Audit Recommends Stronger Oversight to Ensure Participants Get Attention They Need to Reach Goals and Fulfill Program's Mission
The program run by the State Education Department (SED) to help New Yorkers with disabilities gain employment, transition to independent living, and rise out of poverty is not fulfilling its mission because it too often leaves participants with inadequate plans that do not accomplish those goals, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
“People with disabilities often face great obstacles in finding and keeping the jobs they want, and the pandemic has only made things harder,” DiNapoli said. “The State Education Department needs to do a better job with this important program for people with disabilities. The program’s vital mission is not always fulfilled due to the agency’s failure to monitor progress and by significant delays in implementing the individual plans for achieving participants’ employment goals. I applaud the Governor’s appointment of a chief disability officer, and hope that this will result in much-needed improvements to the state’s services and support for people living with disabilities.”
The Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Supported Employment Program (ACCES-VR) provides vocational rehabilitation services and supports the employment goals of people with a disability. SED has 15 ACCES-VR district offices with 293 full-time vocational counselors and 97...
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