About TACE Center: Region IV

The Technical Assistance & Continuing Education (TACE) Center: Region IV is a partnership of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) and DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center, in colloboration with a Learning Consortium of nationally recognized educators and researchers from reknown universities such as East Carolina University, Hofstra University, and Syracuse University, as well as local, regional, and national leaders and experts — i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) administrators, rehabilitation services providers, employers and advocates — throughout the eight Southeast Region IV states (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN).

The unique partnership of academic, governmental, and community expertise in the TACE Center: Region IV creates a broad base of knowledge and networks to effectively deliver state-individualized and regional technical assistance (TA) and continuing education (CE) to State VR agencies, Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs), Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Client Assistance Programs (CAPs), and other partners in support of the State VR programs' mission to enhance employment outcomes, independent functioning, independent living and quality of life for persons with disabilities throughout the eight states in the Southeast Region IV.

Our Mission: To provide technical assistance (TA) and continuing education (CE) activities to meet the training and organizational development needs of State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and their partners.

Our Purpose: To improve the quantity and quality of employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities through enhanced technical assistance and continuing education for State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and their agency partners (e.g., Centers for Independent Living, Client Assistance Programs, and Community Rehabilitation Programs) in the eight states in the Southeast Region IV.

Our Vision: To maximize quality training and development opportunities for rehabilitation personnel in the eight states in the Southeast Region IV so that vocational rehabilitation personnel at all levels may continue to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies in order to more effectively and efficiently increase employment, economic self-sufficiency and independent living outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

What We Offer

I. Training Needs Assessment

The TACE Center: Region IV conducts a needs assessment for each of the eight Southeast states (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN). Based on reviews of state plans, monitoring reports, interviews with state vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals, and input from Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and other stakeholders, the TACE Center: Region IV will identify and prioritize the technical assistance (TA) and continuing education (CE) needs in each state and develop a work plan to address those needs. Your input and collaboration is important - Participate in the Survey of VR Training Needs for the Southeast Region IV.

II. Knowledge Translation and Use

Training offered by the TACE Center: Region IV cover the most commonly identified needs of vocational rehabilitation (VR) leaders, supervisors, and counselors. Trainings are customized, flexible, accessible, and interactive.  Materials, training, and technical assistance activities are continuously evaluated and updated to respond to changing needs.

An Events Schedule of Training and Continuing Education Activities, such as audio conferences, webinars, online distance education courses, onsite workshops and conferences, offer timely information designed to advance and facilitate access to knowledge and practice.

An annual regional conference will encourage face-to-face formal and informal opportunities for learning and sharing information.

If you have any questions or need customized training, please contact the TACE Center: Region IV via email tacesoutheast@law.syr.edu or phone (866) 518-8870 [voice/tty].

Core Knowledge Topics

III. Individualized Technical Assistance and Problem-Solving

• Small-group Communities of Excellence (COE) will allow in-depth examination and exploration of cross-cutting issues and practices
• Each state has an assigned TACE Center: Region IV staff member who will respond to requests via e-mail, telephone, and in-person consultation
• Subject-matter experts will be available for follow-up consultation regarding training and technical assistance.

IV. Collaboration and Peer Support

• The TACE Center: Region IV will support cross-agency and public-private relationships.
• The TACE Center: Region IV will facilitate connections across the region and beyond to provide peer support and advice.

V. Capacity Building and Support for Innovation

• Each state will be asked to identify a geographic area to become a Community of Excellence that demonstrates improved collaboration between public systems and employers.
• Funds for innovation have been set aside and will be used to advance knowledge and practice based on assessment of needs in the eight states in the Southeast Region IV with the guidance of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC).