Nebraska VR Where your future begins

Assistive Technology Partnership

Nebraska VR and the Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) have worked together since 1989 when VR wrote the grant to establish a technology-related assistance project (ATP) in Nebraska.

In 1999, VR and ATP established a partnership along with the Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies that recognized they needed assistance in finding appropriate and cost effective technology and modifications.

ATP Technology Specialists conduct on-site assessments for consumers referred by VR. The assessments may be for students preparing to work and consumers who are ready to work or returning to work after an injury or illness.

The Specialists meet with the client, Nebraska VR staff, and others (business, teachers, etc.) to identify where assistive technology and modifications could help the individual be successful at work. They also make cost effective recommendations and help identify alternative funding sources.

The web site www.at4all.com lists demonstration and loan equipment available during the evaluation process. Recycled and donated items are also available for use at home, school, and work.

Benefits Counseling Services

Nebraska VR has service agreements with agencies that provide individualized Benefits Counseling Services to VR clients who receive Social Security Disability, SSI, and other public benefits. These agencies employ certified staff who have extensive training to help SSI/SSDI beneficiaries use work incentives to maximize their earning potential and minimize negative impact to benefits. Services include:

• Answering questions and resolving errors in federal, state, and local benefits records
• Outlining available work incentive options
• Projecting how levels of earnings and number of hours worked will affect benefits
• Providing the opportunity to make an informed decision about working based on how earned income will affect public benefits

Corrections-Based Programs

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Partnership serves Omaha and Lincoln inmates within the Community Corrections Centers. Many of these inmates have not been successful in maintaining employment due to drug and/or alcohol dependence, other disability related issues and additional criminogenic factors. Through the Nebraska VR (NVR) component of the Partnership, eligible inmates receive assistance in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining successful employment with additional support, supervision and reinforcement provided by Unit Case Managers within the work detail/work release programs. Efforts are coordinated with the client's team and other providers to avoid duplication of services and to complement material and information already provided to the clients.

The Criminal Justice Center Partnership is a diversion and prison reduction program involving the collaborative efforts of several state and county criminal justice agencies. One of the primary goals of the Partnership is rehabilitation of convicted offenders through highly structured treatment, supervision and monitoring, thereby reducing their rate of incarceration, continued substance use and future recidivism.

Through the Nebraska VR component of the Partnership, eligible offenders receive assistance in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining successful employment with additional support, supervision and reinforcement provided by Nebraska State Probation District #4, Douglas County Corrections - Community Corrections Division and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services - Adult Parole. One of the primary features of this program is its dual emphasis on identifying and selecting employers well suited to work with this population while simultaneously assisting the client in developing skills that match the needs of the employer. To ensure a positive outcome for both the employer and client, each match becomes an individualized collaboration based on the particular needs of both parties.

The Douglas County Adult Drug Court's primary purpose is to offer a more effective and less costly alternative to traditional adjudication and sentencing of drug-involved, non-violent felony offenders. This voluntary program allows eligible defendants to earn dismissal of their current charge(s) in exchange for successful graduation from the Drug Court Program. If the offender does not successfully complete the program, he or she is sentenced on the admitting charge(s). One of the many conditions for successful completion of the Drug Court Program is maintaining continued employment for at least 6 months. Clients who do not have a high school diploma must also complete their General Education Development (GED). The Nebraska VR component of the program provides both vocational and education-related services and assistance to clients in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

Public School Partnerships

The purpose of Nebraska VR's Partnership with schools is to provide information to educators about Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and help educators and VR staff to better coordinate transition services on the behalf of students with disabilities. This partnership will facilitate a discussion between local educators and VR staff and serve as a catalyst to create a process to effectively help students' transition from school to work.

This planning effort will help:

1. Promote a coordinated effort between the school district, ESU and the local Nebraska VR Service Office;
2. Implement strategies that will facilitate effective transition services and eliminate duplication of services, and;
3. Ensure the development of an effective partnership on behalf of students with disabilities.

Supported Employment Services

Supported Employment services help individuals with the most significant disabilities find and keep competitive, integrated jobs in their communities. Services are personalized to each individual’s strengths, interests, abilities, and support needs, with a focus on long-term employment success.

Supported Employment services may include:

• Job development and job placement
• Coordination and communication with employers
• Ongoing job coaching and support

Job coaching helps individuals learn job tasks, build appropriate workplace behaviors, increase independence, and maintain employment over time. As individuals gain skills and confidence, supports are gradually reduced while remaining available as needed to support job retention.

Supported Employment services emphasize collaboration with:

• The individual
• Employers
• Family members (when appropriate)
• Other service providers

This collaborative approach helps address barriers to employment, support workplace accommodations, and promote successful outcomes in competitive, integrated work settings. Nebraska VR partners with community agencies and independent providers to deliver Supported Employment services. Nebraska VR also collaborates with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities and Division of Behavioral Health to provide additional funding options for extended Supported Employment services and ongoing supports.

Workforce Development

Nebraska’s workforce system is a network designed to connect businesses with talent and assist job seekers through training, education, and career services. Led by the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL), it utilizes American Job Centers (AJCs), regional partnerships and data-informed tools to enhance economic growth. Nebraska’s workforce system operates under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and is guided by the Nebraska Workforce Development Board.

Nebraska VR is among the key partners included in the state’s workforce system. Other partners include: community colleges, the Nebraska Department of Education, and the University of Nebraska System.