MRA Eastern Chapter Board Member Orientation

MRA Eastern Chapter Missouri Rehabilitation Association, Eastern Chapter is a local chapter of the National Rehabilitation Association. MRA is a member organization that promotes ethical and state of the art practice in rehabilitation with the goal of the personal and economic independence of persons with disabilities. Not long after Congress passed the National Rehabilitation Act of 1920, the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) began its commitment to persons with disabilities. As the oldest and strongest advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, our mission is to provide advocacy, awareness and career advancement for professionals in the fields of rehabilitation.

MRA Eastern Chapter: Mission To provide exemplary leadership through social advocacy and legislation, advance cultural awareness and competence across communities, promote excellence in research and practice, and support professionals engaged in the employment and independence of individuals with disabilities. provide exemplary leadership through social advocacy and legislation, advance cultural awareness and competence across communities, promote excellence in research and practice, and support professionals engaged in the employment and independence of individuals with disabilities.

MRA Eastern Chapter: Values The MRA is committed to advancing the professional practices of rehabilitation driven by culturally-competent, ethical, evidence-based and accountable practices so that individuals with disabilities would be regarded and valued as full members of our society. These individuals deserve equal access, expression of choice, and security of freedom within our communities when engaging in all aspects of life. The MRA draws strength from the unique training, education, and credentialing of our diverse membership that believes excellence and outcomes are achieved by upholding the utmost importance of continuous learning, and professional and personal enrichment. The MRA values collaborative partnerships and relationships. Our membership reflects the importance placed on integrity, respect, transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the full spectrum of the rehabilitation profession.

Member Benefits of MRA Eastern Chapter Access to numerous professional development trainings Local, state, national Multiple opportunities to network and build professional relationships Market yourself as a leader in the profession Create positive societal inclusion for individuals with disabilities

MRA Eastern Chapter: Board Positions President President-Elect Immediate Past President Secretary Treasurer Networking Advocacy & Awareness Consumer Marketing Education 3 Board Member At-Large Positions

Board Member Responsibilities Attend monthly board meetings Participate in either the trivia or awards banquet planning committee Assist with MRA events (trivia night, awards banquet, trainings) Promote MRA in the community & help with membership recruitment

MRA Eastern Chapter: Events Professional Development Trainings Professional Networking Trivia Night Fundraiser to Support MRA initiatives Awards Banquet Celebrating the Rehabilitation Community Scholarships to Support Consumers

For More Information Contact Kim Chaplin President State of Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation o.gov o.gov rehab.org/ rehab.org/ Michael Kiener President-Elect Maryville University, Director of Rehabilitation Counseling