The District of Columbia Rehabilitation Services Administration, The State Rehabilitation Council, and The Statewide Independent Living Council COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT 2014

What is a CSNA and Why is it Done? An assessment of the needs of persons with disabilities Agencies are required to relate the planning of programs and services to those needs Informs the annual State Plan Required every three years by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended 34 CFR requires a triennial State Plan for Independent Living DCRSA included the IL needs assessment with the VR needs assessment This CSNA fulfills the CSNA for the next three years

A Note on This Report Included an assessment of needs like last year Investigates some other areas that will be highlighted in this report Includes an assessment of IL needs and the IL system in the District

Thank You Andy Reese, Deputy Director Dan Dougherty, Management Analyst Romeo Ymalay, Project Manager Shawn Callaway, SRC Chair Sylvia Bailey-Charles, Supervisory Business Relations Specialist, DCRSA Nicole Boykin, Business Services Supervisor (Acting), DCRSA Anita Curry, DCRSA Lavonne Chambers, DCRSA Darnise Bush, DCRSA Marsha Thompson, Secretary, Statewide Independent Living Council Richard Simms, Executive Director, DC Center for Independent Living

Areas of Investigation Overall Agency Performance Needs of persons with the most significant disabilities including their need for supported employment Needs of persons who are minorities or who have been unserved or underserved by DCRSA Needs of persons in transition

More Areas of Investigation Needs of persons served through the workforce development system Need to establish, develop or improve community rehabilitation programs in the District Needs of business relating to recruiting, hiring, accommodating and retaining persons with disabilities Independent living needs

Methods of Inquiry Electronic surveys of persons with disabilities, DCRSA staff, businesses, and community partners Hard copy VR and IL surveys sent to persons with disabilities Focus groups of persons with disabilities, DCRSA staff and community partners Individual interviews with persons with disabilities (VR and IL focused), DCRSA and DCCIL staff, community partners and businesses Analysis of existing demographic and agency-specific data

Research Results Research Method Research Group and Count VR Consumers IL Consumers VR and IL Partner DCRSA Staff DCCIL Staff Business Individual Interview Electronic Survey Hard Copy Survey Focus Group

Survey Return Rates GroupRate VR Persons with Disabilities10% IL Persons with Disabilities19% Community Partners14% Businesses8% DCRSA Staff41%

Findings

Section 1: Overall Agency Performance Recurring themes across all data gathering methods Improved and increased community outreach by DCRSA Improved quality assurance and review Improved organizational culture Need to broaden the range and diversity of jobs obtained for DCRSA consumers

Overall Agency Statistics Data Element Total applications Average eligibility determination time59 days41 days 47 days Average plan development time49 days44 days 47 days Persons whose cases were closed with employment outcomes Persons whose cases were closed without employment outcomes Total number of persons whose cases were closed after receiving services Employment rate35.52%28.93% 56.99% Persons whose cases were closed with supported employment outcomes Average cost per employment outcome$3,488.41$3, $4, Average cost per unsuccessful employment outcome$1,946.16$2,263.38$3, Average hourly earnings for competitive employment outcomes$13.46$12.60$12.31 Average state hourly earnings$39.33$36.51$40.35 Percent average hourly earnings for competitive employment outcomes to state average hourly earnings 34.22%34.51%30.51% Average hours worked per week for competitive employment outcomes Percent of transition age served to total served26.21%25.43%23.62% Employment rate for transition population served32.44%35.28%55.64% Average time between application and closure (in months) for persons with competitive employment outcomes

Range and Diversity of Jobs

Repeat Cases Linked to types of jobs and self-sufficiency is number of cases Case number Number % of TotalNumber % of TotalNumber % of Total % % % % % % % % % % % % %653.47%692.85% %261.39%361.49% %140.75%190.79% %00.00%60.25% %20.11%30.12% % %

Common Barriers to Employment Not enough available jobs Not having enough education or training Employer’s perceptions about hiring persons with disabilities Lack of job search skills Transportation Lack of job skills Lack of accommodations

Provider and Staff Comments on Barriers Social skills Lack of education and training (including literacy) Housing Criminal history Mental health issues Substance abuse issues Childcare

Barriers to Accessing Services Slow service delivery Agency responsiveness Inadequate assessment services Accessibility of office Difficulties completing the application and IPE Difficulties accessing training or education programs

Recommendations Continue training on improving program performance Develop outreach and marketing materials for the general program Improve the intake process Broaden the range of jobs through: o Use of labor market information to improve career exploration and preparation o Expand evaluation criteria for staff – likely under WIOA o Consider placement in preliminary jobs as consumers progress in longer term plans o Develop and nurture partnerships for holistic approach including literacy, housing and short-term vocational training

SECTION TWO: NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES, INCLUDING THEIR NEED FOR SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

Recurring Themes Improved relationship between DCRSA and The Developmental Disabilities Administration Need for supported employment for persons with mental health impairments – lack of awareness of available services Persons with multiple disabilities have multiple needs The return to work behavior of SSI/DI recipients is affected by their fear of losing benefits

Disability Types Served by DCRSA Type of Disability Mental Health Impairment % of total48%45% Blindness % of total2%1% Deafness % of total2%4% 2% Physical Impairment % of total15%14% Cognitive Impairment % of total27%26% 28% Hearing Loss % of total1% Mobility Ortho/Neuro Impairment % of total4%6% 5% Other Vision Loss % of total1% 2% Communication21 27 % of total1%

Increasing Significance of Disability Significance of Disability Most Significant66%53%55% Significant26%38%39% Not Significant8%9%6% Beneficiary Type SSI % of total8%25%26% SSDI % of total3%8% Both SSI and SSDI % of total1%2%1%

Common Consumer Barriers Mental Health Impairments Substance abuse and legal issues Literacy concerns Lack of job skills and training Social and soft skills concerns Housing

Recommendations Further educate staff on availability of the Department of Behavioral Health as an extended service provider for supported employment Utilize the Partnership Plus model for extended service provision for SSI/DI beneficiaries Ensure that housing and literacy is assessed and resource information is available Increase work experiences, possibly through temp agencies Develop computer skills training in addition to the other workshops they provide to consumers

SECTION THREE: NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES FROM DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS, INCLUDING NEEDS OF PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN UNSERVED OR UNDERSERVED BY THE VR PROGRAM

Recurring Themes Persons that are White, Hispanic and Asian may be underserved Persons that are Ethiopian may be underserved but it is difficult to establish this based on the ethnicity recorded Wards 5, 7 and 8 are served at the highest rate Veterans are underserved Different ethnic groups have similar needs and barriers to employment but also have language barriers Persons with significant physical disabilities and those who are deaf-blind may be underserved

Consumers Served by Ethnicity Ethnicity Asian % of all consumers0%1% % in DC4% Difference-4%-3% Black or African American % of all consumers89%88% 89%91% % in DC51% Difference38%37% 38%40% Hispanic or Latino % of all consumers8%11% 8%5% % in DC10% Difference-2%1%-2%-5% * Multiracial % of all consumers3% % in DC3% Difference0% White % of all consumers7%9% 6% % in DC42% Difference-37%-35% -36%

Socioeconomic Indicators by Ward Ward # % 16 and over who are employed Unemployment Rate Average Family Income Food Stamp client 2010 TANF client 2010 Percent Living in Poverty Ward 1 71%4.8%$99, % Ward 2 64%2.4%$222, % Ward 3 66%2.6%$240, % Ward 4 60%7.7%$115, % Ward 5 54%11.0%$79, % Ward 6 70%5.3%$129, % Ward 7 47%14.0%$57, % Ward 8 45%16.6%$43, %

Applicants by Ward Ward # 2010 Total Population % of total DC population 2011 % of RSA consumers 2012 % of RSA consumers 2013 % of RSA consumers Ward %9% 7% Ward %4%3%4% Ward %1%2% Ward %11% 9% Ward %18%19%18% Ward % 12%10% Ward %20%23% Ward %24%21%26%

Service to Veterans

Recommendations Improved tracking of ward of residence and ethnicity to track service to groups like Ethiopians Continued focused outreach to underserved groups and attempts to hire bilingual staff when possible Outreach to programs serving persons with significant physical disabilities like rehabilitation hospitals Outreach that is focused on information sharing and awareness as opposed to application only

SECTION FOUR: NEEDS OF PERSONS SERVED THROUGH OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE STATEWIDE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT SYSTEM

Recurring Themes America’s Job Centers (AJCs) continue to be inaccessible in many ways, especially for persons with blindness The relationship between the department of Employment Services (DOES) and DCRSA is improving AJCs and DCRSA’s relationship remains primarily one of referral rather than shared planning and resources Services to youth by the workforce system needs to be improved The passage of WIOA will effect dramatic change in the relationship between DCRSA and DOES in the next two years

AJC Referrals and Numbers Served Data Element Referred by Career Center (One-Stop or AJC) NA 1011 Served by AJC according to DOES 1933NA

Recommendations WIOA’s requirements necessitate the exploration of more formal partnerships including co-location of staff and shared funding. Develop customized training in partnership with DOES, local business and a training provider such as the community colleges Request intensive or at least targeted TA from the new job-driven TA center to help develop customized training The National Employment Team (NET) has developed customized training with the Hyatt. DCRSA should consult with the NET Point of Contact to determine if this program is possible to replicate in DC Partner with AJCs for increased access to short-term vocational training programs for persons with disabilities

AJCs and Youth Recommendation Connect youth with disabilities with the youth programs at the AJCs to increase their access to and utilization of these services Site visits by transition programs Co-presentations by DCRSA and DOES staff at the schools to demonstrate the partnership Summer youth set-aside positions Career exploration events with DCRSA

SECTION FIVE: NEEDS OF PERSONS IN TRANSITION

Recurring Themes The lack of work experience, education, training and knowledge of work remains the primary barrier to employment for youth in transition. DCRSA has doubled the size of their transition resulting in improved and increased outreach to the schools and youth Transition to postsecondary education and DCRSA’s level of support for postsecondary training needs to be clearly articulated in policy, understood by staff and translated to consumers and their families.

Progress in Transition Age % of total22%23%31%41% % of total 0.3%6% % of total 4%11% % of total 10%8%

Barriers to Employment Very similar to the general population of DCRSA These areas are compounded by age Not having job skills Not having education or training Prior convictions Poor social skills

Postsecondary Education Support Approximately 60% of case service dollars are spent on postsecondary education. 50% on college tuition and 10% on vocational training, but short-term vocational training was reported as having better outcomes. Current regulations need to be enforced and new ones developed Most DCRSA consumers that start college do not finish (10% finish) If they do finish, the outcomes are very good

Employment by Education Level

Average Weekly Earnings by Degree Level

Recommendations Clarify policy for out-of-state tuition support – Articulate responsibility of consumer regarding share of cost if he/she chooses another option other than a DC school Provide benefits counseling to SSI youth and include their families in transition planning. Encourage the family to have high expectations. Provide self-advocacy training for youth in the school setting

SECTION SIX: NEED TO ESTABLISH, DEVELOP OR IMPROVE COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN THE DISTRICT

Recurring Themes A need to broaden the types and range of jobs that vendors develop for consumers – related to the need identified previously A need for increased vendors to serve persons with sensory impairments A need to continue to develop quality control and assurance measures for vendors

Recommendations Follow-through with placing vendor performance summaries online to facilitate informed choice Include measurable performance standards and deliverables in all Statements of Work in contracts Consider providing Employment Services Certificate Training through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) for BRU and HCA provider staff to ensure competencies Convene a group of DCRSA and HCA provider staff to identify ways to increase the quality and speed of services to person who are blind

SECTION SEVEN: BUSINESS NEEDS, SERVICES AND RELATIONS

Recurring Themes Businesses would like a partner to help them with their recruitment, hiring, retention and accommodation needs Businesses need to be educated regarding disability awareness and sensitivity Schedule A hiring is underutilized by DCRSA The Talent Preview program is valued by employers and provides important opportunities for work experience

Business Needs Business SurveyPercent Recruiting applicants who are people with disabilities70.0 Obtaining training on sensitivity to workers with disabilities55.0 Identifying job accommodations for workers with disabilities52.4 Obtaining information on training programs available for workers with disabilities50.0 Helping workers with disabilities to retain employment47.4 Obtaining incentives for employing workers with disabilities35.0 Obtaining training on the different types of disabilities30.0 Understanding disability-related legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act 25.0

Business Needs of Applicants Business SurveyPercent Recruiting applicants who meet the job qualifications81.0 Recruiting applicants with good work habits50.0 Discussing reasonable job accommodations with applicants 47.4 Identifying reasonable job accommodations for applicants47.4 Recruiting applicants with good social/interpersonal skills 45.0 Assessing Applicants' skills26.3

Challenges to Retaining Employees Business SurveyPercent Poor attendance38.1 Identifying effective accommodations19.0 Slow work speed14.3 Poor work stamina14.3 Poor social skills14.3 Physical health problems14.3 Difficulty learning job skills9.5 Language barriers9.5 Mental health concerns4.8

Common Services Provided by DCRSA to Businesses Recruiting qualified applicants Education and training regarding disability laws Training on disability types like Autism 75% indicated they were satisfied with the services they received

Recommendations Educate employers on blindness Expand partnership with the NET and the dual customer focus that the partnership embraces Train BRU staff on how to perform a specific job analysis that functions as a service to employers, improves job matching and creates opportunities for job carving for those who can benefit from customized employment

Part II Section 8: Independent Living Needs

Recurring Independent Living Needs Affordable and accessible housing Coordinated services not silos Employment Transportation Language and cultural barriers Stigma IL training, tools and skills development Transition planning for youth Personal care services Advocacy Resources

Barriers to Accessing IL Services Ineffective information portals Lack of service responsiveness Service silos (DCRSA, DCCIL and other programs) Lack of education and training Lack of employment Language barriers

IL Services Received Independent Living SurveyNumber Help finding appropriate housing23 Participation in a support group21 Referrals to other services and programs that can help you20 Help identifying public services that you are eligible for19 Job training or other vocational services17 Services for persons who are blind15 Taxicab, Metro vouchers, or other transportation services14 Social or recreational activities14 Self-advocacy services11 Independent living skills, such as home management and personal financial management 10 Personal attendant care9 Help identifying private service that you are eligible for9 Help identifying public benefits that you are eligible for9 Help purchasing or borrowing disability-related equipment or assistive technology 8

IL System Findings A lack of communication and coordination between DCRSA and DCCIL Lack of measurable timeframes for numerous objectives on the State Plan for Independent Living, making progress hard to identify An Executive Director is needed for the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Slow responsiveness Bilingual staff is needed to reach underserved populations

Recommendations Fulfill the goals and objectives in the State Plan for Independent Living Conduct targeted and sustained outreach to underserved populations such as Hispanic persons by partnering with community groups and advocacy groups Ensure that transition-aged youth are exposed to IL services in much the same way that they are engaging with DCRSA for vocational services Improve and increase collaborative communication and action between DCRSA, DCCIL and other IL providers. It might be beneficial to engage the services of a facilitator to help the agencies work together in drafting the SPIL and conducting community events. Make responsiveness to consumers a priority by establishing agreed upon timeframes for return of calls and s and training for staff on providing excellent customer service Develop a robust electronic information portal that provides information in an easily understood and accessible place regarding IL services. Re-establish the personal care registry. Link employment services to IL services and integrate vocational services into the IL service system

Questions