Committees
The Commission on Rehabilitation Services has developed the following committees to conduct their federally mandated functions:
POLICY, OVERSIGHT AND PLANNING & EVALUATION COMMITTEE
Policy & Oversight -- consults with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) on the development, implementation, and revision of State policies and procedures pertaining to the provision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS); reviews appeals; advises Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) on eligibility and the scope and effectiveness of VRS services and activities, and the functions that affect individual employment outcomes. The committee’s purpose relates to the implementation of policies and procedures rather than the day-to-day management of the programs and will involve researching issues brought before the Commission.
Planning and Evaluation -- functions in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) to fulfill all planning, evaluating, and reporting responsibilities as defined in the Rehabilitation Act. This includes:
Needs Assessment - Conducts a statewide needs assessment every three years with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS).
Goals and Priorities – Develops and reviews State goals and priorities, and incorporates customer input from public forums, satisfaction surveys, etc. in coordination with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS).
State Plan - Reviews and makes recommendations pertaining to State Plan amendments, ensuring compliance with Rehabilitation Act requirements in coordination with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS).
Evaluation and Reporting - Evaluates the effectiveness of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and reports annual progress to the Rehabilitation Services Administration; evaluates State Plan goals and priorities and other requirements of the Rehabilitation Act; prepares and submits an annual report to the Governor, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the public on the status of the State’s VRS program in coordination with VRS staff. For each required report, the committee determines the content and provides to the Public Outreach Committee for report design.
RECRUITMENTAND COMMISSION DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Recruitment -- researches, recruits, and nominates candidates who are interested in serving on the Commission. Names and contact information of potential candidates are submitted to the Governor for consideration. The committee also ensures that the nominations for Commission Chairperson,Vice Chairperson and Secretary are solicited as warranted.
PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Public Outreach -- coordinates public education, advocacy and publicity efforts; develops the approach and strategies to enhance the image and vitality of the Commission; coordinates outreach and marketing; designs and prepares materials for effective communication with customers, the public, and the Rehabilitation Services Administration, including reports, brochures, etc. The committee is responsible for developing the Commission’s annual report utilizing information provided by the Planning and Evaluation Committee.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION COMMITTEE
Customer Satisfaction -- solicits, reviews, and analyzes customer input and/or satisfaction with the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) program, including VRS services and employment outcomes. They conduct activities necessary to assess satisfaction and obtain feedback, such as written and/or telephone surveys, public forums, focus groups, etc.
