VESID Supported Employment RFA Update

March 2003

On February 21, 2003 the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) released a letter to stakeholder groups regarding the Supported Employment Request for Applications (RFA). The letter from Lawrence C. Gloeckler, Deputy Commissioner for VESID states that after reviewing the responses to the RFA, "it became clear that some consumers might be adversely affected by the changes resulting from the contracting process." After meeting to discuss the issue with the Office of the State Comptroller, VESID is now recommending that it shift supported employment services to a rate-based system modeled on the one currently used by OMRDD.

Numerous employment providers have been waiting to hear the results from the RFA that was due last September and outlined a new structure and process for VESID to fund agencies providing supported employment services to individuals with disabilities. Current contracts were extended until June 30, 2003. VESID reports that they hope to use much of the cost and programmatic data included in the RFA to identify regional needs as well as the rates for each region and disability group. VESID also hopes to use multiple rates based upon the level of service. The Office of the State Comptroller is currently evaluating the proposal so, at this time, VESID does not have the approval to proceed with a rate-based system.

If the new system is approved, it is likely that current supported employment contracts will require further extension until the new system is in place. Over the next few weeks, VESID staff will meet with stakeholder organizations to provide more details and to discuss how stakeholders can be involved in the development of a new system. The New York Work Exchange has requested that VESID meet with New York City mental health employment program providers.

If you are currently a provider of VESID Intensive Supported Employment services, or have applied to become a VESID vendor, or are interested in learning more about the status of this process, a meeting has been scheduled for March 17, 2003 at the New York Work Exchange. The meeting time is 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon at 90 Broad Street - 8th floor. Space is limited and reservations are necessary. Please contact Deborah Short by phone at 212.742.1122 x235; fax- 212.742.2132; or by e-mail: dshort@nyworkexchange.org.