Chippewa Valley Times

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $251 million in Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grants to 27 organizations across the nation, supporting efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to competitive integrated employment (CIE) and well-paying jobs in the 21st century. The University of Wisconsin-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI) is honored to be one of the grantees, receiving $8.1 million over the next five years to implement the Accelerated VR Training and Capacity Building Program.

This grant will support SVRI’s mission to enhance knowledge, skills-based competencies, and proficiency among professionals and paraprofessionals working within the state-federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system. The project addresses critical workforce challenges and capacity issues, promoting improved employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the importance of this initiative stating, “Today, more than 60 million adults live with a disability – each with unique talents and strengths. In our 21st-century economy, we must provide more opportunities for these individuals to achieve their goals for competitive integrated employment, independence, and economic self-sufficiency. Through the Disability Innovation Fund and today’s announcement, we’ll make progress to overcome historic barriers to employment while ensuring the varied needs, preferences, and goals of individuals with disabilities remain at the center of our vision for a strong, inclusive workforce.”

The Accelerated VR Training and Capacity Building Program will be delivered through two training tracks targeting key audiences:

Track 1: Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals and Paraprofessionals – This program will provide an accelerated short-term training option to enhance competencies specific to contemporary rehabilitation needs. Participants will earn a Certificate in Contemporary Vocational Rehabilitation Practices (CCVRP), collaboratively developed with input from state VR leadership. The training will be delivered online, supported by a robust learning platform and a facilitated Community of Practice (CoP) to support practical application of skills.

Track 2: Community-Based Rehabilitation Agencies (CBRA) and Related Providers – This track offers similar training and micro-credentialing opportunities for staff in community rehabilitation and related service agencies that frequently partner with state VR programs to provide employment-related services.

A third modified training option will be developed for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Partners whose staff play a critical role in supporting VR consumer outcomes through collaboration and enhanced disability knowledge.

The program represents a collaborative effort between SVRI, the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Employment Resources Inc. This program will be available to VR personnel and key stakeholders across all U.S. states and territories, expanding the reach and impact of vocational rehabilitation services nationwide.

For more information on the Accelerated VR Training and Capacity Building Program please contact svri@uwstout.edu.

Visit RSA’s website for more information about each grantee.