Disability Agency Invites Public to Comment on Proposed Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY — Public Hearings will be hosted by Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) on May 18, 19 and 20 in Lawton, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Comments will be heard regarding updates to the DRS State Plan for programs that focus on services for Oklahomans with disabilities.

Programs affected by the proposed new State Plan are administered by DRS and include vocational rehabilitation for people with all types of disabilities and supported employment services for individuals with the most severe disabilities who need assistance on and off their jobs to obtain and maintain employment.

DRS provides a variety of services that help individuals with disabilities achieve employment, personal independence and self-sufficiency. The ORC advises DRS on development of policies and plans for rehabilitation services.

The comments from current or former clients and disability advocates will assist DRS in making annual updates to the Title I, State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Title VI, Part B, Supported Employment Services.

The State Plan documents DRS’ commitment to provide services to Oklahomans with disabilities in compliance with federal statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. The agency works closely with the ORC to jointly develop goals and priorities and ensure collaboration with Oklahomans with disabilities and key partners of the statewide workforce investment system.

Public hearing dates and locations are:

• Lawton – Monday, May 18, 2009, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Great Plains Technology Center, 4500 West Lee Blvd, Building 600 – Room 656
• Oklahoma City – Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 4 – 6 p.m., Department of Rehabilitation Services State Office, 3535 NW 58th Street, 2nd floor conference room
• Tulsa – Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Total Source for Hearing Loss and Access (TSHA), 8740 E 11th Street, conference room

Copies of the plan will also be available on the DRS website www.okdrs.gov  the week of May 11, 2009. They can also be obtained by writing to Larry Bishop, Policy Development and Programs Standards Unit Administrator, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112, by e-mail at lebishop@okdrs.gov, or by phone (405) 951-3400 or (800) 845-8476. Both numbers are accessible by telephone equipment for the deaf.

Persons who are unable to attend the hearings may send written comments to Larry Bishop at the street or e-mail addresses above. Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2009.

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