Cathy Caldwell

This document outlines the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development for Alabama's Early Intervention System (AEIS), dedicated to providing quality services for eligible children (birth to three) and their families. The plan's core values emphasize family-centered, developmentally appropriate, individualized, and evidence-based practices delivered in natural environments. Key strategic areas include fostering active family involvement and support, ensuring consistent personnel standards and qualifications, providing extensive research/evidence-based training and technical assistance to highly qualified professionals, and implementing innovative strategies for the recruitment and retention of early intervention service providers.

The board reviewed and approved the 2025 Annual Report. Division updates were provided for the Early Intervention System, Children's Rehabilitation Service, Human Resource Development, Finance and Purchasing, and the State of Alabama Independent Living program. The Commissioner provided updates on federal and state administration, budget planning including the potential impact of funding reductions on the Vocational Rehabilitation program, and recent awards given by the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Additionally, building project updates for Gadsden and Dothan were discussed.

The board meeting included the approval of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) operations and personnel staffing plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics addressed included the appointment of the new director for the Alabama Office on Disability, status updates regarding the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) waiver program, and preparation for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Additionally, the board received updates on federal legislative and appropriations developments affecting rehabilitation services, as well as state-level organizational changes and upcoming schedule adjustments for future board meetings.

This comprehensive needs assessment report, conducted for the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) population domain, aims to identify priority issues and guide strategic planning for Alabama's Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. The assessment focuses on improving CYSHCN outcomes and strengthening partnerships. Key priority needs identified are comprehensive care coordination and supports for system navigation, transition to adulthood, and family and youth peer supports. The findings will provide a framework for tracking progress during the 2025-2030 reporting period.

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services' Blueprint for the 21st Century is a strategic framework dedicated to enabling Alabama's children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential. The plan outlines core values focused on providing easily accessible, integrated, quality, family-centered, culturally sensitive, and community-based services, while promoting consumer choice and advocating for rights. It prioritizes independence and meaningful work through education, employer relationships, and job creation, alongside valuing staff contributions, fostering leadership, ensuring efficient resource management, and building public support through education and partnerships.