National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils

GREETINGS FROM THE NCSRC CHAIR:

(January 2012)

Hello – my hope is that each of you had a great Holiday Season and were able to utilize the “pause” to rekindle your energy for the work you are passionate about! 

RSA Commissioner Ruttledge Resigns!  I would be remiss as the NCSRC Chair to not make a comment about the retirement of Lynnae Ruttledge from her role as the RSA Commissioner.  On a personal note, I applaud Lynnae’s (what had to be a) tough decision in doing what was the best thing for her personal situation.  It was a good reminder for me that none of us die with our resume, but rather are surrounded by those we love and adore.  From the perspective of the SRC, I was greatly saddened to learn of her decision.  The past two years while she served as the RSA Commissioner was the first time (in my fourteen year tenure with the Michigan SRC) that I experienced such unwavering support for SRCs!  Lynnae attended each of our NCSRC Sunday Sessions, both as a speaker and a participant in break out groups.  She publicly applauded the value of the SRC and VR agency partnership as being the strength behind outstanding customer service for the myriad of citizens with disabilities that come through the door of their local VR agency.  She led by example and I for one will truly miss her.  The lessons I have learned through her wisdom and guidance have had great impact on my passion as I continue to work for equity in employment and independent living opportunities for people with disabilities.  Here is to Lynnae – her fortitude and inspiration will be long lasting for us all!

STEERING COMMITTEE (SC) UPDATES:

1 – NCSRC SATURDAY SESSION & NEW CHAIR TRAINING

The SC members met recently confirming our plans for NCSRC training just prior to the CSAVR Conference in Bethesda. At the January national meeting, we had rather active discussion on ideas for April’s training agenda.  The Bethesda Design Team, headed by Theresa Hamrick (OK) and Sherry Taylor (WVA) will be working with other SC members to finalize and publish our plans for the day.

SAVE THE DATES: 

SRC Chair 101  >>  Friday, April 20^th 1:30 – 8:00 p.m. (with a dinner break on your own), Cost = $50.00 for members; $75.00 for non-members.

NCSRC SATURDAY SESSION  >>  Saturday, April 21^st, 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. (with a lunch break on your own), Cost = $30.00 for members; $50.00 for non-members

NOTE:   Agendas will be distributed via this list serve and the NCSRC website by mid- February, with open registration until April 9th.  Please note that there will NOT be any onsite registration opportunities.

2 - TASK FORCE –NCSRC POSITION STATEMENT ON WIA REAUTHORIZATION

A short term task force will begin meeting in early February to synthesize the information received during our Arizona session, creating a NCSRC position brief on WIA reauthorization.  The two SC members taking the lead on this effort are Linda Shepard (GA) and Linda Vegoe (WI).  If you indicated your interest in working on this important document while in Arizona, you should expect to receive meeting information via email in the near future.

If you were NOT in Arizona, are a NCSRC member and have an interest in this project, please send me an email at: marlene@mrccouncil.org PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL AS IT GOES TO THE ENTIRE LIST & MAKES FOLKS UNHAPPY!

3 – GROWING THE COALITION

Steering Committee members Graham Sisson (AL) and Sherry Taylor (WVA) have taken on the responsibility of establishing a plan for outreach to those SRCs that have not yet joined the NCSRC.  As the plan is implemented we will share the details and call on members who would be interested in making contacts on the Coalition’s behalf.

NATIONAL MEETING UPDATES:

The most recent meeting took place yesterday (January 17^th).

1 – IRI (Institute ON Rehabilitation Issues) is currently accepting applications for the two topics which will be studied this year. They are – Return on Investment and Economic Impact: Demonstrating Relevance and Value of Vocational Rehabilitation and Serving Traditionally Underserved Populations.  The SC will be submitting applications for these two study groups with the intent of ensuring the customer voice is at the table.

2 – National Rehabilitation Association Training Conference (August 2012 in Chicago) – the SC will be supporting a workshop on the value of the SRC Partnership for this conference.  If accepted, the details for the session will be shared via the list serve.  Additional information about this conference is available at the NRA website:  www.nationalrehab.org/

3 – National Database of Success Stories – in the very near future, we will requesting that SRCs share customer success stories from their state.  We would like to create a marketing tool for public VR that can be utilized to illustrate the value of the this workforce system.  Stay tuned for the details related to this request.

4 – RSA Updates – Charles Sadler provided an update on RSA activities, along with a suggestion for utilizing the Institute on Community Inclusion’s study about the impact on VR agencies with regard to their departmental placement.  In addition, he did an incredible job of fielding questions from attendees about the nuances of SRC member appointments (re: the October 2011 RSA TA on SRC Appointments).  This experience has led SC members to believe that we should add a “Ask RSA” time on our bimonthly meeting agenda – stay tuned! 

REMINDER – the SRC Training Modules are a GREAT tool to utilize in the education and further development of Council members.  If you haven’t visited the site for a while, check it out at: www.erehab.org/SRC/, the two newest modules are especially helpful in educating members while also reinforcing the purpose and work of the SRC.

Thanks for your time and attention!  Take good care – Marlene

Marlene S. Malloy

NCSRC Chair

If you aren't already signed up for the NCSRC list serv, make sure to visit the page with details to sign up to stay informed of NCSRC news.

MORE ON THIS PAGE:     (scroll down)                            

Which SRC will be the 'next' new member of the Coalition????

1. American Rehabilitation Publication (Special Edition - July 2010) (includes article by NCSRC Steering Committee)
2. NCSRC MISSION
3. NCSRC VISION
4. NCSRC CORE VALUES

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43 Member SRCs and growing!     

Check out the Coalition members via the Resolution page on this site.

Who will be next to sign onto the Resolution? 

If your SRC is interested in learning more about the benefits of signing the Resolution and becoming an NCSRC member, send an e-mail to council@mrccouncil.org and a Steering Committee Member in or near your region/territory will contact you to answer your questions.

AMERICAN REHABILITATION - SPECIAL EDITION (Summer 2010)

Check out the newly published (Summer 2010) "SPECIAL EDITION" of the American Rehabilitation Publication:  "Celebrating 90 Years: Creating Our Vision for 2020!"

Graphic Version

Large Print Version

Text Only Version

This collaborative publication celebrates the public vocational rehabilitation program from the perspectives of many different partners that have contributed to its enduring success.  Central to this celebration is the opportunity to honor the legacy of Mary E. Switzer.

The NCSRC Steering Committee authored an article in this publication - enjoy!

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OUR MISSION:

On behalf of people with disabilities, our national membership coalition will advocate for and work in partnership with the national public vocational rehabilitation system’s continual quest for excellence.

OUR VISION:

NCSRC will be the premiere national organization of the consumer voice to enhance the employment opportunities of persons with disabilities through the public vocational rehabilitation system.

OUR CORE VALUES:

INTEGRITY - We are honest and straightforward in all that we do. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We act responsibly with resources entrusted to us. We are accountable and act in accordance with these values.

COMMITMENT – We support the full implementation and enforcement of disability non – discrimination laws, particularly the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EXCELLENCE – We trust that customers of public vocational rehabilitation will be empowered to make choices which lead to ultimate independence.

ADVOCACY – We will work to educate and inform the public and government policy makers regarding issues affecting people with disabilities

DIVERSITY – We will uphold a broad definition of diversity that honors and appreciates disability alongside race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and religion as an integral part of the human experience.

LEADERSHIP – We will foster leadership among people with disabilities that upholds excellence, quality and inclusive opportunities.

PARTNERSHIP – We will promote a positive collaboration with state and non-governmental agencies to enhance meaningful and sustainable employment for people with disabilities.

TEAMWORK – We are committed to a partnership based on a spirit of trust and cooperation with Vocational Rehabilitation Administrators and staff so that collaborative efforts will benefit from the NCSRC customer voice.

CULTURE – We support a public vocational rehabilitation service system that is structured in a manner that reflects the social, political, historic, and economic experience of disability.

COMMUNICATION – We value effective communication through appropriate formats.

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