3-18-99 RSA Regions V and VI Focus Group - Ideal Agency Characteristics
It was pointed out that learning from experiences is very important in improving programs.
For the deaf, communication during the rehabilitation process is a big issue.
Location makes a big difference as does the individual counselor.
The office must be accessible.
Doors should not be heavy.
VR should help with transportation that's accessible.
The program should be client-centered, based on choice, geared toward reaching the chosen vocational goal, and removing barriers to reaching that goal.
The community should be accessible.
There should not be so many "hoops" to jump through that slow the process and keep consumers from getting needed equipment or services.
Response to needs should be quick.
There should be no red tape, no paper barriers.
Counselors must understand consumers' needs.
The VR agency must be consistent - the services provided shouldn't depend on where you live or who your counselor is.
Secretaries or other office workers need to understand what's going on with consumers.
The counselor must recognize individual differences.
The counselor should make better use of technology.
A case should not be closed prematurely - the counselor should be sure the consumer is doing well and has no additional needs.
VR should provide good information about the agency and services.
VR should have accommodations available, ie. If ASL is required. [Seem to be also saying that specialty counselors (i.e. deaf) counselors should be available.]
The counselor must be sensitive to the consumer, must understand consumer needs.
All in VR should be knowledgeable about disabilities.
If the counselor leaves the agency, this shouldn't cause consumer problems.
VR should employ people with disabilities to help other people with disabilities.
Employers don't know what to do with a person with a disability who is deaf - they don't understand the issues of deafness and may not be able to deal with it.
There should be programs that raise awareness of disability issues.
Consumers should assist in the VR process with other consumers - perhaps in the evaluation process but early on, at any rate.
Support groups would be very helpful, help people with disabilities know they are connected.
VR should practice good communication, have little red tape, and the minimum of paperwork.
No one answers the TTY or if they answer it, they don't know how to use it, so why have a TTY? Entire staff should be able to use the TTY.
Information access - written information should meet needs of consumers (braille, ASL, etc.) - should be in accessible formats.
A 24 hour hotline might be good.
A computer homepage would be useful.
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