About Us

Virginia Commonwealth University received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration to fund the Rehabilitation Training: Innovative Rehabilitation Training Program (IRACA). The grant began on October 1, 2025, and will run for five years, and was awarded $640,000 annually (Grant #H263G250004).

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The Principal Investigator is Jennifer Todd McDonough, M.S., C.R.C., and Paul Wehman, Ph.D. is the Co-Principal Investigator. Our RSA Project Officer is Felipe Lulli.

The IRACA project strengthens the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) workforce, so professionals are better equipped to help individuals with disabilities find and keep meaningful, high-quality jobs.

We focus on expanding the number of qualified VR professionals and building their skills to meet today's changing workforce's needs. Our work emphasizes practical strategies for participant engagement, career assessment, connections to in-demand fields including STEM and AI, and stronger partnerships with employers.

Key Activities

  • Leadership Academy

    We are creating a Leadership Academy to prepare current and future VR leaders to use proven, evidence-based practices that strengthen participant engagement and improve results.

  • Community of Practice

    Our Community of Practice connects VR professionals to share ideas, solve problems together, and improve the efficiency and quality of services.

  • Targeted Training Modules

    We are developing focused training modules that help professionals examine career trends, explore new employment pathways, and conduct thorough labor market assessments that inform career planning.

  • Dual Customer Engagement Model

    We are strengthening VR's ability to serve both job seekers and employers. Through AI-informed training and tools, we support disability hiring efforts and help VR staff build stronger employer partnerships.

  • AI, STEM, and Career Planning Supports

    Our project provides training and technical assistance on AI integration, STEM readiness, and career planning. Tools like VocRehabAI, TECH-Prep, and Noora TA are designed to strengthen services, improve employment outcomes, and inform future research and policy.