Book Description

This document records the oral and written testimony of persons who testified at a hearing on how vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, particularly severe disabilities, can be improved. Witnesses included directors of federal and state rehabilitation services departments, and officials of rehabilitation provider organizations and support groups for persons with disabilities. Some of the points made by the various witnesses were the following: (1) vocational rehabilitation should remain a separate entity and not be merged with general job training because the severely disabled may not be provided with the services they need; (2) the state of Kentucky is providing one-stop job training centers that serve the needs of all people, including those with severe disabilities; (3) some persons have been able to lead productive, professional lives and repay the investment in their vocational rehabilitation through that training; (4) some private groups can provide innovative programs of vocational rehabilitation and increase the choices of those who need the services; and (5) using block grants to states may not necessarily reduce expenses. (KC)