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DISABILITY AGENCY INVITES PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON PROPOSED VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PLANS

OKLAHOMA CITY—Comments on proposed amendments and updates to two programs for Oklahomans with disabilities will be the focus of public hearings April 26, 27 and 30 in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC).  Programs affected by the proposed new State Plans 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 Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council advises DRS on development of policies and plans for rehabilitation services.    Comments from those receiving services, 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 Plans document DRS’s commitment to provide services to Oklahomans with disabilities in compliance with federal statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements. The agency works closely with the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council 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:

• Oklahoma City – Thursday, April 26, 1 – 3 p.m., Department of Rehabilitation Services State Office, 3535 NW 58th Street, 2nd floor conference room
• Tulsa – Friday, April 27, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Total Source for Hearing Loss and Access (TSHA), 8740 E 11th Street, conference room
• Lawton  – Monday, April 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Department of Rehabilitation Services Career Planning and Evaluation Center, 1324 NW 53rd Street

            The DRS website at http://www.okrehab.org/stateplanhearings'07.doc has a link to a Microsoft Word file containing all recommended policy changes. Copies of the proposed State Plan changes may also be obtained by writing to Melinda Fruendt, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, 3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.  Ms. Fruendt may be reached by email, mfruendt@drs.state.ok.us, and 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 Melinda Fruendt at the street or email addresses above.  Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2007.