Council Purpose

The West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is established in Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (ACT), and 34 CFR 361.16-361.17 of its implementing regulations. The SRC gives advice to and works in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WV DRS).

In compliance with the guidelines of the 1998 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act, the SRC must perform the following functions, after consulting with the State Workforce Investment Board:

Review, analyze and advise WV DRS regarding their performance concerning eligibility, effectiveness and functions performed by State agencies that affect the ability of individuals with disabilities to achieve employment.

In partnership with WV DRS:

• Develop, agree to, and review WV DRS goals and priorities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of their program and submit annual progress reports to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Commissioner.
• Conduct a statewide needs assessment of individuals with disabilities living in the State every three years.

Advise WV DRS regarding vocational rehabilitation activities.

Assist in the preparation of the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation, amendments to the plan, applications, reports, needs assessments and evaluations, including those necessary for WV DRS to satisfy the requirements of developing a “comprehensive system of personal development” and establishing an “order of selection.”

Review and analyze the effectiveness of and the consumer satisfaction with WV DRS agency functions, vocational rehabilitation provided by WV DRS and other entities and the employment outcomes achieved by eligible individuals.

Prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and RSA on the status of Vocational Rehabilitation services as well as providing this report for the public.

Coordinate the activities of the SRC with the activities of other councils, such as the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC), the West Virginia Developmental Disability Council (WVDDC), the West Virginia Human Resource Investment Council, etc.

Provide for the coordination and the establishment of working relationships between WV DRS, the WVSILC and the centers for independent living.

Perform other functions that it determines appropriate and comparable to its other functions, provided they are consistent with the purpose of Title I of the ACT and its implementing regulations.