise requiring more continued involvement by the CRP/IP. A natural support plan report is required for all cases with supported employment support.

Payment Schedule:

The set fee paid to a provider for each 15-minute unit of service rendered.

Performance Measures:

The specific activities and actions that must occur before the service has been completed. The completion of Performance Measures identifies when the final outcome has been accomplished.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS):

Are services for all students with disabilities, age 21 and under, in need of such services who are served by their local education agency under an IEP or 504 accommodation(s) plan. Pre-ETS includes: Job Exploration Counseling, Work-Based Learning Experiences, Counseling on Opportunities, Workplace Readiness Training, and Self-Advocacy.

Pre-ETS Supported Short-Term Paid Work Experience Development:

The development of a paid work-based learning experience that is short-term and provided to a student with a disability in a competitive integrated setting. This service is provided by VR in collaboration with the local educational agency (LEA) in the early stages of career exploration during the student’s transition process. For a student who requires this service, an instructional trainer needs to be coordinated with the LEA and the student must be Most Significantly Disabled.

Seasonal Work:

CIE that is time limited. VR cannot consider seasonal work successful unless the employer waives the employee from having to look for a job under Unemployment and commits to bringing back the individual for continued employment (ex. construction work).

Stabilization:

The point at which a JC has successfully adjusted to their position and requires only ongoing support services (extended services) to maintain employment.

Student with a Disability:

An individual with a disability in a secondary, post-secondary, or other recognized education program who

• Is 21 years of age and younger; and
• Is eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under an IEP; or
• Is a student who is an individual with a disability, for purposes of Section 504.

Supported Employment:

CIE, including customized employment, that requires additional support, including supported employment services and extended services in order to perform the work involved.

Supported Employment Services (SES):

Ongoing support services, including customized employment, supported employment job coaching, plan for natural support, and job follow-up needed to support and maintain an individual with the most significant disability in CIE.

Training Wage:

CRP payment to VR JC at prevailing wage for any work performed. Reimbursement provided by VR to a CRP for the performance of work completed by the JC during a Workplace Readiness Assessment, Work Adjustment Training, Adult Work Based Learning experience, or any other on the job service. A CRP assumes responsibility for all liabilities occurring at the work site. The training wage equivalent to the prevailing wage can be submitted to VR for reimbursement. An approved percentage for additional costs to the CRP will be factored in as part of the payment claim submitted to VR for reimbursement (ex. Worker’s Compensation, Insurance, payroll expenses, etc.).  Training wage amounts vary from one CRP to another and payments that exceed minimum wage must be approved in advance by VR administration.

Unit:

A 15-minute increment of time (1 unit = 15 minutes).

Volunteering:

A job that is unpaid. VR is unable to write a plan for employment or close a JC’s case as successful with a vocational goal of “volunteering.” This type of opportunity may fall under employment services such as: Workplace Readiness assessment, Job Shadow, Career Exploration, or possibly Work Adjustment training.

Youth with Disabilities:

An individual with a disability or disabilities who is not older than 24 years of age and not younger than 14 years of age.