Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services

This document outlines the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development for Alabama's Early Intervention System (AEIS) for State Fiscal Year 2026. The plan is structured around three strategic areas: enhancing family involvement and support through active participation and training; ensuring high-quality personnel through consistent standards and research-based training; and implementing innovative strategies for recruitment and retention of early intervention service providers. It emphasizes providing quality, family-centered, and evidence-based services to eligible children and their families, while developing and supporting the professionals who deliver these services.

The Alabama's Early Intervention System (AEIS) SPP/APR Evaluation Plan aims to increase the number of infants-toddlers served who make substantial progress in positive social-emotional skills. The plan is structured around five strategic strands: Leadership and System Development, Children, Families and Evidence-Based Practices, Professional Development and Technical Assistance, Fiscal, and Data Collection. It focuses on improving child outcomes, enhancing parent participation, streamlining family survey processes, strengthening family understanding of child development, ensuring fidelity in the implementation of evidence-based practices, optimizing provider training and recruitment, and improving fiscal and data collection systems.

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services' 'Blueprint for the 21st Century' outlines the organization's mission to enable children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential. The strategic framework is built upon values that prioritize the worth, dignity, and rights of individuals with disabilities; foster independence and meaningful work; recognize staff contributions; cultivate leadership; ensure efficient resource management; and secure public support. This approach aims to provide accessible, integrated, and quality services, promote employment opportunities, support staff development, encourage innovation, and strengthen partnerships to build a more inclusive Alabama.

The meeting included a prayer from the former Executive Director of the Alabama Governor's Office on Disability (GOOD). Commissioner Burdeshaw's performance was reviewed, resulting in a salary increase. The Legislative Session for FY 2026 was reported as successful for ADRS, with additional appropriations secured. Updates were provided on the Alabama State House - Ability Day 2025, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Section 504, and The Governor's Office on Disability. The establishment of the Alabama Office on Disability (AOD) within ADRS was also discussed.

The meeting included reports on the Statement of Economic Interests, appointments and confirmations of board members, and eligibility requirements. There were nominations and elections for the positions of Board Chair and Vice-Chair. The Executive Leadership Team provided division updates, and the 2024 Annual Report was presented. Legislative and administrative updates were discussed, including the legislative session, budget requests, and the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The board also discussed a lawsuit challenging the 2024 regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.