Mapping the TVR Journey
The fifth point of the star quilt emphasizes:
- IPE development
- scope of services
- IPE amendment
- culturally responsive case management
Person-centered planning guides the TVR journey, ensuring counselors gather up-to-date information and stay aligned with the participant’s needs. Mapping this journey requires revisiting the comprehensive assessment (“Great Eight”) to understand how the participant perceives their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choices.
TVR projects must establish written policies and procedures defining the nature and scope of TVR services, as outlined in Section 103 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. While 34 CFR 361.48 provides criteria for TVR services, TVR projects are not required to follow it as guidance. Policies and procedures ensure TVR services align with each participant’s rehabilitation needs as identified in their IPE. No arbitrary limits may be set on services.
The IPE defines the participant’s vocational goal and the necessary TVR services to obtain, maintain, retain, or advance in employment. Developed collaboratively between the participant (and any invited individuals) and the TVR counselor, the IPE should only include services essential to overcoming employment barriers.
Except for assessment services necessary to determine eligibility and TVR needs, all vocational services are described in the IPE, amended IPE, or trial work experience plan. Services are to be provided no longer than is required to address the participant’s impediments to employment. Qualified providers should be used and services provided in the most integrated settings possible. If a non-integrated setting is utilized, the TVR counselor should document the rationale in the case file.
Core Practices
Develop the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
- Collaborate with the participant, their representative (if needed/requested), the TVR counselor, and any invited individuals.
- Define a specific vocational goal consistent with the participant’s strengths, cultural values, priorities, and informed choice.
- Include required components such as start/end dates, assistive technology if needed, comparable benefits, personal assistance services, supportive employment services, service providers, costs, and criteria for progress.
- Ensure the IPE reflects the comprehensive assessment and aligns with Section 103 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
- Provide the participant with an accessible copy of the signed IPE and document counselor/participant responsibilities.
Define the Scope of Services
- Establish written policies and procedures that ensure services align with participant needs identified in the IPE.
- Avoid arbitrary limits on services.
- Use qualified providers and deliver services in the most integrated settings possible; document the rationale for non-integrated settings when necessary.
- Respect cultural backgrounds, including traditional healers recognized by Tribal communities (per Section 103 of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR part 371(a)(2)).
- Incorporate comparable services and benefits when available.
Amend the IPE as Needed
- Revise the IPE when employment goals, services, providers, or timelines change.
- Collaborate with the participant to ensure informed choice guides amendments.
- Obtain signatures for all amendments, provide participants with copies, and place documentation in the case file.
Practice Culturally Responsive Case Management
- Collaborate with respect, treating TVR as a shared journey that values the participant’s background and informed choices.
- Maintain well-structured case files, use checklists, and track deadlines efficiently.
- Prioritize key tasks per case, schedule meetings, and complete paperwork on time.
- Maintain consistent communication and follow-ups with participants.
- Use secure processes for managing and sharing documents, including electronic case management tools.
Click the star quilt links to learn how to implement each phase of the TVR journey.
TVR Journey
The TVR Journey is available in a downloadable format that can be printed.
TVR Journey Guide
The TVR Journey Guide webpage contains files and tools that will help guide you through each phase of the TVR Journey.