CESP Funding Sources & Employment Service Systems (VR, Medicaid Waivers, WIOA) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the typical supported employment funding model, what happens after the state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency's time-limited services end?
- All support stops because the person is now employed
- Long-term extended services are funded by another source, such as a Medicaid waiver or the state developmental disabilities agency (Correct answer)
- The employer is required by law to pay for ongoing job coaching
- The person must reapply to VR every month
Correct answer: Long-term extended services are funded by another source, such as a Medicaid waiver or the state developmental disabilities agency
VR usually funds the time-limited part of supported employment: assessment, job development, placement, and initial training/stabilization. Ongoing extended support after stabilization is typically funded by a long-term source such as Medicaid HCBS waivers or the state DD/mental health agency. For that reason, the long-term funder is identified up front.
Question 2: Under WIOA, how long can VR usually fund time-limited supported employment services before the hand-off to extended services?
- Up to 6 months
- Up to 12 months
- Up to 24 months, unless a longer period is necessary (Correct answer)
- With no time limit
Correct answer: Up to 24 months, unless a longer period is necessary
WIOA extended the period for VR-funded supported employment services from 18 to 24 months. A longer period is allowed if the individual and the counselor agree it is necessary to reach the employment outcome.
Question 3: What is the name of the written plan a VR consumer develops with their VR counselor that lists the employment goal and the services to reach it?
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) (Correct answer)
- Individual Support Plan (ISP)
- Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
Correct answer: Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
The IPE is required under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act. It records the person's chosen employment goal and the VR services, providers, and timelines needed to reach it. An IEP is a school document. A PASS is an SSI work incentive, not the VR service plan.
Question 4: Which Medicaid authority do most states use to fund long-term supported employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
- Medicare Part B
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, such as 1915(c) (Correct answer)
- Unemployment insurance
- The Earned Income Tax Credit
Correct answer: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, such as 1915(c)
Medicaid HCBS waivers (most often 1915(c), and also 1915(i) state plan options) are the main source of long-term, ongoing supported employment funding for people with IDD in most states.
Question 5: WIOA requires state VR agencies to reserve at least what share of their federal allotment for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities?
- 5%
- 10%
- 15% (Correct answer)
- 25%
Correct answer: 15%
WIOA requires VR agencies to reserve at least 15% of their federal funds for Pre-ETS. The five required activities are job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling on postsecondary education options, workplace readiness training, and instruction in self-advocacy.
Question 6: What does Section 511 of WIOA do?
- It abolishes the federal minimum wage for all workers with disabilities
- It limits subminimum-wage (Section 14(c)) employment, especially for youth 24 and under, by requiring them to first receive Pre-ETS/VR services and career counseling (Correct answer)
- It creates the Ticket to Work program
- It requires every employer to provide job coaches
Correct answer: It limits subminimum-wage (Section 14(c)) employment, especially for youth 24 and under, by requiring them to first receive Pre-ETS/VR services and career counseling
Section 511 restricts entry into subminimum-wage employment under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Youth 24 and under must first complete Pre-ETS and a VR process, among other steps. People already earning subminimum wages must receive periodic career counseling and information about competitive integrated employment.
