1. Impacting Public Policy: Role of the SRC
NCSRC Fall Training Conference
Sunday, October 28, 2018
1:15 – 4 p.m.
Long Beach, CA

2. Training Objectives:
To better understand the federally mandated role of the State Rehabilitation Council in relation to impacting public policy
To identify and discuss public policy issues facing the public vocational rehabilitation system
To learn successful impact strategies that can be used at the state and national level
To learn about and share tools and resources

3. Public policy such as …
At the federal level – RSA’s placement in the U.S. Department of Education, Labor or HHS
At the federal level – RSA Commissioner to be confirmed by the Senate and appointed by the President or selected at the Department level
At the federal level – definition of successful employment outcomes (competitive wages in integrated work settings in the community)

4. Public Policy such as …
At the state level – VR (as the designated state unit) and its placement within the Designated State Agency
At the state level – fully matching all available federal funds; use of 3rd Party Agreements
At the state level – Order of Selection
At the state level – providing Pre-Employment Transition services or contracting for them

5. How is public policy developed?
Discuss the values and principles embedded in the law
Discuss the varying perspectives held by members of the SRC, VR, policy makers

6. Values and principles
The public vocational rehabilitation program is based on core values and principles found in the federal law (the Rehabilitation Act).
The State Rehabilitation Council is mandated by the Rehabilitation Act; the law outlines the role and responsibilities of SRCs and establishes the expectation that SRCs serve as the collective consumer voice for the VR program.

7. Principles …
Presume youth and adults with disabilities are capable of being employed (for VR: achieving employment outcomes, finding employment in integrated settings)
All persons with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, can work in competitive (wage earning), high-quality jobs in integrated settings in the community

8. Values …
Respect for persons with disabilities – pursuit of meaningful careers based on informed choice
Respect for inclusion through equal access – promoting a diverse workforce statewide
Purposeful collaboration between VR and the SRC; started with an advisory role (1992), moved to policy partner (1998 Amendments).

9. Mechanisms SRCs use Policy Committee structures
Input by the SRC into the State Plan
Public comment, public input, public forums
Customer satisfaction surveying
Statewide comprehensive needs assessments
Council members have a two-way role
Values and principles clarification

10. Impact strategies
What strategies have you or other SRCs used to impact public policy?
What did you learn?
What would you do differently or recommend to others?

11. Tools and resources Values clarification tool NCSRC.net
Networking with other SRCs and other key partners (state, regional and national levels)
Annual Reports
wintac.org and other TA providers
IRI 2011: The State Rehabilitation Council – Vocational Rehabilitation Partnership

12. Closing Final comments and observations
Thank you for your active participation!
Lynnae M. Ruttledge
International Disability Policy Consultant