After considerable discussions and review of the proposed changes and comments concerning the DMAS Fast Track Consumer Directed SE Option, I can appreciate the comments and views which have been expressed that have voiced objections to the proposal as drafted and moreover, the desire for additional consumer directed community based services. 

In 1997, DRS took the position that all vocational services offered through our own agency’s Employment Services Organizations would be nationally accredited; this included the Supported Employment program.  The consumers accessing these vocational services are not only our most significantly disabled, but also are often the most vulnerable.  It is important that these individuals receive quality driven, effective & efficient services, which are based on consumer choice. 

Some issues for which DRS has some degree of concern are presented below:

1.      Is the “employment assistant” service in the Consumer Directed Supported Employment program intended to be and / or comparable to the Supported Employment services purchased by DRS?

2.   For training of the “employment assistant”, who would conduct the training, what would the training consist of and who would pay for the training?

3.   Will a case manager develop the ISP for the individual and ensure the “employment assistant” meets some level of minimum requirements?

4.   Will the case manager be the “gatekeeper” for the service?

5.   Will the fee for this service be comparable to DRS rates for the Supported Employment individual model as recently cited in the Commonwealth’s budget document?

6.   DRS requires monthly contacts with either the consumer or employer once the person is stable in employment and requires “follow along” services.  Presently the average monthly hours for the service per individual is 3.5.   Will the “employment assistant” be required to maintain monthly contact to ensure employment is maintained and at what level of intervention; and is there a monthly expectation of the numbers of hours to be sponsored by DMAS funding?

DRS feels that addressing the more than 40 concerns cited already and discussion of the items cited above is an essential part of this most important process which will ultimately allow a significant increase in the employment of so many Virginians with substantial disabling conditions.