A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

       FOR RELEASE                                       Contact: Jim Bradshaw     October 24, 1996                                           (202) 401-1576

National Effort Launched to Streamline Employment System for the Disabled

The focus of the pact is the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, 76 year old federal state partnership that has helped millions of people with disabilities get jobs.

Under the agreement between the department's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the council, both sides will work toward reducing overly burdensome rules, regulations and reports in order to focus on the program's primary purpose -- putting more people with disabilities in quality employment.

"I am excited about this plan and optimistic about what it means for people with disabilities," said RSA Commissioner Fredric K. Schroeder. "It has probably never been more important for a person with a disability to be competitive in the job market. Despite success in the voc rehab program, unemployment for persons with disabilities remains at an alarming rate of more than 60 percent. I am pleased that the states have taken the initiative to identify specific ways to improve and help more people become employed."

Jeanne Munro, council president, said, "The program has succeeded for 76 years, largely because it has maintained a focus on ability and employment. Nonetheless, we recognize that over time, paperwork and the process' have become an impediment to professional staff and to persons with disabilities trying to reach employment outcomes. More attention is needed on improved technologies and employment possibilities."

Vocational rehabilitation programs offer a range of services aimed at lessening the impact of a mental or physical disability in finding a meaningful job. Counseling, training, technology assistance and job placement are among those services. Each participant has an individual service plan in order to recognize and address the diversity of disabilities and personal needs.

The council and RSA plan to work toward a more responsive and interactive program, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, emphasizing consumer involvement and refocusing on employment in good jobs.

In fiscal year 1995, more than 209,000 people with disabilities went to work through the state federal vocational rehabilitation program. An estimated 90 percent of them received at least the minimum wage, and almost 84 percent of them rely on their earnings as their primary source of income.

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