a. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (34 CFR 361-5 (9,15) states that: i. employment outcomes for an individual with disabilities can be achieved through self-employment services. ii. an individual’s self-employment outcome must be unique to their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. b. VRD has determined that VRD staff and VR provider staff need foundational training in the concepts of self-employment to effectively assist VRD’s customers in achieving a self-employment outcome. c. In addition, VRD has determined that having certain tools and resources, desk aids, technical assistance (TA), general training and a Community of Practice (CoP) will enhance the overall efficacy of service delivery to eligible VRD customers pursuing self-employment. d. VRD’s self-employment services includes, but is not limited to, establishing business plans that are for small, large, or micro-enterprise businesses. e. Accessibility needs of VRD’s customers will need to be addressed by the Successful Respondent related to training, mentoring, technical assistance, tools and resources, and the Community of Practice (CoP). Examples of accommodations may include interpreters, access to print (large print, electronic, braille, etc.), captioning, and availability and compatibility with assistive technology software (screen reader/magnification).
