Building Arizona Capacity for Self-Employment
Project Description:
This is a Field-Initiated project with a focus on VR Counselor Participant Engagement Practices aiming to increase the capacity of Arizona VR professionals to deliver person-centered, culturally responsive services to clients (e.g., VR clients with significant disabilities) to facilitate self-employment pathways.
Primary activities include: 1) design and deliver a comprehensive employment training curriculum; 2) create and launch a "Digital Learning Hub," to deliver on-demand, accessible self-employment training state-wide; 3) conduct a comprehensive policy review and develop actionable recommendations to improve Arizona VR's self-employment service delivery; 4) launch and evaluate a self-employment service model; 5) co-create four culturally and linguistically relevant engagement materials with Tribal and rural partners; and 6) develop replicable tools and resources for local and national dissemination.
Expected outcomes and contributions include: 1) a trained cohort of Arizona VR professionals with the skills, tools, and confidence to support self-employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities; 2) policy recommendations that improve clarity, consistency, and accessibility of self-employment service delivery within the state VR system; 3) increased statewide capacity through an accessible Digital Learning Hub, continuing education-eligible training modules, and field-tested implementation tools; 4) co-created, culturally and linguistically relevant success stories that elevate the lived experiences of Tribal, rural, and border communities and strengthen State-Tribal partnerships; and 5) a replicable, equity-focused model for VR agencies nationwide to build capacity and deliver high-quality self-employment supports.
Keyword(s):
self-employment, rural, tribal, training, vocational rehabilitation
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services
Area of Emphasis
Employment-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Reservation, Rural/Remote
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Mulit-County, State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
