New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)

PROJECT: Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessments (2021 and 2024–2025)

/ CHALLENGE

The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired through seven district offices statewide. Federal regulations require that NYSCB conduct a comprehensive needs assessment every three years to inform its annual state plan and ensure equitable, high-quality services. With more than 4,500 participants, NYSCB needed rigorous analysis to understand client needs, identify service gaps, and ensure equitable outcomes for individuals with blindness and visual impairments.

/ SOLUTION

A&O designed and led two statewide mixed-methods needs assessments (2021, 2024). The studies included secondary analysis of agency case management data, staff surveys, interviews with clients, focus groups with braille users, and fiscal forecasting for youth transition services. Findings identified predictors of successful case closures, highlighted gaps in outreach to marginalized groups, and estimated statewide funding needs for Pre-Employment Transition Services.

/ OUTCOME

The assessments provided NYSCB with actionable insights to improve vocational rehabilitation outcomes, strengthen outreach, and align resources with client needs. Results informed state plan submissions to the Rehabilitation Services Administration, guided staff training priorities, and supported planning for expanded services for transition-age youth and underserved populations.