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"Public Hearings Set to Discuss Agency’s State Plan" (5-02-08)

For immediate release
Contact: Dana Tallon at 405-951-3400 or 800-845-8476
Email: dtallon@okdrs.gov

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) will hold three public hearings to receive comments on the updates to DRS’ State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Supported Employment Services.

The State Plan documents the agency’s commitment to provide services to Oklahomans with disabilities in compliance with federal statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. It includes input from ORC where the goals and priorities are jointly developed to ensure collaboration with key partners of the statewide workforce system and consumers with disabilities within the state of Oklahoma.

At this hearing the public is welcome to bring any comments or suggestions to the panel regarding the agency’s State Plan.

“This is an opportunity for Oklahomans to have input into the process of vocational rehabilitation services for the state,” said Melinda Fruendt, DRS project coordinator. “We are looking forward to what the public has to say.”

The public hearings are scheduled for:

Monday, May 19, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Career Planning Center – Conference Room, 444 S. Houston, Edmondson Bldg., Tulsa, OK
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Great Plains Technical Center, Building 600, Room 614, 4500 W. Lee Blvd., Lawton, OK
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Department of Rehabilitation Services, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 3535 NW 58th St., Oklahoma City, OK.

Copies of the proposed State Plan will be available May 12 and may be obtained from Melinda Fruendt, Department of Rehabilitation Services, 3535 N.W. 58th, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112 or by e-mail mfruendt@okdrs.gov or by calling (405) 951-3547 – Toll free 1-800-845-8476. Copies of the plan will also be available on the DRS website www.okrehab.org/whatsnew.html the week of May 12.

Persons unable to attend the hearings may send written comments to Melinda Fruendt at the address or email above. Comments must be received no later than May 23, 2008.

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

View State Plan

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