Informed Choice Under The 1998 Amendments To The Rehabilitation Act Affecting Vocational Rehabilitation Rights

This hearing was held to give individuals, organizations, and government officials an opportunity to express their concerns about the state of rehabilitation services in the United States and to recommend changes that would make service delivery more effective. The hearing was held in consideration of the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is the primary legislation providing services to assist people with disabilities in preparing for, and engaging in, gainful employment and independent living. Specifically, the hearing focused on: ways to make vocational rehabilitation more of a consumer-driven system; the availability of, and access to, services and the eligibility process; the order of selection provision and assurances that individuals with the most severe disabilities are given priority for services; and the long-term outcomes of vocational rehabilitation services. The hearing contains statements from Major R. Owens (Congressional Representative from New York) and from representatives of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Agency; the Client Assistance Program in Albany, New York; the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; the Government Accounting Office; the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; and the National Rehabilitation Association. (JDD)

The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Passbook(R) prepares you for your test by allowing you to take practice exams in the subjects you need to study. It provides hundreds of questions and answers in the areas that will likely be covered on your upcoming exam, including but not limited to; Acquiring and maintaining employment; Principles and practices of employment counseling; Case histories of employment clients; Interviewing; Preparing written material; and more.

Considers S. 1525, to extend and expand vocational rehabilitation services by authorizing Federal grants for training programs and construction of rehabilitation facilities and by encouraging increased participation in rehabilitation services by mentally retarded and other handicapped individuals.