Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation – Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA)

The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helps people with disabilities achieve their career goals and live more independently. They provide services like job training, career counseling, and help with technology and transportation to make it easier for individuals to succeed in the workplace. The University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI) is completing a study to provide an impartial report for OVR to develop and update its state plan for vocational rehabilitation services.

OVR uses the results of the CSNA to improve its programs and services, set goals, and decide what’s most important to focus on. The goal is to understand the needs, challenges, and barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to access vocational services and gain employment.

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Feedback Opportunities

UK HDI is facilitating a series of focus groups and key informant interviews intended to draw insight into lived experiences from individuals who engage with the Kentucky OVR. A survey will be developed from the feedback collected to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and experiences of these individuals. The survey will be targeted to a wider audience and used to help inform the Kentucky OVR CSNA.

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FAQs

What is a CSNA?

A CSNA is a study that occurs every three years, as required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended). It looks at the needs of people with disabilities in Kentucky and helps OVR understand what services are working well, what’s missing, and how to improve their services and outcomes. The goal of the KY OVR CSNA is to make sure OVR is meeting the needs of people across the state with a focus on employment opportunities and access to resources.

For reference, visit the 2024 Kentucky OVR CSNA.

How is HDI’s Evaluation Unit involved?

The University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI) has an Evaluation Unit that specializes in research and data analysis. For the CSNA, HDI works with OVR to collect information from a variety of people, including, Kentuckians with disabilities, family members, caregivers, service providers, employers, and other community members.

This feedback helps HDI identify service gaps and understand what is needed to enhance outcomes for individuals with disabilities. They use surveys, interviews, and other tools to gather input and create a report with their findings and recommendations.

Why is this important?

The CSNA allows the Kentucky OVR to make data-informed decisions about their programs and resources. By listening to the people they serve and others who work with them, OVR can focus on areas that matter most. This process strengthens services for everyone in Kentucky, especially people with disabilities.

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