The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, Public Law 105-220, mandate the establishment of a State Rehabilitation Council. The intent of Congress in requiring states to have a consumer-controlled Council is reflected by the requirement that a Council must be in place for the State to receive federal funds under Title I for vocational rehabilitation.

Statutory language sets out the establishment, composition and appointment, authority, duties and activities of the Council.

COMPOSITION

• At least one representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council who may be the chairperson or other designee of the Council;
• At least one representative of a parent training and information center established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
• At least one representative of the Client Assistance Program;
• At least one representative of community rehabilitation program service providers;
• Four representatives of business, industry, and labor;
• Representatives of disability advocacy groups representing a cross section of
  • individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities; and
  • parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or authorized representatives of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty in representing themselves or are unable due to their disabilities to represent themselves;
• Current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services;
• At least one representative of the state educational agency responsible for the public education of students with disabilities;
• At least one representative from the state Workforce Investment Board; and
• Director of the designated State unit who shall service as an ex officio, nonvoting member.

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APPOINTMENT

The Governor appoints members of the Council for three-year terms. The Governor selects members after soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities.

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QUALIFICATIONS

A majority of Council members shall be persons who are:

• Individuals with disabilities described in the Rehabilitation Act; and
• Not employed by the designated State unit.

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FUNCTIONS

The Statewide Council for Vocational Rehabilitation (SCVR) reviews, analyzes, and advises the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) on:

• eligibility, including order of selection,

• extent, scope and effectiveness of services provided by OVR,

• activities that affect or potentially affect the ability of individuals with disabilities to achieve rehabilitation goals.

The Statewide Council for Vocational Rehabilitation has a partnership role with OVR. The Council, in concert with the Office identifies a pool of persons qualified to be impartial hearing officers. Additionally, the Council is charged with conducting a review and analysis of program effectiveness and consumer satisfaction with OVR as well as other public and private entities that serve individuals with disabilities and use funds made available under the Rehabilitation Act.  A summary of the results of the 2005 Consumer Satisfaction Survey is available.

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