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

Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
State Rehabilitation Council

Full Council Highlights

  • Established and prioritized a series of goals and objectives through strategic planning.
  • Provided comments and recommendations to the BBVS State Plan and Combined State Plan.
  • Participated on joint OVR and BBVS workgroup to develop recommendations concerning the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD).
  • Participated on the CareerLinks (one-stops) Accessibility Advisory Committee and Technology Accessibility subcommittee.
  • Expanded relationship with the OVR State Rehabilitation Council through shared activities.
  • Continued primary management of the national ListServ for Rehabilitation Councils, resulting in the National Symposium held in Washington D.C. in September.
  • Worked with the OVR Council on an Ad-Hoc Committee to identify and address needs related to consolidation of the two Rehabilitation Councils.

Executive:

  • Actively sought contract for independent staff support.
  • Maintained Council activities and focus on needs of persons served by BBVS during uncertainties surrounding its status and location in government.

By-Laws:

  • Reviewed By-Laws for consistency with the 1998 Rehabilitation Act Amendments.

Consumer Satisfaction:

  • Drafted a Satisfaction Survey instrument.

Legislative:

  • Developed position paper regarding elevation of BBVS to Commission Status and subsequent legislation transferring BBVS to Labor and Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
  • Conducted educational event for state Legislators.

Assistive Technology:

  • Represented the Council on the CareerLinks Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Goals and Concerns

The BBVS State Rehabilitation Council ceased to be a freestanding entity with the transfer of BBVS to the Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in July 1999. Several members have been appointed to the (now consolidated) State Rehabilitation Council. BBVS goals and concerns that carryover include:

  • Completion of a Satisfaction Survey of BBVS customers.
  • Expand and formalize relationships with the District Customer Advisory Committees (CACs).
  • Increase public attendance at Council meetings.
  • Assure continuation of a distinct voice for BBVS constituents.