Vocational Rehabilitation Providers’ Resources

• To find a local office, speak to VR specialists or understand local service needs, please visit the VR Office Locator
• Locate the Subject Matter Expert list
• Contact vr.standards@twc.texas.gov

• Click to sign up for VR Contractors and Providers News emails.

Communication related to 30-day review postings of changes, clarifications or expectations to the VR Standards for Providers are listed here. Past Notices to Providers can be found in the Archived Notices to Providers.

09/20/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has posted a new on demand webinar titled “Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manual and Standards for Providers Manual: Format Change.” The webinar gives users a sneak peek at the new format of the VR policy manuals that will be moved into Microsoft Word documents on Oct. 1, 2023. A direct link to the webinar is below.

Webinar: Vocational Rehabilitation Services Manual and Standards for Providers Manual: Format Change

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

09/01/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission is updating its external-facing webpages, which will cause the current web-based policy manuals to be unavailable. Therefore, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Standards for Providers (SFP) Manual will be moved into Microsoft Word documents on Oct. 1, 2023. 

The updated table of contents webpage for the SFP Manual will look like the current version, except the design will be more modern. When you click on a chapter, a Microsoft Word document will open or download to your device, depending on your browser’s settings. At the bottom of the webpage, there also will be a link to a single Word document that contains all chapters within the SFP Manual.

Next month, a new on-demand webinar will be posted that gives users a sneak peek at the new format along with helpful tips on searching the documents. This update will also be discussed at the Sept. 19, 2023, virtual meeting for VR providers.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

08/02/2023 Notice to Providers

Provider Meeting Registration: The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue ongoing dialog and collaboration.

Please email your provider-related questions to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Monday, September 04, 2023. Type “Provider Meeting” in the email’s subject line.

The meeting agenda includes:

• Welcome and Introductions.
• Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics.
• VR Updates
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers.
• Wrap-up and Next Steps.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov. 

08/01/2023 Notice to Providers

Effective August 1, 2023, providers must comply with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division’s (TWC-VR) requirement to run a criminal background check for contractors’ staff who provide goods or services directly and/or interact with VR customers in accordance with VR Standards for Providers Manual Chapter 3: Basic Standards.

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) posted an On Demand Webinar titled “Background and National Public Sex Offender Requirements”. A Direct link to the webinar is below.

• Background and National Public Sex Offender Requirements

The following documents are also posted for reference:

• Background Checks Attestation and Release Form (VR1307)
• Background Check FAQ
• Convictions Barring Contractor Staff from Performing Services for TWC
• Exception to Background Check Instructions
• Contracted Services Exempt from Background Checks

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

07/03/2023 Notice to Providers

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) revised chapters in the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) to expand the staff trainer qualifications and provide flexibility in training parameters for older individuals who are blind. 

The following revisions go into effect July 3, 2023:

• VR-SFP Chapter 5: Orientation and Mobility Services
• VR-SFP Chapter 7: Diabetes Self-Management Education Services
• VR-SFP Chapter 10: Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

06/26/2023 Notice to Providers

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has developed a universal referral form that goes into effect June 26, 2023. The new form, VR5000, Referral for Provider Services, replaces the following forms:

• VR1629, Referral for Career Planning Assessment.
• VR1631, Referral for Supported Employment Services.
• VR1800, Self-Employment Referral.
• VR1836, Vocational Evaluation Referral.
• VR1840, Job Placement Services – Referral.
• VR1991, Referral for Embedded Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
• VR2883, Diabetes Self-Management Education Referral Form.
• VR3360, Referral for Project SEARCH.
• VR3380, Referral for Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• VR3383, Supported Residential Referral Form.
• VR3420, Employment Support for Brain Injury – Referral.
• VR3424, Referral for Psychological Evaluation.
• VR3121, Referral for Work Readiness Services (for vocational adjustment training (VAT) services only).

Form VR3121 has been renamed to "Referral for Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training."

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

06/01/2023 Notice to Providers

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is revising chapters in the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) to expand the staff trainer qualifications and provide flexibility in training parameters for older individuals who are blind. 

These revisions will go into effect July 3, 2023. The following documents are posted for the 30-day review period:

• VR-SFP Chapter 5: Orientation and Mobility Services.
• VR-SFP Chapter 7: Diabetes Self-Management Education Services.
• VR-SFP Chapter 10: Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

05/26/2023 Notice to Providers

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has developed a universal referral form. The new form, VR5000, Referral for Provider Services, will replace the following forms:

• VR1629, Referral for Career Planning Assessment.
• VR1631, Referral for Supported Employment Services.
• VR1800, Self-Employment Referral.
• VR1836, Vocational Evaluation Referral.
• VR1840, Job Placement Services – Referral.
• VR1991, Referral for Embedded Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
• VR2883, Diabetes Self-Management Education Referral Form.
• VR3360, Referral for Project SEARCH.
• VR3380, Referral for Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• VR3383, Supported Residential Referral Form.
• VR3420, Employment Support for Brain Injury – Referral.
• VR3424, Referral for Psychological Evaluation.
• VR3121, Referral for Work Readiness Services (for vocational adjustment training (VAT) services only).

Form VR3121 will be renamed to "Referral for Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training." 

The new forms will go into effect June 26, 2023.  The following documents are posted for the 30-day review period:

• New form: VR5000, Referral for Provider Services
• Revised form: VR3121, Referral for Personal Social Adjustment Training and Work Adjustment Training

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

05/17/23 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has posted two new On Demand Webinars that were presented during a TWC-VR Provider Call on May. 16, 2023. Direct links to the webinars are below.

• Background and National Public Sex Offender Requirements
• Work Experience Training Overview

The Background Requirement policy and forms can be found at the links below:

• Standards for Providers, Chapter 3, section 3.2.18 Background Checks
• Form VR1307 Background Checks Attestation and Release Form

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

05/15/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated the following section and form in the “VR Standards for Providers Manual (SFP)”:

• SFP Chapter 3, Section 2.18 Background Checks
• Form VR1307 Background Checks Attestation and Release Form

Contractors must comply with the new policy no later than Aug. 1, 2023.

The following resources accompany the background checks requirement:

• Convictions Barring Contractor Staff from Performing Services for TWC
• Contracted Service Exempt from Background Checks
• Exception to Background Check Instructions
• Background Check FAQ

A background checks webinar will be posted Tuesday, May 16th 2023.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

04/18/2023 Notice to Providers

Provider Meeting Registration: The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue ongoing dialog and collaboration.

Please email your provider-related questions to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Monday, May 01, 2023. Type “Provider Meeting” in the email’s subject line.

The meeting agenda includes:

• Welcome and Introductions.
• Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics.
• VR Updates
• Background and National Public Sex Offender Search Requirements
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers.
• Wrap-up and Next Steps.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov. 

04/14/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is adding a requirement to VR Standards for Providers (SFP) Manual Chapter 3: Basic Standards. TWC-VR is requiring contractors that provide goods or services directly to VR customers to run a criminal background check on each staff member who will interact with any VR customer. 

The new policy will go into effect May 15, 2023. Contractors must comply with the new policy no later than Aug. 1, 2023.

The following documents are posted for the 30-day review period:

• New policy: SFP Chapter 3. Basic Standards, Section 2.18 Background Checks.
• Background Checks Attestation and Release Form (Draft).
• Background Check FAQ.
• Convictions Barring Contractor Staff from Performing Services for TWC.
• Exception to Background Check Instructions.
• Contracted Services Exempt from Background Checks.

The new policy will be discussed at the next Quarterly Provider Call, May 16, 2023. More information about the call, including how to register, is coming soon.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

02/15/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has posted four new On Demand Webinars that were presented during a TWC-VR Provider Call on Feb. 7, 2023. Direct links to the webinars are below.

• Customer Orientation.
• Form VR 3472 Contracted Service Modification Request.
• Incident Reporting.
• Signatures.

TWC-VR also wants to clarify guidance provided during the Provider Call on incident reporting; see the question and answer below.

Question: Does a provider need to complete Form VR3446, Incident Report when VR staff fail to send an email with Personal Identifiable Information (PII), Sensitive Personal Information (SPI), and Protected Health Information (PHI) encrypted?

Answer: Yes. When a provider receives an email with PII, SPI and/or PHI from VR staff they must submit a Form VR3446, Incident Report.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

02/01/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated the following chapters and forms in the “VR Standards for Providers Manual (SFP)”:

• SFP Chapter 3: Basic Standards.
• SFP Chapter 17: Basic Employment.
• SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services.
• Form VR3446, Incident Report (new form).
• Form VR3473, Customer Orientation Checklist (new form).

The updates reduce burdensome requirements, clarify requirements, and streamline the chapters’ content. TWC-VR also updated provider forms impacted by these updates.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

01/30/2023 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) will open course registration for the UNT WISE Blind Premium Endorsement on Jan. 30, 2023.

Prerequisites include successfully completing four other courses:

• UNT WISE Job Skills Training Credential
• UNT WISE Job Placement.
• *NRTC Improving Business Development Skills: A Training for Rehabilitation Professionals (17.25 hours)
• *NRTC Working with Employers: What Is Important and What Successful Agencies Do (one hour)

*NRTC = National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

The UNT WISE Blind Premium course is self-paced and hosted completely online in the Canvas learning system.  A score of 75% or higher on the course’s final exam to receive the premium endorsement.

For more information, refer to the VR Standards for Providers Manual, Chapter 20 Premiums, section 20.11 Blind Premium.

For questions about this notice, email untwise@unt.edu or vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

01/18/2023 Notice to Providers

Provider Meeting Registration: The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue ongoing dialog and collaboration.

Please email your provider-related questions to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. Type “Provider Meeting” in the email’s subject line.

The meeting agenda includes:

• Welcome and Introductions.
• Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics.
• VR Updates/Training.
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers.
• Wrap-up and Next Steps.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov. 

12/30/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is updating “VR Standards for Providers (SFP) Chapter 3: Basic Standards.” The updates reduce burdensome requirements, clarify requirements, and streamline the chapter's content.

These changes will apply to all contractors who provide services or goods listed in the SFP manual. For a summary of changes, refer to the Overview of Revisions to SFP 3: Basic Standards.

The following SFP content will go into effect Feb. 1, 2023 and is posted for the 30-day review period:

• SFP Chapter 3: Basic Standards
• SFP Chapter 17: Basic Employment
• SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services
• Form VR3446, Incident Report (new form)
• Form VR3473, Customer Orientation Checklist (new form)

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov. 

11/02/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated “Chapter 20: Premiums” in the VR Standards for Providers Manual (SFP). The chapter now includes new information for a blind premium and a new SFP form, “VR1883, Blind Premium Report.”

The updated chapter and new form are effective November 1, 2022.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov. 

10/20/2022 Notice to Providers

​​​​​​Provider Meeting Registration:

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on November 15, 2022. 

The purpose of this meeting is to continue ongoing dialog and collaboration. 

Please email your provider-related questions to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Thursday, November 10, 2022. Type “Provider Meeting” in the email’s subject line.

The Meeting Agenda includes:

•    Welcome and Introductions
•    Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
•    VR Updates/Training
•    Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
•    Wrap-up and Next Steps

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

09/30/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is introducing the Blind Premium for Employment Services purchased through the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers (SFP) Manual, Chapter 20: Premiums. 

Review section 20.11 Blind Premium for the services description, staff qualifications, outcomes requirement for payment and fees. The new fees will go into effect Nov. 1, 2022, and are currently posted for the 30-day review period.

• SFP Chapter 20:11 Blind Premium
• VR1883, Blind Premium Report

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

09/01/2022 Notice to Providers

Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is introducing the Provider Feedback Form (VR1200). Providers are encouraged to initially submit feedback by phone or email to their local and/or regional offices for collaborative resolution. Local/regional VRD staff that can assist with provider feedback includes the:

• Rehabilitation Assistant
• VR Counselor
• Unit Purchasing Specialist
• Local Provider Liaison
• Medical Services Coordinator
• Unit Support Coordinator
• VR Unit Supervisor
• VR Unit Manager
• Regional Quality Assurance Program Specialist
• Regional Program Support Specialist
• Deputy Regional Director
• Regional Director

If a resolution at the local and/or regional level cannot be reached, the provider may escalate the feedback by completing and submitting form VR1200. Form VR1200 and the Provider Feedback Form Instructions are now available on the Vocational Rehabilitation Service Forms web page. The form will be processed in accordance with the Provider Feedback Form Instructions.

The VR1200 and Provider Feedback Form Instructions can be found on the Vocational Rehabilitation Service Forms page.

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

08/31/2022 Notice to Providers

Form VR1604 for SEAL Participants
 
Effective 8/1/2022, a revised version of the form VR1604 Work Experience Training Report was published.  We recognize the timing of this publication may cause confusion as Providers complete Work Experience Training billing for the FY 2022 SEAL Program. 

As you're submitting invoices for SEAL participants only, Providers may submit either the version published on 8/1/2022 or the previous version published 2/2022. This notice will be archived on the Provider Resource Page for reference. 

For all other VR customers participating in Work Experience Training, the revised form published 8/1/2022, must be used for this process. 

For questions about this notice, email VR.Pre-ETS@twc.texas.gov or vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

06/29/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting (zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7Bv1luRFQO204u9YU2Cjyg) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue to provide a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

We are requesting all questions be submitted to the vr.standards@twc.texas.gov mailbox no later than Thursday, July 14, 2022. Please use Provider Meeting in subject line of the email.

Meeting Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions
• Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
• VR Updates/Training
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
• Wrap-up and Next Steps

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

06/15/2022 Notice to Providers

Amerigroup and the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) are hosting a free, eight-week training series on competitive integrated employment and Employment First. The training is intended for Supported Employment providers throughout the state of Texas. It is not required for providers that maintain the TWC-VR Supported Employment credential. For more information about the training, refer to the flyer and FAQ document below. To register, send an email to info@apse.org.

• Flyer-Employment First Training Services
• TX APSE FAQ

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

06/01/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated the following chapters in the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) regarding the 90-day count of employment. These revisions will publish July 1, 2022, and they are currently posted for the 30 day review period.

• Chapter 16: Project SEARCH Services
• Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services

For questions about this notice, email vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

05/16/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has created a new chapter in the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP). The chapter is currently posted for a 30-day review period and will be published on July 01, 2022.

Email the VR Standards mailbox at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov if you have any questions.

• Chapter 26: Benefits and Work Incentives Counseling Services

05/02/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated the following chapters in the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP). These revisions are effective June 1, 2022 and they are currently posted for the 30 day review period.

Email the VR Standards mailbox at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov if you have any questions.

• Chapter 6: Hearing Aids and Related Accessories
• Chapter 9: Assistive Technology Services for Customers with Visual Impairments

04/12/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. CST on Monday, April 25, 2022.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue to provide a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

We are requesting all questions be submitted to the vr.standards@twc.texas.gov mailbox no later than Thursday, April 21, 2022. Please use Provider Meeting in subject line of the email.

Meeting Agenda

Email the VR Standards mailbox at: vr.standards@twc.texas.gov if you have a question.

• Welcome and Introductions
• Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
• VR Updates
• Assistive Technology for Sight Related Disabilities Update
• Blind Premium Update
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
• Wrap-up and Next Steps

04/01/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on April 25, 2022.

The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

Agenda items and registration information will follow soon.

Questions about the virtual meeting may be submitted to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.
 

04/01/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated Chapter 16: Project SEARCH Services in the VR Standards for Providers Manual.

The following SFP forms were added and are effective April 1, 2022:

If you have any questions about the update, email the VR Pre-ETS mailbox at vr.pre-ets@twc.texas.gov.

• VR3360, Referral for Project SEARCH
• VR3361, Project SEARCH Asset Discovery Report
• VR3362, Project SEARCH Progress Report
• VR3363, Project SEARCH Job Placement Services Plan
• VR3364, Project SEARCH Placement Report

03/01/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is updating the forms and associated policy in Standards for Providers (SFP) Chapter 16: Project SEARCH Services. The following SFP content is effective April 1, 2022:

The following SFP forms are effective April 1, 2022:

The resource, titled Project SEARCH Transition, describes how to proceed with services when a customer is currently receiving Project SEARCH services.

If you have any questions about the update, email the VR Pre-ETS mailbox at vr.pre-ets@twc.texas.gov.

• SFP Chapter 16: Project SEARCH Services
• VR3360, Referral for Project SEARCH
• VR3361, Project SEARCH Asset Discovery Report
• VR3362, Project SEARCH Progress Report
• VR3363, Project SEARCH Job Placement Services Plan
• VR3364, Project SEARCH Placement Report
   

02/01/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) has updated the following chapters in the VR Standards for Providers Manual (SFP), effective February 1, 2022:

These updates include introducing the Career Planning Assessment, updates to the Supported Employment (SE) service delivery model, and restructured payments for disability-related premiums in SE.

The following SFP forms were added effective February 1, 2022:

For more information, email the VR Standards mailbox at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

• Chapter 4: Employment Assessments
• Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services
• Chapter 20: Premiums
• VR1629, Referral for Career Planning Assessment
• VR1630, Career Planning Assessment
• VR1631, Referral for Supported Employment Services
• VR1632, Supported Employment Plan and Employment Report
• VR1633, Supported Employment Job Development and Job Analysis Report
• VR1634, Supported Employment Training Plan and Job Retention Report
   

01/18/2022 Notice to Providers

Supported Employment (SE) Credential Update Available —The SE credential update is now available for SE credential holders to complete on demand through University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion & Sustainable Employment (UNTWISE). The credential update is a one-hour webinar that must be completed before accepting new referrals for Standards for Providers (SFP) Chapter 4.6: Career Planning Assessment or SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services. To complete the credential update, go to UNT's website.

01/05/2022 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue to provide a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Also, please note that we plan to spend a significant amount of time during the meeting covering the upcoming modifications to Supported Employment that will go into effect on February 1, 2022.

We are requesting all questions be submitted to the vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Please use Provider Meeting in subject line of the email.

Meeting Agenda

For more details see the recent Notice to Providers posted on the Provider Resource Page.

Email the VR Standards mailbox at vr.standards@twc.texas.gov if you have any questions.

• Welcome and Introductions
• Updates from Regional Providers and Discussion of Identified Topics
• VR Updates and Supported Employment Update
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
• Wrap-up and Next Steps
   

12/29/2021 Notice to Providers

Update to SFP - Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is introducing the Career Planning Assessment, changing the Supported Employment (SE) service delivery model, and restructuring payments for disability-related premiums in SE. The following Standards for Providers (SFP) content will go into effect February 1, 2022:

The following SFP forms will go into effect February 1, 2022:

Mandatory training - All University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion & Sustainable Employment (UNTWISE) SE credential holders must successfully complete a mandatory credential update through UNTWISE before accepting new referrals for SFP Chapter 4.6: Career Planning Assessment or SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services. The credential update will be posted on the UNTWISE website and will be available to complete on-demand starting January 18, 2022.

The resource, titled Supported Employment Transition, describes how to proceed with services when a customer is currently receiving SE.

Questions regarding the updates may be submitted to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov

• SFP Chapter 4: Career Planning Assessment
• SFP Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services
• SFP Chapter 20: Premiums
• VR1629, Referral for Career Planning Assessment
• VR1630, Career Planning Assessment
• VR1631, Referral for Supported Employment Services
• VR1632, Supported Employment Plan and Employment Report
• VR1633, Supported Employment Job Development and Job Analysis Report
• VR1634, Supported Employment Training Plan and Job Retention Report
   

12/13/2021 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST) on January 13, 2021.

The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

Agenda items and registration information will follow soon.

Questions about the virtual meeting may be submitted to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.
 

09/29/2021 Notice to Providers

Thank you to everyone who attended the quarterly provider meeting earlier today. We have included 3 documents from the meeting today:

Please send any questions you have to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

• The PowerPoint Presentation,
• TWS-VRS & HHS Waiver Sequencing of Services Diagram, and
• Accessible Version of the TWS-VRS & HHS Waiver Sequencing of Services Diagram
  .  

09/28/2021 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) is updating provider rates associated with the following chapters in the VR Standards for Providers Manual effective October 01, 2021:

Please see the fee tables in each chapter for the details related to the new rates. The rates for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Supports have also been adjusted.

Below are two documents that provide additional information on the TWC-VR rate changes.

New service authorizations will need to be issued on 10/1 to reflect the rate change. Hourly services will update immediately on 10/1. Benchmarks achieved prior to 10/1 will utilize the legacy rates and benchmarks achieved on 10/1 and later will use updated rates.

Send any questions to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

• Chapter 4: Employment Assessments
• Chapter 13: Work Readiness Services
• Chapter 14: Work Experience Services
• Chapter 15: Pre-Employment Transition Services
• Chapter 16: Project SEARCH Services
• Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services
• Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services
• Chapter 19: Self Employment
• Chapter 20: Premiums
• List of services with rate increase
• FAQ related to the rate increase
   

09/16/2021 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

Meeting Agenda

We are requesting all questions be submitted to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov no later than midnight on September 26th. Please use Provider Meeting in the subject line of the email. Please note we may not be able to address all questions on the call.

• Welcome and Introductions
• Updates from Regional Provider Representatives and Regional VR Staff
• Vocational Rehabilitation Program Updates
• Presentation of VR Waivers and specific Waiver Employment Services
• Answers to Questions Submitted by Providers
• Wrap-up and Next Steps
   

09/14/2021 Notice to Providers

On July 29, 2021 Executive Order GA-38 (GA-38) was issued by Governor Greg Abbott relating to the continued response to the COVID-19 disaster.

GA-38 clarifies and establishes that no governmental entity (including TWC-VR) can require any provider or customer to:

TWC strongly encourages employees and customers to wear face coverings but does not require employees or customers to do so. Generally speaking, a private business can set their own rules and policies for face covering, as long as they do not discriminate against a protected class of people (e.g., on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or disability).

In addition to the above, GA-38 also states any public or private entity that is receiving or will receive public funds through any means, including contracts or other disbursements of taxpayer money, shall not require a customer to provide documentation regarding the customer’s COVID-19 vaccination status as a condition of receiving any service or entering any place. The above includes TWC-VR contractors.

GA-38 further states that there shall be no local orders regarding COVID-19-related operating limits for any business or other establishment.

However, GA-38 also strongly encourages Texans to:

Please review SFP Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19 for more information on GA-38, COVID-19 vaccinations and face coverings.

Please send any questions to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.

• receive a COVID-19 vaccine,
• show proof of a vaccination for COVID-19, or
• wear a face-covering.
• Consistently follow good hygiene, social-distancing, and other mitigation practices as a matter of personal responsibility;
• Receive a COVID-19 vaccine;
• Wear face coverings; and
• Use good-faith efforts and available resources to follow the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) health recommendations, found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.

09/01/2021 Notice to Providers

The Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Division (TWC-VR) invites VR providers to participate in a virtual meeting from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CST) on September 29, 2021. The purpose of this meeting is to establish a venue for ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Agenda items and registration information will follow soon. Questions about the virtual meeting may be submitted to vr.standards@twc.texas.gov.