History shows that people speaking up about their needs / services have helped to shape the VR (vocational rehabilitation) program into the one we have today.
In the U.S. the Public VR program can trace its roots back to World War I and the Soldiers Rehabilitation Act of 1918, which provided training for injured veterans. In 1920, the program was expanded to include anyone with a physical disability, not just veterans.
World War II saw the VR program expanded to include people with mental illness and mental retardation under the 1943 amendments to help fill the jobs left vacant by soldiers going to war.
Society's stereotypes about what people with disabilities could do began to change. VR also began paying for corrective surgeries and some assistive devices such as hearing aids and wheelchairs.
In the 1950's, funding for VR increased as well as funding for scientific research into disabilities and rehabilitation. VR was a political success, consistently making money for the government as people with disabilities became employed and began paying taxes.
In the 1965 amendments, individuals dealing with drug abuse, alcoholism, repeated jail sentences, behavior disorders or public assistance could receive VR services. The system became overwhelmed and those with the most significant disabilities lost the flexibility and individualized services needed to assist them.
The 1960's and 1970's brought along the Disability Rights movement and the Civil Rights movement. People with disabilities started advocating for themselves.
In the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, VR was directed to primarily serve people with the most significant physical and mental disabilities. Individualized services were emphasized.
In the 1980's, community inclusion and consumer choice became part of VR. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. The 1992 amendments created the state rehabilitation councils which were to increase the voice of consumers in policy and operations of state agencies. The 1998 amendments brought informed consumer choice and the opportunity to obtain high quality jobs. Partnerships between VR and state and federal agencies and local cooperative agreements began. The Rehabilitation Act became Title Four of the Workforce Investment Act.
The guiding principles have remained the same over the years - the belief that employment and productivity lead to independence and independence is the right of all American citizens.
Where we go in 2012 and beyond depends on people like you taking this survey, speaking up and speaking out, advocating and participating in the process.
Please let us hear from you - Take the Customer Satisfaction Survey
(This information was taken from the SRC Training Series developed by RSA.)
Leslie Kelly, Customer Satisfaction Committee Chair
Joseph Kraher, Council Chair
Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council
1902 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011
voice: 717-975-2004
tollfree: 888-250-5175
fax: 888-524-9282
tty: 888-559-2658
email: racucpca@parac.org