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Interim VR director warns of flat federal grants, seeks $8 million technology appropriation and flexibility
Summary
Interim VR director Jim Fleming told lawmakers the state-run vocational rehabilitation program ranks among the nation—s best on several measures but faces strained capacity because federal grant funding has been flat while caseloads climbed; Fleming asked for an $8 million technology appropriation and urged lawmakers to consider mechanisms to stabilize grant funding.
Interim Vocational Rehabilitation director Jim Fleming told the Human Services Policy and Appropriations Committee that North Dakota—s VR program ranks at or near the top nationally on several federal performance measures but faces growing caseload pressure and a federal grant structure that can leave the program constrained without legislative flexibility.
Fleming described VR—s mission and services: employer outreach and retention, supported and customized employment, pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for students (services in 71 schools), older-individuals-who-are-blind (OIB) services, Randolph-Sheppard vending operations for blind vendor concessions, and community-based supports. He said North Dakota alternates with Utah among the highest employment rates for working-age people with disabilities and that the program has strong performance in credential attainment and post-exit employment.
Fleming emphasized…
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