6-3-99 RSA Regions VII and VIII Focus Group - Ideal Agency
Participants noted that there will be low response to surveys that are long and hard to read and process.
It was suggested that counselors give the surveys directly to consumers.
The cutback in the number of offices is hard on consumers, i.e. if you have to travel or if the rehab teacher, rehab counselor, or an O&M instructor have to travel more. The quality of services is reduced due to the state's geography (rural nature of the state).
Excess paperwork cuts down on the quality of services.
Counselors should be accessible.
The consumer and the counselor should have regular meetings (at least twice a month).
The VR program may be "biased" to high population areas.
The counselor is prompt, returns calls, should have a regular routine of contact, regular communication.
The counselor has information, can explain different programs and possibilities.
Personnel should not be so stretched that services are delayed, etc.
Agency should not be understaffed.
Counselors should be empowered to assist consumers.
VR is easier to work with than other agencies.
Provision of advocacy when the consumer has to work with other agencies.
VR should relate to other agencies with whom the consumer is involved, i.e. there should be coordination. VR should help consumers deal with benefits and coverages.
VR should help find places for all consumers with all differences.
Accommodations should be provided when needed.
Agency provides options that the consumer can think about - choice.
A decent job is possible at the end of the process. Consumers want to contribute to society.
Agency helps a person get work consistent with his/her abilities.
Agency will update training so a person with a disability can gain employment (very difficult as related to changing technology).
Agency should be able to help individuals get correspondence courses.
Distance education should be a viable option for gaining skills.
VR should help people learn how to look for jobs; assist person with a disability to gain confidence.
Concern that educational programs are not made for people with disabilities.
Communication should be good; agency should be an advocate for people with disabilities.
Often people with disabilities don't identify as people with disabilities and thus struggle through and may not be successful.
Getting information is very difficult - from state, from VA, etc. It's hard to know what one is eligible for, what is available.
A person with a disability should have a total, comprehensive plan, including how to find a job so he/she can be as functional and independent as possible.
Government programs are not well-coordinated.
Agency should help persons with disabilities develop and work toward goals.
Agency should be knowledgeable of technology and accommodations.
Health insurance is a big worry.
Pair person with a disability with another person with a disability to help each other.
VR should assess how the family can work together.
Information is a BIG issue - person with a disability should know where to go, what to do. There should be NO assumptions that people know things.
Equipment should be available; rehab counselors and rehab teachers should have current information.
Persons with disabilities should have a place to go where they can try available equipment.
VR should be able to use alternative educational resources.
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