POLICY CENTER
WIOA Bipartisan Bill Summary - Nov. 2024
CSAVR Policy Committee
The CSAVR Policy Committee (CPC) is comprised of State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency Directors who assist Staff in developing public policy priorities, recommend public policy position statements and provide oversight of policy issues that impact the national vocational rehabilitation (VR) program.
Policy Committee members provide valued perceptive and recommendations on CSAVR’s work to protect the national VR program and shall be appointed by the President and the President-Elect shall serve as the Committee Chair.
Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw, Chair, AL-C
Lindy Foley, NE-G
Chanda Hermanson, MT-C
Kristen Mackey, AZ-C
Tonia Ferguson, CSAVR Lead Staff
John Connelly, CSAVR Staff
CSAVR DRAFT Policy Agenda CSAVR THI Policy Brief #5 Policy Agenda
The Harkin Institute (THI) worked with CSAVR to create the following four policy briefs on various topics related to VR services.
A policy agenda represents a curated collection of critical policy issues, topics or proposals identified for attention and action during a Congressional Session. It serves as a compass for decision-making, toward addressing pressing concerns and advancing policy objectives for the national vocational rehabilitation (VR) program.
In practical terms, a well-defined policy agenda will equip CSAVR with the agility and foresight needed to navigate Capitol Hill with precision and efficacy. Swift responsiveness to legislation developments not only bolsters CSAVR’s reputation as an engaged and influential partner but also ensures that the organization remains a trusted and authoritative voice amidst the current political landscape.
Now, more than ever, the ability of CSAVR to swiftly advocate for its membership is paramount given the political climate and the focus on VR’s funding. The proposed policy agenda serves as a roadmap for decision-making, securing buy-in from CSAVR’s membership on key policy priorities in advance of the 119th Congressional Session.
Policy Brief & Talking Points
The Harkin Institute (THI) worked with CSAVR to create the following four policy briefs on various topics related to VR services.
CSAVR’s policy briefs provide in-depth insight and analysis on significant issues impacting the national VR program, and serves as a vehicle to provide understanding and offer recommendations and draws clear links to policy research. Check out all of CSAVR’s policy briefs below and talking points, to help you as a SVRA share nuggets of VR policy issues, with clear implications for action.
CSAVR THI Policy Briefs 1-5, Talking Points and Policy Agenda in one document
CSAVR THI Policy Brief #1 Funding Formula
Every year, tens of millions of dollars in federal vocational rehabilitation (“VR”) grant funds go unused. By improving comprehension of the VR funding formula, states can harness these funds to catalyze economic development. States can direct these funds towards empowering individuals with disabilities to secure competitive, integrated employment opportunities—fostering economic growth and inclusivity.
CSAVR THI Policy Brief #2 Leveraging Third Party Partnerships
Every year, tens of millions of dollars in federal vocational rehabilitation (“VR”) grant funds go unused. By capitalizing on partnerships, states can harness these funds to catalyze economic development. States can direct these funds towards empowering individuals with disabilities to secure competitive, integrated employment opportunities—fostering economic growth and inclusivity in the workforce.
CSAVR THI Policy Brief #3 The Importance of Fully Funding Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Currently, the U.S. has 9.5 million job openings with only 6.5 million unemployed workers. Compared to pre-pandemic workforce participation, the U.S. workforce is missing 1.7 million Americans. The McKinsey Quarterly summarized it this away, “What we are seeing is a fundamental mismatch between companies’ demand for talent and the number of workers willing to supply it.”1 The crisis is universal—nearly every state and every industry are still struggling to find qualified workers to fill open jobs. Figure 1 illustrates the disparity between unemployed workers and job openings, and Figure 2 breaks down the unemployment rates by industry.
CSAVR THI Policy Brief #4 Pre-ETS
Many students with disabilities still face an employment narrative contrary to their peers without disabilities—and obtain post-school employment and post-secondary education at significantly lower rates. As the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) of 2014 enters its second decade, progress in engaging students and youth with disabilities through Pre-Employment Transition Services (“Pre-ETS”) presents a unique and exciting opportunity for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to flip this narrative, remove the stigma attached to students with disabilities, and assist a younger generation in achieving competitive, integrated employment (“CIE”).
CSAVR THI Policy Brief #5 Policy Agenda - DRAFT
To ensure equitable access and opportunity for youth and young adults with disabilities, CSAVR supports developing strong career pathways and customizing services and supports from childhood into adulthood that prioritizes competitive integrated employment and the Employment First philosophy. The backdrop of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (2014), as well as other key federal legislation, has provided a legislative construct to support the integration of career preparation and work-based learning experiences for youth with disabilities.
