DAIL Scorecard

Why Is This Important?

Why Is This Important?

Why Is This Important?

Why Is This Important?

What We Do

The Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Services Program promotes the health and well being of older adults through access to nutritious meals, social contacts, nutrition screening, nutrition education, nutrition counseling and other services.

Who We Serve

Persons eligible for the OAA Nutrition Services Home Delivered Meals Program are age 60 or over who are unable to leave home without considerable difficulty and/or assistance; and experience a physical or mental condition making them unable to obtain food or prepare meals on a temporary or permanent basis.  Also eligible are the spouse, regardless of age, of an eligible person, and individuals under age 60 years of age, with a disability, who reside with an eligible person.

Preference is given to individuals who live in rural communities, are low-income, minority, limited English proficiency and at risk for institutional care.

How We Impact

Nutrition plays an important role in promoting good health and preventing disease.  For many older adults nutrition is integral to the management of chronic conditions and recovery from illness or hospitalization.  Participants in the Nutrition Services Program receive home delivered meals that provide at least 1/3 of the daily Recommended Dietary Allowances and follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 

Budget information

What We Do

Case Management through both the Older Americans Act (OAA) and Choices for Care Long-Term Care Medicaid program provides eligible Vermonters with person centered guidance and support in developing a care and service plan that supports individual goals for health and well-being, including the individual’s ability to live in the setting of their choice.  Often case management involves seeking out and coordinating access to additional services and supports for individuals, couples and families to promote healthy and safe aging in community over a sustained period of time.

Who We Serve

Choices for Care case management serves Vermonters who are both financially and clinically eligible for nursing-home level of care. OAA case management can be provided to Vermonters age 60 and older and their family caregivers who are not eligible for Choices for Care but who are in economic and social need for this support.  Often those served have multiple chronic conditions, are socially isolated, and have a complexity of needs to be addressed to support their capacity to age well in community.

How We Impact

Case management services are overseen by DAIL and provided through the five Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) across the state, who each have a team of certified case management staff able to visit older Vermonters in their homes to provide these services.  In the home, case managers are able to share information about options, screen for health risks, identify hazards or adaptive needs of the home, and work with the person to develop a plan of care and support that best meets their self-identified goals and needs.  This person-centered, in home service ensures that more older Vermonters are able to age in the setting of their choice and have their unmet needs addressed, ultimately preventing or delaying the need for long-term institutionalized care.

Budget information

This is associated with ID #3460020000.

What We Do

Vermont's Area Agencies on Aging build a coordinated response to self-neglect through a variety of activities.  These include raising awareness, providing education, training and case management to individuals considered self-neglecting. 

Who We Serve

Adults, 60 years and older, who can be described as self-neglecting.

How We Impact

The Area Agencies on Aging respond to self-neglect referrals and provide case management services to those who are identified as self-neglecting.  Case managers work with individuals who are self-neglecting to develop goals identified by the individual and by use of a risk and safety evaluation tool.  Goals may be related to food, shelter, medical/mental/financial health or in other areas.  To help achieve these goals community partners and resources are accessed and leveraged.  Where resources don't exist, the Area Agencies on Aging work to build awareness and capacity.

What We Do

Who We Serve

How We Impact

Budget information

This is associated with Appropriation ID #3460040000.

What We Do

Division Philosophy

DVR's mission is to help Vermonters with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful careers and to help employers recruit, train, retain and promote employees with disabilities. Consumer choice and self-direction are core values that drive DVR’s approach to providing services and developing new programs. DVR's ability to help jobseekers succeed also depends on clearly understanding needs of our other customer – employers. To that end, DVR plays an important facilitating role in Creative Workforce Solutions (CWS), an Agency of Human Services (AHS) initiative that builds on DVR’s initial employer outreach work.

Division Overview

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation serves people with disabilities in Vermont who face barriers to employment. We help VR consumers figure out what work will work for them through careful assessment, counseling and guidance from our expert staff. We capitalize on our extensive networks in the employer community to create job opportunities and make good placements that match employer needs with jobseeker skills, and help employers retain staff with disabilities. We use our financial resources within Vermont communities to support our consumers as they transition to stable employment, and our employers as they try out new workers.

Who We Serve

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation serves people with disabilities in Vermont who face barriers to employment.

How We Impact

Staff and Partners

DVR believes in collaborating with other service providers to reach people facing the greatest challenges to employment. As a result, DVR has created innovative partnerships to serve youth, offenders, veterans, people receiving public benefits, individuals with substance use disorders, and those who need ongoing support in order to work.

Recent Developments and Accomplishments

The Summer Career Exploration Program (SCEP): In 2021 DVR launched the Summer Career Exploration Program (SCEP). The SCEP was designed to provide high school students with disabilities paid summer work experiences combined with a career exploration curriculum. This is the first time DVR has implemented a summer employment program for students and planning had to start before COVID vaccines were available so it wasn't clear whether we would be able to conduct it in person. But engagement with work-based learning over the summer was a high priority after the disruptions of the pandemic year. Despite the challenges, district DVR teams created amazing opportunities for youth, while engaging employers who were facing their own challenges amid the pandemic.  DVR saw a need and committed to creating what became an outstanding experience for all involved. The following is a brief summary of the outcomes:  

• SCEP provided 144 students with a paid work experience with a local employer. 

• SCEP engaged 110 employers in providing work experiences for students.  

• SCEP included all students with disabilities, regardless of the level of support required for them to be successful.  

• 34 students were offered competitive employment after completing the SCEP program (23.6% of participants). 

DVR has already begun planning a SCEP for 2022. DVR will use lessons learned in the first year to enhance and improve the experience for future participants.  

Kessler Foundation Grant/WorkVT2.0: DVR was selected by the Kessler Foundation to receive a grant designed to improve employment prospects for DVR consumers who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI and SSDI). Vermont was one of only 6 projects to be selected out of over 70 applications. The project provides an innovative combination of services and financial incentives to help beneficiaries obtain income sufficient enough to end their benefits. The project has two sites, one in Burlington and one in Rutland.  

DVR named the project WorkVT2.0 and began recruitment in March 2021 after a one-year delay due to COVID. As of September 30, 2021, over 50 beneficiaries have signed up to receive WorkVT2.0 services. The project is already showing some early successes with four participants working full time and no longer receiving SSI/SSDI benefits. Another sixteen participants have started working part time with the goal of increasing their hours and income over time.  

Future Directions

DVR is making a major effort to support consumer participation in post-secondary training leading to industry-recognized credentials in high demand fields. This is the most effective and efficient route to consumers achieving high quality and high wage employment. It is also aligns with employers’ needs for skilled workers. The following are major initiatives we are embarking on in 2022 to support this effort.  

The Vermont Career Advancement Project (VCAP): DVR was awarded a $6.5 million grant from the US Department of Education to support the Vermont Career Advancement Project (VCAP). VCAP will establish a robust partnership between DVR, the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL), the Community College of Vermont (CCV), Vermont Technical College (VTC), and secondary Career and Technical Education Centers (CTEs), to build on-ramps enabling individuals with disabilities to pursue high quality, good paying careers. The project will embed dedicated Career Pathways Student Advisors in these post-secondary programs to provide intensive support for VCAP participants. VCAP will also partner with other work force development organizations to expand paid, credentialed, occupational training programs in response to employer needs.  

Utilizing the best available employment projections for high quality, high wage career pathway opportunities in Vermont, DVR identified the following five career sectors for the project: Advanced Manufacturing, Financial Services, Healthcare, Skilled Construction Trades, and Information Technology. VCAP will utilize its extensive network of employer contacts through its Business Account Managers to engage employers in offering opportunities in these sectors. CCV and VTC, which have program development experience and expertise, will provide the required Related Instruction for apprenticeships and other credentialed programs. These programs will be linked directly to secondary and adult programs offered through the State’s 17 Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers. The project will enroll 500 participants, with 375 earning Industry Recognized Credentials and 75 enrolling in Registered Apprenticeships. 75% of participants will exit their training programs employed and earning at least 150% of the state’s minimum wage.  

The Career Training Offset (CTO): DVR has long recognized that many of our consumers cannot participate in industry recognized credential training programs because they cannot afford to stop working. As a result, they remain in entry level employment without the training and skills to move up the career ladder. To address this issue, DVR implemented the Career Training Offset (CTO). DVR consumers participating in trainings that leads to an industry recognized credential, are paid minimum wage for classroom and unpaid instruction time. For example, an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) program has approximately 144 hours of unpaid training time. DVR will pay the consumer minimum wage for these hours, to ensure they have a steady source of income while they get trained. The CTO was launched October 4th of 2021 and we expect it to have a significant impact. 

New Partnerships with Training Providers: DVR has always referred consumers to workforce training programs and provided financial support. This year DVR is entered into partnerships with of the following training providers to enroll cohorts of DVR consumers in credentialed training programs:  

• Resource Inc will provide 72 DVR consumers access to the following training programs: 

• Construction 101 which will lead to NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), and OSHA 10 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certifications. 

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning) which will lead to Natural Gas/LP EPA Class 1 and OSHA 10 certifications. 

• CLT (Certified Logistics Technician) which will lead to CLT and OSHA 10 certifications. 

• Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) will provide DVR consumers training and certifications in weatherization and green energy. 

DVR also plans to create new workforce training partnerships with CCV and VT Technical College during 2022 and 2023.  

Programs and Services

Vocational Rehabilitation Services: DVR services to jobseekers are tailored to the person and driven by his or her own interests, job goals and needs. Each person meets regularly with his or her VR counselor, who helps to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and manages the services and supports needed to realize the person’s career goals. The core services of vocational assessment, counseling and guidance, job training, and job placement provided by DVR staff and partners are enhanced with a range of purchased services and supports.

Placement Services: DVR counselors benefit from dedicated Employment Consultants who provide job development, job placement, and workplace supports to help people find and keep jobs. DVR has longstanding partnerships with Designated and Specialized Services Agencies (DAs and SSAs) to provide supported employment services to people with significant disabilities. DVR also has an ongoing partnership with the Vermont Association of Business, Industry, and Rehabilitation (VABIR) to provide employment services to DVR customers.

Budget information

This is associated with Appropriation ID #3460030000.

What We Do

The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is the designated state unit to provide vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to eligible Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired. DBVI's Mission is to support the efforts of Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired to achieve or sustain their economic independence, self reliance, and social integration to a level consistent with their interests, abilities and informed choices.

Who We Serve

DBVI serves Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired.

How We Impact

DBVI supports Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired to achieve or sustain their economic independence, self reliance, and social integration to a level consistent with their interests, abilities and informed choices.

Budget information

This is associated with Appropriation ID #3460010000.

What We Do

Survey and Certification (S&C) is the State Survey Agency for the State of Vermont. In this role, S&C licenses and certifies health care organizations to ensure that they meet minimum state and federal regulatory compliance.  S&C fulfills its mission by conducting unannounced, regular surveys at health care facilities, and investigating complaints made about the care received in these facilities.

Who We Serve

S&C provides balanced and assertive regulation of health care organizations to ensure that Vermonters receive care with dignity, respect, and independence.

How We Impact

S&C surveys and investigations can result in fines and other corrective action, including bans on admissions or revocation of operating licenses.

Budget information

This is associated with Appropriation ID #3460070000.

What We Do

The Vermont Brain Injury Program supports Vermonters with a moderate to severe brain injury, diverting or helping them return from hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to a community-based setting. This program is focused on rehabilitation and driven by participant choice, supporting individuals to achieve their optimum level of independence and to return to work.

Who We Serve

The Vermont Brain Injury Program serves Medicaid eligible Vermonters with a moderate to severe brain injury.

How We Impact

The Vermont Brain Injury Program helps Medicaid eligible Vermonters with moderate to severe brain injuries to achieve their optimum level of independence and to return to work.

What We Do

The Choices for Care program provides long term services and supports to eligible Vermonters. These services provide support to allow Vermonters to choose where they want to receive their services, with ability to access services in the community or in a nursing facility.

Who We Serve

Choices for Care offers long term care services to eligible Vermonters who need nursing home level of care and who need Medicaid to pay for their care. 

How We Impact

The Choices for Care program provides a full array of long-term services and supports for older Vermonters and adults with physical disabilities. The Choices for Care program supports Vermonters to live in the setting of their choice, pursuing their individual goals and preferences within their chosen communities.

What We Do

Who We Serve

How We Impact

Budget information

What We Do

The Choices for Care Moderate Needs Program is an option for individuals who may not meet nursing home level of care but require some services to assist them to remain independent in their home, preventing a more intense level of service.  Services may include case management, homemaker, adult day, flexible funds.

Who We Serve

We serve Vermonters 18 years of age or older who meet both clinical and financial eligibility criteria and have a functional limitation resulting from a physical condition including stroke, dementia, TBI, and similar conditions or associated with aging.

How We Impact

The Choices for Care program provides a full array of long-term services and supports for older Vermonters and adults with physical disabilities. The Choices for Care program supports Vermonters to live in the setting of their choice, pursuing their individual goals and preferences within their chosen communities.

Budget information

This is associated with Appropriation ID #3460020000.

What We Do

SASH coordinates the resources of social-service agencies, community health providers and nonprofit housing organizations to support Vermonters who choose to live independently at home. Individualized, on-site support is provided by a Wellness Nurse and a SASH Care Coordinator.

Who We Serve

SASH serves older adults as well as people with special needs who receive Medicare support. SASH touches the lives of approximately 4,500 people throughout Vermont.

How We Impact

Benefits to SASH Participants:

• Improved quality of life

• Comprehensive health and wellness assessments

• Individualized Healthy Living Plans

• Money savings through preventive health care

• Regular check-ins by caring staff

• Health coaching and access to wellness nurses

• Help in planning for successful transitions (e.g., following hospitalization), navigating long-term care options and during a crisis

• Access to prevention and wellness programs

• Support in self-managing medications

Budget information

This is associated with Appropriation ID #3460020000.

What We Do

HomeShare Vermont provides screening, matching and ongoing support services for older Vermonters and Vermonters with disabilities who wish to continue living in their own homes (hosts), pairing them with others (guests) who are looking for affordable housing.  These matches allow people to remain at home and to receive help with yard work, light chores, homemaking services, transportation, or companionship in exchange for reduced rent from the guest. 

Who We Serve

HomeShare Vermont serves Vermonters who are looking to share housing for mutual benefit. Most people sharing their homes (hosts) are older Vermonters or Vermonters with disabilities.  People looking for housing (guests) are financially challenged by market rents or are in housing transitions.  HomeShare Vermont serves Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle, Washington, Orange, and Lamoille Counties. 

How We Impact

HomeShare Vermont:

• Helps make housing more affordable for Vermonters
• Helps older Vermonters and Vermonters with disabilities live in their own homes
• Helps improve the quality of life for homesharing participants, who report that they feel safer, less lonely, eat better, and feel healthier