Letter from the Chairperson
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
State Rehabilitation Council

During the 1998-1999 fiscal year the PA Rehabilitation Council (PA-RC) worked diligently to accomplish the goals and objectives which were set forth in Council's revised strategic plan. Council members spent two days at a Board Retreat developing this plan. Two professional facilitators and the Council's support staff assisted members.

During this two-day retreat, a thorough review of the previous year's goals, objectives and accomplishments were undertaken. Members discussed its mission, reviewed primary sources of information on the needs of adults with disabilities and assessed available resources. The current status of state and federal vocational rehabilitation was considered along with related issues, future trends and directions. At the close of the retreat the Council's conclusions were reviewed and prioritized. Outcomes were placed into a prescribed goal and objective format, reviewed and unanimously approved in August. The resulting strategic plan set the stage for the Council's agenda for fiscal year 1998-1999. Without such a well developed, written plan and specific benchmarks, the Council could not measure results. Please refer to the following section of this annual report for specific details.

The Council's achievements realized on behalf of the Commonwealth of PA citizens with disabilities during the 1998-1999 fiscal year were the result of the following:

• A well defined strategic plan with focused, measurable goals and objectives
• Increased effectiveness of the Board's committee structures and member involvement
• Utilization of a more efficient, businesslike manner, remaining focused upon our mission, and using resources effectively
• Expansion of Council's support staff and the quality of their expertise
• Closer collaboration with stakeholders
• Expansion of the Council's sphere of contacts

The accomplishments of the PA-RC during the last fiscal year demonstrated a continuous, positive movement toward assisting PA citizens with disabilities to obtain their fair share of employment, higher wages, and greater involvement in mainstream society. Much, however, remains to be done. The year 2000 is soon approaching and the PA Rehabilitation Council is seeking to be well positioned to vigorously pursue its mission into the next millennium.

In conclusion, the people and institutions who have contributed to the success of the 1998-1999 fiscal year should be acknowledged. Council members are recognized for their ongoing commitment and many hours of donated time. We are grateful to the employers of PA-RC members who have given their permission for members to attend meetings and take part in teleconferencing during their work hours. The Council continues to be grateful to Support Staff for their high degree of professionalism, expertise, and high degree of effectiveness in carrying forth the goals, objectives, and day-to-day work of the Council. To the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, its personnel and other collaborating branches of state and local government, we wish to recognize your cooperation and assistance. For those citizens of the Commonwealth with disabilities, the PA-RC wishes to express our appreciation for permitting us to represent you.

Thomas Fogarty, Chairperson 1998-1999