State Plan Attachment: 4.8(b)(3) Cooperative Agreements with Private Non-Profit Vocational Rehabilitation Service Providers

The Department does not have long-term cooperative agreements in place with private non-profit VR service providers. However, the Department has utilized such entities on a case by case basis. For instance, Blind Inc. in Minneapolis, MN and the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton, CO have provided orientation and adjustment training to our clients. While the Department has its own Orientation Center, the needs of some clients may be better addressed at an alternative center.

The client and VR Counselor may identify a private provider that best addresses his or her specific VR needs. In these instances, the Counselor issues an authorization for the services. The provider is required to submit periodic reports on progress to the Counselor. The Counselor may continue to authorize for services until the services have been completed, the provider demonstrates progress is not being made, or the client finds that services are not addressing needs. Evidence of these arrangements can be found in individual case files.