Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council
Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2001

Advocacy through Relationships
In Government and Community

Letter From The Chairperson

Office Of Vocational Rehabilitation
State Rehabilitation Council

It has been my pleasure to serve as chair of the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council (PA-RC) for Fiscal Year 2001. The year saw several developments that should have long-term benefits for the PA-RC and its constituents.

In January, Mr. Steven Nasuti was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The appointment was made permanent later in the year. As Executive Director, Mr. Nasuti has shown a strong commitment to strengthening OVR's partnership with the PA-RC, as well as other stakeholder groups. He has been particularly responsive to the PA-RC's advocacy for better utilization of the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC). We are pleased to see the MAC meeting regularly and redefining its purpose and goals.

The PA-RC has also been active in addressing a number of accessibility concerns in the CareerLink centers, which serve as Pennsylvania's "one stop" system. Members sit on both the statewide Advisory Committee and local advisory committees. In collaboration with OVR and CareerLink staff, members participated in site visits and made practical suggestions on ways to improve the one stop experience for people with disabilities.

Taking advantage of our proximity to Washington, D.C., the PA-RC attended the National Rehabilitation Association Governmental Affairs training in March. We met with virtually all of the Pennsylvania delegation or their staff and corresponded throughout the year. The Council continues to advocate for a free standing, publicly provided State-Federal VR program.

In 2002 the PA-RC will continue to develop as an organization. We will add outcome measures to our goals. We will also more actively self-manage our operating funds. Finally, we will build on the work done this year to increase collaborative projects with OVR.

The Council is indebted to the employers of PA-RC members who allowed members to attend meetings and take part in teleconferencing during the work hours. The Council conveys thankfulness to the Support Staff for their professionalism, expertise, and high degree of efficiency in facilitating the Council goals and objects, and daily operation of the Council.

Much has been accomplished this year. We look forward to building on those accomplishments in 2002.

Anthony Williams, Chairperson, 2001