Good afternoon Community Providers,
For those I haven’t met yet, I’m Aaron Weikum, the new Rehabilitation Program Contracts Specialist, and this is my first Partner Post! Feel free to reach out at aaron.weikum@state.mn.us with any questions. I’m coming to this role from VRS with a unique background that includes autism advocacy, contract law, disability policy, dispute resolution, and rehabilitation program administration.
For those who are interested, I will be reaching out individually to each contract point of contact to schedule a quick introductory meeting and get-to-know-you session. I’m also happy to help troubleshoot any SSB issues you may currently be experiencing (related to authorizations, billing, communications with customers or counselors, etc.).
We have quite a few items to share today:
New Federal Pre-ETS Guidance – Dear Colleague Letter 26-04
Yesterday, the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration issued additional guidance for pre-employment transition services (“pre-ETS”). The Dear Colleague Letter (DCL-26-04, available to read here) emphasizes three important considerations for pre-ETS providers. Pre-ETS must be:
a) workforce-focused (directly related to the five employment preparation activities specified in 34 CFR Sec. 361.48(a)(2)),
b) person-specific (customized to the unique needs and goals of each student rather than “one-size-fits-all” service delivery), and
c) in-community (provided in the most integrated setting possible and prioritizing competitive integrated employment outcomes).
The Letter includes real-life examples of compliant and non-compliant pre-ETS delivery.
In addition, the Letter emphasizes that vocational rehabilitation agencies like State Services for the Blind must have “adequate internal controls in place to ensure accurate reporting of pre-ETS expenditures.” While SSB already has internal controls in place, we continue to review those controls for potential improvements and will keep Community Partners updated on any program changes before they are implemented.
While this Letter does not constitute any substantive change in pre-ETS processes, it serves as a signal from the federal government that there will likely be greater scrutiny on pre-ETS providers and VR agencies. SSB values its Community Partners greatly, wants to keep everyone informed, and will continue to adapt to the changing landscape of service delivery.
Requests for Proposals Remain Open through November 30, 2026
SSB encourages all available organizations to apply to provide Adjustment to Blindness (“ATB”), rehabilitation training, employment-related services, and pre-ETS to our blind, low vision, and DeafBlind customers and applicants. There are two ongoing solicitations available to review here: one for the Disability Innovation Fund Grant program and one for general vocational rehabilitation services.
The DIF Grant presents a unique opportunity for qualified responders to advance cutting-edge service delivery and address gaps and high-need populations while securing additional business opportunities for your organization. Some small changes are currently being made to the DIF Grant Program RFP, so, if it does not appear on the Competitive Grants and Contracts page, please check again later or contact Jennifer.Beilke@state.mn.us with any questions.
For current Community Partners interested in renewing their SSB contract, it’s never too early to start thinking about services, rates, and other possible changes. While the effective date of the new contracts is nearly a year away – July 1, 2027 – we are already in the pre-planning stages of the contract renegotiation process and would welcome any feedback or questions from Community Partners!
Restarting Community Partner Forums and Spotlight Café Sessions
Be sure to save the dates for upcoming Community Partner events! Zoom links will be sent out in advance of these meetings.
The next Spotlight Café sessions will be from 11-11:30am on October 14, November 18, and December 9. We would love to showcase your services and success stories! Please email me at aaron.weikum@state.mn.us if you would like to feature your organization.
The next Community Partner Forum will be held from 11am-12:30pm on October 26, 2026. We will go over the new contract cycle, federal pre-ETS guidance, monitoring process (which will resume January 2027), and any other recent developments.
Save the Date - White Cane Awareness Day is Tuesday, October 13
Time: 9:30am - 12pm
Location: Capitol Rotunda
Join us for a morning of inspiration and activities in celebration of White Cane Awareness Day 2026. More detailed information coming soon, so stay tuned!
Free DeafBlind Education Activity – “Off to a Good Start” Webinar
Join the Oregon and Washington DeafBlind Projects for “Off to a Good Start,” a virtual learning opportunity with internationally recognized DeafBlind educator and consultant David Brown. The session will explore practical ways to better understand and support learners who are DeafBlind, with a focus on recognizing and using each learner's unique sensory, communication, movement, and learning needs to build a strong foundation for meaningful engagement and learning.
The presentation will be held via Zoom on September 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. followed by a Q&A session for families on October 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Families will have time between sessions to reflect on and apply what they learned, then return with questions, observations, and ideas for discussion with David.
Register here! Contact lmcconac@pps.net or emma.packard@wssb.wa.gov with questions. Continuing education credits/hours will not be offered. American Sign Language and Spanish interpretation will be available upon request. When registering, please indicate if these or other accommodations are needed.
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