Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment

2026

The CSNA informs the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council (PaRC) regarding issues and needs of the disability community for the Commonwealth. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, (Act) requires that the State Plan include the results of the CSNA. The CSNA requires a description of the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities residing within the State, particularly the vocational rehabilitation service needs of (1) individuals with the most significant disabilities, including their need for supported employment services, (2) individuals with disabilities who are minorities, (3) individuals with disabilities who have been unserved or underserved by the vocational rehabilitation program, (4) individuals with disabilities served through other components of the statewide workforce investment system (other than the vocational rehabilitation program), (5) the needs of youth with disabilities, and students with disabilities, (6) needs of individuals experiencing problems related to immunosuppressed disability (including HIV/AIDS) and long-covid symptoms, (7) individuals with sensory disabilities, (8) individuals with disabilities who use languages other than English. It also must (9) assess the need to establish, develop, or improve community rehabilitation programs within the Commonwealth, and (10) evaluate digital in/equity for individuals with disabilities. The CSNA team uses secondary data plus conducts fieldwork with disability communities across the state to address these objectives. The outputs are composed into interim year reports as well as a final RSA report and CSNA report.

Developmental Disabilities

Performing Research or Evaluation

Employment-Related Activities

Legislators/Policy Makers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups

State

N/A