Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council Fiscal Year 1999 Report
capitol dome and disability images

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
State Rehabilitation Council
Full Council Highlights

  • Presentation of independent Customer Satisfaction results and recommendations to the OVR Board and Administration
  • Successful resolution of long standing difficulties in obtaining appointments to the Council
  • Formation of a joint transition committee with the BBVS Rehabilitation Council
  • Participation in Public Meetings regarding development of the OVR Combined State Plan and Unified Workforce Investment Plan
  • Increased working knowledge of Rehabilitation Act and Workforce Investment Act
  • Increased participation on OVR policy workgroups including Personnel Development, Employer Satisfaction and Accessibility of CareerLinks (one-stop) Centers
  • Obtained training on legislative advocacy techniques

Committee Highlights

Executive

  • Planned six meetings and a planning Retreat.
  • Refined Operating Guidelines and Decision Processes.
  • Managed Council's Fiscal Resources.

Disability Agenda:

  • Increased contacts with other Boards, Commissions and Councils.
  • Provided information for the Council's database of other organizations and website links.

Legislative:

  • Developed and distributed position papers on numerous topics including Workforce Incentives Improvement Act and federal appropriations.
  • Increased advocacy on the state level with legislators and the Department of Transportation.

Satisfaction and Planning:

  • Presented overview of satisfaction survey process at National Rehabilitation Association Conference.
  • Studied satisfaction survey results regarding Appeals Process confusion and developed recommendations.
  • Worked with OVR on changes in processes for gathering public reaction to the State Plan.

Concerns and Goals

Continued Concerns:

  • Lack of representation from the State Department of Education, particularly in light of potential changes to State Special Education regulations.
  • Flow of information between the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, OVR Central Office, and the Rehabilitation Council so that the Council may fully meet its joint responsibilities with the State Agency and State Unit.
  • Impact of the consolidation of services within CareerLink Centers on persons with disabilities.
  • Application of sound principles of organizational development to the transfer of Blindness and Visual Services to OVR.

Objectives for FY 2000:

  • Develop working relationship with the State Workforce Investment Board as described in the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Review current Transition Guidelines, monitor the development of the state level Memo of Understanding between OVR, the Department of Education and other partners.
  • Develop a role for the Council in RSA monitoring visits.
  • Assure Council involvement with OVR in all areas specified in the Rehabilitation Act.
  • Assess and address Council membership needs with respect to the BBVS Council, geographic diversity and ethnic diversity.