QUALITY OF THE PROJECT DESIGN 15 Points (recommend 5 pages)

Project Design Overall plan for the project Goals, objectives, outcomes, and methodology Design is directed toward the provision of VR services leading to consumer employment outcomes.

(c) Quality of Project Design The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project based on the following factors: 1. Goals, objectives, and outcomes…are clearly specified and measurable. 2.Appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs… 3. Coordinated with similar or related efforts… 4. Encourages consumer involvement 5. The quality of the methodology...

Selection Criteria (c) 1 The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.

Goals General, overarching statements of what will be accomplished (no more than 1 or 2). Provide VR services to American Indians with disabilities who reside on the ABC reservation or within a 20 mile radius of the reservation. Related to the purpose of the funder to prepare tribal consumers for gainful employment consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and informed choice.

Objectives Measurable, time-oriented actions taken to accomplish the goal(s) (limit 3-6). Stated in quantifiable terms. Stated in terms of outcomes (not methods, procedures or input) Clearly identify the population group being served. Be realistic and capable of being accomplished within the time frame indicated. During Year 1, ABC reservation will provide VR services to a minimum of 25 American Indians with disabilities who live on or within a 20 mile radius of the reservation.

Objectives (cont’d) Objectives are Action Oriented You are doing something to/with a population Increase, Decrease, Reduce, Expand Objectives are SMART! Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Time Oriented

Selection Criteria (c) 2 The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs.

Appropriateness of Design Briefly restate needs What are the key components of your Project Design? How does each component address the needs and fill the gaps and weaknesses? How will these components lead to attainment of goal(s)

Appropriateness of Design (cont’d) Design is derived from knowledge, experience, and input Focus Groups Consumer Surveys Input from Stakeholders Program Evaluations

Selection Criteria (c) 3 The extent to which the proposed project will be coordinated with similar or related efforts, and with other appropriate community, State, and Federal resources.

Coordination with Other Resources State VR (required) Establishing/established cooperative working agreement [34 CFR (g)] Related Services Indian Health Services Education Mental Health Employment Other

Coordination with Other Resources (cont’d) How will the tribe/project ensure the use of qualified providers [34 CFR (j)] Include in appendices Letters of Commitment and Support Memorandums of Understanding

Selection Criteria (c) 4 The extent to which the proposed project encourages consumer involvement.

Consumer Involvement Consumer = American Indians with disabilities Opportunities to participate in the development and implementation of general program policies 34 CFR (f) Advisory Committee 34 CFR Membership must include individuals with disabilities Focus Group Participants Consumer Satisfaction Surveys

Consumer Involvement (cont’d) Develop Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) jointly with consumers Sec. 102(b)(c)(B) and 34 CFR (e) Provide opportunity to exercise informed choice Employment VR services to be provided Who will provide services

Selection Criteria (c) 5 The quality of the methodology to be employed in the proposed project.

Methodology Who, how, and what of the program design Tasks/activities you will undertake to accomplish your objectives Objective: recruit 25 participants annually Methodology: The project coordinator will distribute flyers and discuss the project to potential consumers at the tribal council meeting on an annual basis, as well as solicit potential participants through collaborating partners.

Methodology (cont’d) Describe how the activities contribute to employment outcomes Highlight activities that reflect “cultural appropriateness”

Special Application Requirements Be sure your design is compatible with the assurance statements made in response to the special application requirements at 34 CFR § (a)-(k)