DARS joined the Virginia Board of Workforce Development and other state agencies that provide workforce development programs in developing a Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan. A draft of the plan is open for public comment through March 14. The plan is part of Virginia’s efforts to meet the federal Perkins Act, which increased focus on the academic achievement of career and technical education students, strengthen connections between secondary and postsecondary education and improve state and local accountability..

Gov. McAuliffe recognizes March 2016 as Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. To read his proclamation calling for better awareness of the causes, treatment and prevention of brain injuries, visit http://1.usa.gov/21w2Lvj. ‪DARS offers a list of awareness events and educational activities taking place this month across Virginia at www.vadars.org/cbs/bievents.htm.

Do you have a kit of supplies on hand in the event of severe weather? The Virginia Department for Emergency Management has tips on what items you should have on hand for those with special needs at http://bit.ly/11TKGaB or for older adults at http://bit.ly/10U7FmO. Be prepared for emergencies and be safe.

Check out the new informational video on the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, provided by the WWRC Foundation. The video shares personal stories of how the center helps individuals with disabilities go to work or receive comprehensive vocational and medical services. Visit www.wwrc.virginia.gov to learn more about the center’s services.

DARS’ YouTube channel offers open captioned videos highlighting the agency’s efforts to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities and their families. Watch a college student discuss his educational aspirations and how DARS helped him to achieve his personal goal of advocating for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.