Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for State Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by sections 101(a) and 606 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA.
a. 3. If the SRC is not meeting the composition requirements in Section 105(b) of the Rehabilitation Act and/or is not meeting quarterly as required in Section 105(f) of the Rehabilitation Act, provide the steps that the VR agency is taking to ensure it meets those requirements.
Current Narrative:
The Governor’s Boards and Commissions office is responsible for appointments to the State Rehabilitation Council. RSB has provided composition requirements to the Boards and Commissions office and communicated the importance of maintaining composition requirements.
RSB has consulted with the SRC regarding the composition requirements to ensure that the council is meeting the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act. The SRC has identified potential members for the four current vacancies. Appointment applications for the following two positions were submitted in August 2023 and are currently awaiting appointment from the Boards and Commissions office:
- Client Assistance Program Representative
- A representative of an individual who is blind, has multiple disabilities, and has difficulty representing himself or herself or is unable due to disabilities to represent himself or herself
Individuals to fill the remaining two vacancies were recently identified and are currently in the process of completing the application for appointment. Once completed, the applications will be sent to the Boards and Commissions office, along with a resubmission of the two applications sent in August 2023:
- Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Business, Industry and Labor
There will be two first term vacancies occurring in the fall of 2025 and both members have agreed to apply for reappointment. Applications for reappointment will be submitted the quarter prior to expiration.
The State Rehabilitation Council conducts quarterly meetings at various locations throughout the state to enhance in-person accessibility and public participation. Attendees may participate in-person or through video conferencing. Public forums include a guest speaker that is typically a local service provider. Meetings are announced on the state website and through social media.