Search Results

DEIA Resource Repository WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE ADMINISTRATORS OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNCIL OF STATE ADMINISTRATORS OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION - AS AMENDED SPRING 2021 MISSION - FROM ARTICLE II OF THE CSAVR CONSTITUTION The mission of the Council shall be to maintain and enhance a strong, effective, and efficient national program of public vocational rehabilitation which, in partnership with education, business, and the workforce system, empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence inclusion, and integration into communities. PURPOSE - FROM ARTICLE III OF THE CSAVR CONSTITUTION ​ The purpose of the Council shall be to: Provide a forum to enable Administrators of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRA) to study, deliberate, and act upon matters affecting the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities; Provide a resource for the formulation and expression of the collective points of view of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies on all issues affecting the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities; Serve as an advisory body to the Rehabilitation Services Administration and to other governmental agencies as they develop policies and administer programs affecting the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities; Serve as an advisory body to other associations on matters pertaining to the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities; Provide a means of communication and joint action with similar organizations in the health, education, welfare, business, and workforce systems, as the services of such organizations are related to the provision of vocational rehabilitation and employment services to persons with disabilities; Conduct, support, and participate in research and demonstration leading to improvement of vocational and other rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities; Inform the public with respect to the effect of disability in lives of individuals and the benefits that accrue to persons with disabilities and society for the provision of vocational rehabilitation services; Advocate for the enhancement of the national public program of vocational rehabilitation services; and Lead and support the development of effective working relationships with businesses through the National Employment Team (NET). OPERATING PRINCIPLES - VR is driven to deliver inclusive, culturally informed services and outcomes for people with disabilities and business in a system that is free of ableism, racism, discrimination, and institutional bias. ​ Principle #1: Innovating Solutions to achieve greater access to and use of vocational rehabilitation services resulting in the most effective outcome for our customers. Principle #2: Building careers and retaining talent in America’s workforce by investing expertise and resources to benefit our customers. Principle #3: Customizing Services and Expertise that provide flexible supports and services to meet the workforce goals of our customers. Principle #4: Leading and Engaging in Collaborative Strategies with our partners who are working with us to achieve greater collective impact at all system levels. Principle #5: Committed to assuring the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, People of Color and all who are legally protected from discrimination. ABOUT US The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation is composed of the chief administrators of the public rehabilitation agencies serving individuals with physical and mental disabilities in the States, District of Columbia, and the territories. These agencies constitute the state partners in the State-Federal program of rehabilitation services provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Council’s members supervise the rehabilitation of some 1.2 million persons with disabilities. THE NET The NET (National Employment Team) offers business customers in the private and public sectors, a designated single point of contact to connect with qualified applicants, resources and support services in their local state area, multi-state, or national marketplace. The NET provides employment supports in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories. ​ VR PSA VIDEO: THE NET BUSINESS PARTNERS: CSAVR believes that information about products, services, publications, programs, and service delivery methodology should be made available to its members so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their agencies. As such: ​ CSAVR does not endorse, warrant, recommend, or make representations with respect to the products, services, publications, programs and service delivery methodology that it shares with its members. Individuals at a CSAVR-sponsored event do not represent an endorsement by CSAVR, nor is it testimony by CSAVR as to the quality of the products, services, publications, programs and service delivery methodology or the validity of the presenter’s claims. All information found here was believed to be correct at the time of inclusion, and is for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice. This information is subject to change, based on new research and development, and does not necessarily express the views of CSAVR. References to any products, services, publications, programs, and service delivery methodology do not constitute an official endorsement by CSAVR. You are encouraged to thoroughly investigate options and providers that you think may be most appropriate to meet your agency's and customers' specific needs. ​ We only permit display tables for projects funded by our federal partners. We do not have an exhibit hall nor opportunity to exchange marketing material. On the bottom of our registration page for conference is a link to our conference participation standards. Please reference the solicitation and distribution of materials section. ​

RESOURCES Video regarding Disclosing your Disability from MN ​ CSAVR National News Brief, December 8, 2023 CSAVR Careers & Business Relations Brief - January x, 2024 CSAVR Legislative E-News Brief, January x, 2024 Archived Back Issues ​ 50th Anniversary of Rehabilitation Act of 1973​ "Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act: Through our History, Successes and Vision for the Future." ​ In the video, former Senator Tom Harkin recounts the history behind the Rehabilitation Act; guitarist George Dennehy performs his song, "Work Makes the World Go Round," featuring individuals with disabilities at work; and OSERS Assistant Secretary Glenna Wright-Gallo discusses the impact of the Rehabilitation Act. ​ ​ Newsletters ​Constitution and Operating Principles ​ Conference Prese ntations CSAVR Position Papers Model State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Deaf People References, Links, and Publications Research State VR Agencies and Director List CSAVR Payment Center Covid-19 Statement on DEIA VR Success Stories and Videos The information on the CSAVR website is provided with the understanding that the organization is not engaged in rendering professional or legal advice or recommendations. CSAVR believes that information about products, services, publications, programs, and service delivery methodology should be made available to its members so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their agencies. As such: · CSAVR does not endorse, warrant, recommend, or make representations with respect to the products, services, publications, programs and service delivery methodology that it shares with its members. · Individuals at a CSAVR-sponsored event do not represent an endorsement by CSAVR, nor is it testimony by CSAVR as to the quality of the products, services, publications, programs and service delivery methodology or the validity of the presenter’s claims. · All information found here was believed to be correct at the time of inclusion, and is for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice. · This information is subject to change, based on new research and development, and does not necessarily express the views of CSAVR. References to any products, services, publications, programs, and service delivery methodology do not constitute an official endorsement by CSAVR. You are encouraged to fully investigate options and providers that you think may be most appropriate to meet the specific needs of your agency and customers. CSAVR Statement on Equity The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) is a national organization comprised of Directors of State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies. These agencies are the state partners in the State-Federal program of rehabilitation services provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended. The public VR program engages with nearly 2 million individuals with disabilities every year. CSAVR is committed to working toward a world free of institutional bias and injustice. Racism is a civil and human rights issue, and as such, a disability rights issue. CSAVR condemns and rejects racism and inequities in all forms and the systemic manner in which it is used to oppress minorities, including those who are individuals with disabilities. Disability and poverty continue to exacerbate the challenges that many individuals face. CSAVR will work tirelessly to assist individuals with disabilities, with whom we work, to have full access to opportunities that increase independence and employment, and to provide them with the services and supports they need to achieve the American dream. This Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leads to a commitment on the part of the leadership of CSAVR to assertively establish strategies and definable actions to foster equality of opportunity in the workplace by supporting initiatives to include underrepresented populations in our own ranks, at all levels. CSAVR and our member organization will promote initiatives that focus on the recruitment, hiring, training, and upward mobility of staff from minority communities. In order to serve our diverse customer base, it is essential to reflect that diversity in our own staff to address the cultural and access issues that individuals with disabilities face in their goal of competitive integrated employment and independence. equity Covid ​ Covid 19-VR Related Resources The WINTAC has created a list of resources to help VR programs that are operating by distance and providing services remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. We will be building on these resources daily, so please check back frequently. Click to access the COVID-19 Resources . Click to access the Resources on Distance Service Delivery . ​ *Discussion Forum now Available: http://communities.wintac.org/?redirect=0

STATE VR AGENCIES (Including Territories ) *In cases of states with both general and blind agencies, a text box will appear to the right side of the screen with information on the blind agency per each state/territory BLIND SERVICES AGENCIES Alabama Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Commissioner: Jane E Burdeshaw Phone: (334) 293-7500 Toll-Free: (800) 441-7607 Toll-Free Restrictions: AL residents Fax: (334) 293-7383 WEBSITE Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Acting Director: Gina Bastian Phone: (907) 465-2814 Toll-Free: (800) 478-2815 Fax: (907) 465-2856 WEBSITE Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation RSA Program Administrator: Kristen Mackey Phone: (602) 542-6295 WEBSITE AMERICAN SAMOA Vocational Rehabilitation American Samoa Government Director: Dr. Delaney Afe-Tilo Phone: (684) 699-1371 or (684) 699-4234 ​ Arkansas Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Director: Joe Baxter Phone: (501) 296-1600 WEBSITE Arkansas blind Division of Services for the Blind Director : Cassondra Williams Phone: (501) 682-5463 TTY: (501) 682-0093 Fax: (501) 682-0366 WEBSITE California California Department of Rehabilitation Director: Joe Xavier Phone: (916) 324-1313 TTY: (916) 558-5807 WEBSITE Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Colorado Division of Labor & Employment Director: Kristin Corash Phone: (303) 866-4150, Toll-Free: (866) 870-4595 Fax: (303) 866-4905, (303) 866-4908 TTY: (303) 866-4150 WEBSITE Connecticut Department of Social Services Director: David Doukas Phone: (860) 424-4844 Toll-Free: (800) 537-2549 Fax: (860) 424-4850 Video Phone: (860) 920-7163 WEBSITE Connecticut blind Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind Director: Carol Jenkins Phone: (860) 602-4000 Toll-Free: (800) 842-4510 Fax: (860) 602-4020 TTY: (860) 602-4221 WEBSITE Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, DE Department of Labor Director: Elisha Jenkins Phone: (302) 761-8275 Fax: (302) 736-9197 WEBSITE Delaware blind Division for the Visually Impaired Health and Social Services Acting Director: Deborah Talley Phone: (302) 255-9800 Fax: (302) 255-4441 Fax (eye reports only): (302) 255-9921 TTY: (302) 255-9854 WEBSITE district of Columbia District of Columbia Department on Disability Services Deputy Director: Darryl Evans Phone: (202) 730-1700 Fax: (202) 730-1843 TTY: (202) 730-1516 WEBSITE florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Education Acting Director: Victoria Gaitanis Phone: (850) 245-3399 Toll-Free: (800) 451-4327 TTY: (850) 245-3399 Fax: (850) 245-3316 WEBSITE florida blind Division of Blind Services Department of Education Director: Robert L. Doyle III Phone: (850) 245-0300 Toll-Free: (800) 342-1828 Fax: (850) 245-0363 WEBSITE Georgia Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Point of Contact: Chris Wells Phone: (866) 489-0001 TTY: (404) 232-1998 Fax: (404) 232-1800 WEBSITE Guam Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director: Joseph Cameron Phone: (671) 475-4200 WEBSITE Hawaii Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director: Lia Dias Phone: (808)-586-4993 WEBSITE Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator: Jane Donnellan Phone: (208) 334-3390 WEBSITE Idaho blind State Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Administrator: Beth Cunningham Phone: (208) 334-3220 Toll-Free: (800) 542-8688 Fax: (208) 334-2963 WEBSITE Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services Acting Director: Rahnee Patrick Toll-Free: (800) 843-6154 TTY: (800) 447-6404 WEBSITE Indiana Division of Disability and Rahabilitative Services Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Director: Theresa Koleszar Toll-Free: (800) 545-7763 Fax: (317) 232-1240 WEBSITE Iowa Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Department of Education Administrator: James Williams Phone: (515) 281-4211 Fax: (515) 281-7645 TTY: (515) 281-4211 WEBSITE Iowa blind Iowa Department for the Blind Director: Emily Wharton Phone: (515) 281-1333 Toll-Free: (800) 362-2587 Fax: (515) 281-1263 TTY: (515) 281-1355 WEBSITE Kansas Kansas Rehabilitation Services D irector: Dan Decker Phone: 785-368 -7471 Toll-Free: 1-866-213-9079 Fax: 785-368-7467 TTY: 785-368-7478 WEBSITE Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Education Cabinet Executive Director: Cora McNabb Phone: (502) 782-3402 Toll-Free: (800) 372-7172 WEBSITE Louisiana Rehabilitation Services Director: Melissa Bayham Phone: (225) 219-2225 Toll-Free: (800) 737-2958 Fax: (225) 219-2942, (225) 219-4993 WEBSITE Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Acting Director: Samantha Fenderson Phone: (225) 219-2225 Toll-Free: (800) 737-2958 Fax: (225) 219-2942, (225) 219-4993 WEBSITE Maine Blind Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired Director: Elissa Rowe Phone: 207-623-7949 WEBSITE Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services State Department of Education Director: Jody Boone Phone: (410) 554-9451 Toll-Free: (888) 554-0334 Fax: (410) 554-9384 TTY: (410) 554-9411 V.P. 443-453-5981 WEBSITE Massachusetts Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Commissioner: Toni Wolf Phone: (617) 204-3600 Toll-Free: (800) 245-6543 Fax: (617) 727-1354 TTY: (800) 245-6543 WEBSITE Massachusetts Blind Commission for the Blind Commissioner: John Oliveira Phone: (617) 727-5550 Toll-Free: (800) 392-6450 Fax: (617) 626-7685 TTY: (800) 392-6556 WEBSITE Michigan Michigan Rehabilitation Services Director: Sigrid Adams Phone: (517) 373-2062 Toll-Free: (800) 292-4200 Fax: (517) 335-5140 TTY: (888) 864-1212 WEBSITE Michigan Blind Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Director: William Robinson Phone: (517) 373-3390 Fax: (517) 335-7277 TTY: (888) 605-6722 WEBSITE Minnesota Rehabilitation Services Branch Minnesota Dept. of Employment & Economic Division Director: Dee Torgerson Phone:(651)-259-7367 or (651) 259-7114 WEBSITE Minnesota Blind State Services for the Blind Director: Natasha Jerde Phone: (651) 642-0500 Toll-Free: (800) 652-9000 Fax: (651) 649-5927 TTY: (651) 642-0506 WEBSITE Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Executive Director: Chris Howard Toll-Free: (800) 443-1000 WEBSITE Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation Assistant Commissioner: Chris Clause Phone: (573) 751-3251 Toll-Free: (877) 222-8963 Fax: (573) 751-1441 TTY: (573) 751-0881 WEBSITE Missouri Blind State Services for the Blind Deputy Director: Keith Roderick Phone: (573) 751-4249 Fax: (573) 751-4984 Toll-Free: 1-800-592-6004 WEBSITE Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Public Health and Human Services Disability Transitions Programs Administrator: Chanda Hermanson Phone: (406) 444-4179 Toll-Free: (877) 296-1197 Fax: (406) 444-3632 TTY: (406) 444-2590 WEBSITE Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Education Director: Lindy Foley Phone: (402) 471-3644 Toll-Free: (877) 637-3422 Fax: (402) 471-0788 WEBSITE Nebraska Blind NE Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Executive Director: Carlos Servan Phone: (402) 471-2891 Toll-Free: (877) 809-2419 Fax: (402) 471-3009 WEBSITE Nevada Rehabilitation Division Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Administrator: Drazen Elez Northern Nevada: Phone: (775) 684-4040 TTY: (775) 684-8400 Southern Nevada: Phone: (702) 486-5230 TTY: (702) 486-1018 WEBSITE New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Education Director, Field Services Administrator: Richard Sala Phone: (603) 271-3471 Toll-Free: (800) 299-1647 Fax: (603) 271-7095 WEBSITE New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Assistant Director: Charyl Yarbrough Phone: 609-292-7318 WEBSITE New Jersey Blind Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Executive Director: Dr. Bernice Davis Phone: (973) 648-3333 Toll-Free: (877) 685-8878 WEBSITE New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Education Director: Casey Stone-Romero Phone: (505) 954-8500 or (505) 954-8562 Toll-Free: (800) 224-7005 WEBSITE New Mexico Blind Commission for the Blind Executive Director: Greg Trapp Phone: (505)-827-4479 WEBSITE New York Blind Commission for the Blind Associate Commissioner: Julie Hovey Toll-Free: (866) 871-3000 TTY: (866) 871-6000 WEBSITE New York New York State Education Department Vocational & Educational Services for People with Disabilities Director: Linda Schramm Toll-Free: (800) 222-5627 WEBSITE North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Department of Health and Human Services Division Director: Kathie Trotter Toll-Free: (800) 689-9090 Fax: (919) 733-7968 TTY: 919-855-3579 VP: (919) 324-1500 WEBSITE North Carolina Blind Division of Services for the Blind Acting Director: Cynthia Speight Phone: (919)-527-6704 WEBSITE North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Health and Human Services Director: Damian Schlinger Phone: (701) 328-8950 Toll-Free: (800) 755-2745 Fax: (701) 328-1884 WEBSITE Northern Marianas Islands Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Director: James Rayphand Phone: (670) 322-6537 Fax: (670) 322-6536 TTY: (670) 322-6449 WEBSITE Ohio Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Executive Director: Kevin Miller Phone: (866) 895-0058 WEBSITE Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services Executive Director: Melinda Fruendt Phone: (405) 951-3400 Toll-Free: (800) 845-8476 TTY: (405) 951-3400 or (800) 845-8476 WEBSITE Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Department of Human Services Acting Administrator: Keith Ozols Phone: (503) 945-5880 Toll-Free: (877) 277-0513 Fax: (503) 947-5010 WEBSITE Oregon Blind State Commission for the Blind Executive Director: Dacia Johnson, MS, CRC Phone: (971)-673-1588 WEBSITE Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation PA Department of Labor & Industry Executive Director: Ryan Hyde Phone: (717) 787-5244 Toll-Free: (800) 442-6351 TTY: (717) 787-4885 or (866) 830-7327 WEBSITE Puerto Rico Vocational Rehabilitation Administration Director: Dr. Maria Gomez Garcia Phone: (787) 729-0160 Fax: (787) 728-8070 TTY: (787) 268-3735 WEBSITE Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services Department of Human Services Associate Director: Joseph Murphy Phone: (401) 421-7005 TTY: (401) 421-7016 WEBSITE South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department Commissioner: Felicia Johnson Toll-Free: (800) 832-7526 TTY: (803) 896-6553 WEBSITE South Carolina Blind Commission for the Blind Commissioner: Darline Graham Phone: (888)-335-5951 or (803)-898-8731 WEBSITE South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services Director: Eric Weiss Phone: (605) 773-3195 Fax: (605) 773-5483 WEBSITE South Dakota Blind Services for the Blind Director: Gaye Mattke Phone: (605)-773-4644 Toll-free: (800)-265-9684 WEBSITE Tennessee Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Program Assistant Commissioner: Kevin Wright Phone: (615) 313-4891 Fax: (615) 741-6508 TTY: (615) 313-5695 or (800) 270-1349 WEBSITE Texas Texas Workforce Commission, Vocational Rehabilitation Division Division Director: Cheryl Fuller Phone: (512) 463-2222 TTY: (866) 581-9328 WEBSITE Utah Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Director: Sarah Brenna Phone: (801) 538-7530 Toll-Free: (800) 473-7530 Fax: (801) 538-7522 TTY: (801) 538-7530 WEBSITE Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation Division Agency of Human Services Director: Diane Dalmasse Phone: (866) 879-6757 Toll-Free: (866) 879-6757 TTY: (802) 241-1455 WEBSITE Vermont Blind Division of Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired Department of Aging Director: Fred Jones Phone: (800)-639=5861 WEBSITE Virgin Islands Division of Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation Services Department of Human Services Acting Administrator: Kimberly-Joy Washington Phone: (340) 773-2323 Ext. 2134 Fax: (340) 718-3643 TTY: (340) 776-2043 WEBSITE Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services Commissioner: Kathryn Hayfield Phone: (804) 662-7000 Toll-Free: (800) 552-5019 Fax: (804) 662-9532 TTY: (800) 464-9950 WEBSITE Virginia Blind Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired Commissioner: Rick Mitchell Phone: (804) 371-3151 Toll Free: (800) 622-2155 WEBSITE Washington Division of Vocational Services Director: Dana Phelps Phone: (360) 725-3636 Toll-Free: (800) 637-5627 Fax: (360) 438-8007 TTY: (800) 637-5627 or (360) 725-3636 WEBSITE Washington Blind Department of Services for the Blind Director: Michael MacKillop Phone: (800)-552-7103 WEBSITE West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services Director: Pisnu Bau-Iam Phone: (304) 356-2060 Toll-Free: (800) 642-8207 WEBSITE Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Workforce Development Administrator: Meredith Dressel Phone: (608) 261-0050 Toll-Free: (800) 442-3477 Fax: (608) 266-1133 TTY: (888) 877-5939 WEBSITE Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Workforce Services Administrator: Nicky Harper Phone: (307) 777-8650 Fax: (307) 777-5857 WEBSITE ​

UPCOMING EVENTS CSAVR 2024 Spring Conference April 6 - April 10, 2024 Bethesda, MD Hyatt Regency Bethesda Conference Details ​ ​ CSAVR 2024 Summer Executive Committee Meeting July 22-23, 2024 (tentative) Location to be determine ​ ​ CSAVR 2024 Fall Conference October 19 - October 25, 2024 Seattle, WA Hyatt Regency Seattle 808 Howell Street ​ CSAVR 202 5 Spring Conference April 5 - April 9, 2025 Bethesda, MD Hyatt Regency Bethesda ​ CSAVR 2025 Fall Conference October 30 - Nov. 8, 2025 San Diego, CA Manchester Grand Hyatt 1 Market Place ​ CSAVR only permit display tables for projects funded by our federal partners. We do not have an exhibit hall nor opportunity to exchange marketing material. On the bottom of our registration page for conference is a link to our conference participation standards. Please reference the solicitation and distribution of materials section. ​

Featured VR Success Stories: The 2022 NET Summit held virtually was attended by nearly 150 individuals over the course of two informative days. ​ For those who participated and registered, you can find follow-up information from our partners yesLMS here: https://csavr.yeslms.com/ ​ Content for the 2022 NET Summit will only be visible and accessible by those who registered. Duston's Success From Idaho VR: VR Success: Idaho - Jeremy -- Specialized Physical Therapy All CSAVR and NET courses as well as instructions on how to access may be found here: https://csavr.yeslms.com/courses You may also download a "how to access" word document here: YesLMS ​ NETworking webinar series: NETworking: The Employers Perspective Part 1 – Marriott https://csavr.yeslms.com/courses/description/c14b378b-4a0a-41f7-090d-08d947c5f0a1 ​ NETworking: The Employers Perspective Part 2 – MOD Pizza https://csavr.yeslms.com/courses/description/adcb43cc-3019-4c78-77a1-08d94d197d4c ​ ​ The Windmills training in January is four 3.5 hour sessions on January 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2021. The registration link is below. This will include interactive activities and breaks. On each of the four days the sessions will be: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hawaii 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Alaska 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Pacific 12 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Mountain 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Eastern _______________________ -The sessions will be captioned. Please request any other accommodations that you will need. -You will receive a certificate of completion and CRC’s will also be available. In order to receive these, you must attend the entire training (all four days) and have the training fee paid in full. -In addition to the online training you will receive a trainer’s manual, either in hard copy or electronically depending upon your accommodations. If you receive the electronic copy, it will be for your use only. -When you register you will be asked to provide the 1) email that you will use to access the online training, (2) you will also be asked to provide the address where your manual will be mailed. You must provide the correct address for mailing, if the manual has to be reshipped, you will be responsible to cover the cost of the second mailing. -You will also find email addresses of the various team members working on the training, should you have questions about the train the trainer session. Registration is limited and we already have a waitlist! $750/per person Registration Fee received by December 28, 2020 $800/per person Registration Fee received by January 8, 2021 You can register without paying the fee at the time of registration but all registration fees must be paid in full by January 8, 2021 All registrants will have access to the Windmills Virtual Train-the-Trainer Four-Part Series and receive the full Windmills Manual valued at $550. The Windmills train the trainer manuals will start being mailed on December 28th. https://www.uacurrents.org/RegistrationSystem/Register?m=1yg Click here for the Disability Empowerment Campaign DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT How Universal Design Helps Everyone Use Their Talents Kathy West-Evans, MPA, CRC Director of Business Relations, National Employment Team (NET) As we highlight the diversity of the world around us, it is clear that talent comes in all packages, including in individuals with disabilities. Knowing that disability can occur at any time in life and during the employment life cycle, we must focus on developing the talent of all individuals and design strategies that keep people productive. Our team has engaged in a dual customer approach. As we support people with disabilities, it is key to support the development of their career goals, skills, and abilities. For young people, this means increasing access to education, training, and opportunities as they explore career options. For individuals who acquire a disability later in life, this means considering how we accommodate them and keep them on their career path. For business customers, we apply this strategy upfront as part of an overall approach to universal design, and the development of a diversity and inclusion focus that includes disability. Whether we are planning around employees, customers, or both, people with disabilities represent 1 in 5 people in the United States. Disability impacts every family and business across the country. To keep our workforce and community productive and engaged, universal design is a key element. Even if you don’t currently have a disability, chances are you will at some point in your life due to accident, injury, illness, or other factors. The concept of universal design in our communities and workplaces ensures we can all access life and continue to be independent, productive, contributing members of our community. It is not a “we/they” situation — this is about all of us. ​ Author Kathy West-Evans, MPA, CRC, Director of Business Relations, National Employment Team (NET), us.editorial@mediaplanet.com August 20, 2020 If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together*. Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with cancer survivor Matt Campbell. ComSoncis and the National Employment Team ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Webinar Series: Career Tech Education for Students with Disabilities . Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a viable option to prepare high school students with disabilities for the future. Changes in the Carl Perkins Act brings a stronger focus on he needs of students with disabilities. This five-part webinar series examines programs, practices and partnerships among CTE and special education practitioners. ​ Resources from the NCRTM on Apprenticeships . This updated list of resources in the NCRTM includes an Apprenticeship Implementation Guide and Paid Work Experience Implementation Guide from the Jobs Driven Technical Assistance Center (JD-VRTAC) and more links and resources from the Department of Labor and Workforce GPS. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ New from NCRTM . Don’t forget to check out our October newsletter with video success stories in VR and a feature on the VR Workforce Studio to celebrate National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month. ​ The VR Workforce Studio Podcast is owned and operated by the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center Foundation. WWRCF publishes and distributes the VR Workforce Studio and manages all sponsor arrangements. Audio Content for the podcast is provided to the WWRCF by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services in exchange for promotional considerations. *Show title reference also recognized as an African proverb and used as a theme at the recent Net Summit ​ TO LISTEN OR READ THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PODCAST PLEASE CLICK HERE Disability:IN 22nd Conference 2019 Chicago, IL ​ ​ With 2000 attendees taking part in the Disability:IN on July 15 - 18, 2019 for the 22nd Annual Conference & Expo, the National Employment Team was excited to set up a booth to showcase Vocational Rehabilitation and share information from a few of our NET partners and representatives. This year's conference and expo was titled "IN For INclusion". The focus, which aligns greatly with the VR-NET partnership was all about sharing and developing proven strategies for including people with disabilities in the workplace, supply chain and marketplace. ​ Kathy West-Evans shared some highlights of the event with the photos below. We would like to thank our friends at DisabilityIN for recognizing the impact that Vocational Rehabilitation and Business to Business partnerships provided by conduits like the National Employment Team in centering our focus of inclusion of individuals that have an extroidinary amount of talent and diversity to offer! Welcome banner shown at the 22nd Annual Conference featuring an individual interacting on their computer 2019 Presenting Partners: American Airlines, Microsoft, Southwest Air, Walgreens Boots Alliance – Influencer Partners: Accenture, B of A, Barnes & Thornburg, Boston Scientific, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Capital One, Lockheed Martin, Merck, Northrop Grumman, Prudential, Voya, Walmart, Wells Fargo Mike Corso, DisABLEDperson INC (TAP Parther), Tim Stump NET POC AZ, Leah Lobato NET POC UT, Leslie Dawson NET POC AL and Kathy West-Evans at the VR-NET booth presenting literature and giveaways during the expo A reunion of partners and friends: Martha Lee Galeota, senior diversity specialist at Starbucks Coffee Company; Kathy West-Evans CSAVR-NET Business Relations; Jessica Rafuse, Senior Program Manager for NGO Engagement within the Office of the Chief Accessibility Officer at Microsoft and Beth Butler, Executive Director Disability:IN SC President and CEO of Disability:IN Jill Houghton opens the conference speaking to the first general session in front of the Disabilitiy:IN logo Disability Rights Attorney and Board Chair: Ted Kennedy, Jr. on the big screen during a panel discussion 6 People on stage leading the Ted Kennedy Jr. discussion Microsoft's Mission: Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more 1) Values case + business case 2) Proximity is the path to empathy 3) If you aren't measuring, you aren't doing 4) Go big or go home 5) Accessibility for few becomes usability for many 6) Real people, real stories New York Employment Summit: AFB at Google NYC ​ New York Employment Summit: AFB at Google NYC –Thank you to our partners at AFB for inviting VR and the CSAVR-NET to participate in their first Employment Summit held at the Google office in New York City. Kirk Adams, CEO and President as well as George Abbott, Chief Knowledge Advancement Officer organized and introduced the Summit. Brian Daniels (Director, New York State Commission for the Blind) was joined by Peter Herrig (NET POC) and several other NY-SCB staff at the Summit. Brian provided opening remarks while Peter and other VR staff presented on the role and resources that VR provides. Several business partners were represented and presented, including Bank of America, PNC, Walmart, Amazon and Sony as well as other companies. The businesses focused on the future of inclusion and diversity in the workplace, including disability as well as universal design and the impact of assistive technology. There were also employees with disabilities represented, including those who are blind or have a vision loss, talking about their experiences and building an inclusion culture within a company. Kathy was joined by Leslie Wilson from Disability:IN to discuss the changing role of VR, the NET and community partners in a dual customer environment serving both individuals and business. AFB will be hosting a number of these Summits and will be working with Kathy to include VR teams and business at the local level. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 8th Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day hank you to our partners at Disability:IN and Accenture for inviting the CSAVR-NET to participate in a celebration of the 8th Annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day in the Russell Senate Building, Kennedy Caucus room on May 16th. Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN provided opening remarks including the focus on disability as being “a mismatch between the individual and the environment.” Chad Jerdee, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Accenture moderated a panel discussion titled “The Accessibility Advantage.” Members on the panel included representatives from Facebook, Walmart, Verizon Media and CSD. The Verizon representative referenced the preamble to the Rehabilitation Act and talked about disability as being part of the normal human experience. ​ (Pictured from left to right: 1) Congressman Langevin RI in House, co-chair disability caucus and cyber security committee. 20% of pwd participating in the workforce, competitive integrated employment ---Transition to Independence Act. 2) Senator Tammy Duckworth - IL. Iraqi Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, speaking on the panel at the Russel Senate Building 3) Kathy West-Evans and Suzy Rosen Singleton the Chief of the Disability Rights Office at the Federal Communication Commission, smiling for the camera in the Kennedy Caucus Room following the conference. ​ Diversity Dialogue with Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations for CSAVR By Jennifer London October 30, 2018 - Originally Posted to DiversityBestPractices.com https://www.diversitybestpractices.com/diversity-dialogue-with-kathy-west-evans-director-business-relations-for-csavr ​ ​ Kathy West-Evans is the Director of Business Relations for CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation). CSAVR is the membership organization of Directors from the VR agencies in every state, the territories and D.C., serving over one million individuals with disabilities. She leads the National Employment Team (NET) of 80 VR Business Consultants. The NET helps businesses meet their employment needs through the talent pool and services of VR at the national, state and local level. The information shared by business customers is also used to help individual customers with disabilities develop a career plan that is in line with their interests, skills, talents and the labor market. We had a chance to speak with Kathy about the work of the CSAVR, an organization that has flown under the radar of many companies, to make sure our readers are aware of the plethora of resources and services it provides to both individuals with disabilities and to the organizations who want to recruit and retain them. ​ DBP: What is the main objective for the work of the CSAVR? ​ Kathy West-Evans: The main target of the program is to support people with disabilities as they develop careers and move into competitive and integrated employment; helping individuals build a career, stay in a career and grow in their career. We do this by using what we refer to as a dual customer strategy. Our first customers are individuals with disabilities. We work with people starting as early as high school and anyone who acquires a disability during the employment lifecycle. We have a focus on transitioning youth but there are also needs with the aging workforce, and people who are focused working after they acquire a disability, no matter when it happens. That includes our nation’s Veterans. The other customer is the businesses and organizations looking to recruit, hire and retain talent, including people with disabilities. In order to best serve our business customers, we sat down with them to understand what they need from us to prepare individuals for a career, build a talent pipeline and how we can support the organization to ensure they are both successful at hiring as well as keeping the talent in the workplace. From those conversations, we knew we had to have a more streamlined organizational structure to include both a national infrastructure but, more importantly, local supports throughout the footprint of our business customers. In essence, build a team around the business using a coordinated approach driven by the needs of the customer. ​ DBP: What are some of the services CSAVR provides to organizations as it relates to their approach to recruiting and retaining individuals with disabilities? ​ K W-E: Our team works to meet a company where they are so we have multiple entry points depending on where the need is and where the business wants and is prepared to start. We help to build a pipeline of talent. We can leverage state and federal resources to invest in training programs to prepare people for the workplace, but we want to make sure they are aligned with the needs of business. Some of our business partners have internship programs or apprenticeship programs, we have also worked with companies to develop business-based training programs. We also offer staff training on disability awareness, employment laws and how to build a strategy to make it work for their organization The VR-NET provides consultation and technical services as well. We have assistive technology experts on our team who can work with organizations on accessibility of their technology platforms like their website or computer systems. In addition to providing direct support to organizations based on their individual needs, we recently created the Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) a way of answering the needs of both our individual and business customers. TAP is an online talent exchange platform. We partnered with a disability-owned business, disABLEDpersons, to create the platform so that it is accessible to a wide range of people and that is more interactive than your run-of-the-mill job board. Candidates can post their resume on the platform and companies can post job openings. It is a platform that offers the opportunity for candidates and employers to interact. We currently have 20,000 candidates on TAP and over 90 companies using TAP. ​ DBP: What are you seeing as the next phase of workplace inclusion for people with disabilities? ​ K W-E: Generally speaking, we are seeing more of a focus on developing the culture of the company as opposed to just recruiting efforts. Many organizations have internal employee resource groups focused on people with disabilities and are leveraging the people inside the organization to provide education and to increase the comfort level for colleagues around issues facing people with disabilities in the workplace. This type of work is important. It is one thing for us to go in and provide a training, but the companies that have employee resource groups are creating the on-going internal resources needed to sustain the work. We are available for technical assistance, when needed. Business is also more focused on retaining talent. Disability can occur at any time during the employment life-cycle. We are being contacted more often to support business in keeping their valued talent working. It just makes sense to keep people working rather than having an individual seek help after losing a job. It’s a win-win. ​ DBP: What are some examples of innovative approaches that organizations are employing to recruit and retain people with disabilities? ​ Hyatt Hotels faced a shortage in the culinary arts area of their organization. They created a training program that takes place on-site using the curriculum of the business but developed in partnership with a community partner, Hands on Education. What’s great about the program is that you are not required to go to culinary arts school to participate, just the motivation and the core work habits to work in this industry. Individuals in the program train at the Hyatt where they have access to a range of work experiences from This provides an alternative path to access the industry and it is a great way to train candidates and develop a talent pipeline to meet the needs of Hyatt. The VR-NET has supported the use of this model across multiple states from Florida and the mid-Atlantic area to Texas, Colorado, California, Washington and states in-between Well over 1,000 people have been trained through the private-public partnership. Microsoft revamped their interview process to make it more accessible to individuals on the autism spectrum. These individuals often have the skills needed to do the job, but don’t always interview well in traditional interview setting. In order to have more success in hiring individuals on the spectrum, they have been using a one-week working interview. Through Microsoft’s partnership with a community partner, PROVAIL and CSAVR, they are provided with a coach/mentor for the whole week. Microsoft has hired over 65 individuals in engineering roles and other positions as well as hiring interns. They have access to a highly skilled talent pool because they removed that barrier that the traditional interview process created. We have also worked with CVS Health to understand what it looks like on the retail side and on the distribution side, so that we knew how to get individuals ready for those types of careers. In addition, we worked with them to make sure their hiring program and training programs were accessible to all individuals. In partnership with CVS, we now have a pharmacy tech training program and eight training centers around the country as well as other markets. CVS has hired 500 VR candidates in the last two years. The last example, is a convenience store/gas station company, KwikTrip. KwikTrip was looking at building out a new position within the organization to increase customer service. They already had cashiers and retail employees that handle customer service but they needed a staff person for stocking and cleaning so that the other employees could focus on customer service and not be pulled away to restock an item. So, they developed the role of Retail Helper in their 600+ stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. They worked with VR to develop how the role would work and VR prescreened the candidates, provided a job coach and any other support the individuals would need to succeed. KwikTrip has since hired over 300 people through the partnership with VR.. This partnership with Kwik Trip has led to an increase in business and the people they hired have better retention rates than other employees. People are choosing to shop there because of the company’s commitment to hiring people with disabilities. ​ DBP: What are the opportunities that remain for CSAVR and the work you do to support individuals with disabilities and the organizations looking to hire them? ​ K W-E: Many organizations are still afraid to ask how to do this work. How do you outreach to a population if you don’t know how? So there is still work to be done on raising awareness around the services and programs that are available to organizations in this space. Another focus for us is, as people are acquiring disabilities, is how do you keep them working? Many people who acquire disabilities after they are already in the workforce are not aware of the services that are available to them. We are working with companies to connect people who need support because business wants to keep these talented individuals. We want to provide support to our business partners and these employees so that they can adjust to a disability and potentially a different way of doing things, not just personally but in the workplace as well. DBP: What are you excited about? What keeps you optimistic about the future of workplace inclusion for people with disabilities? K W-E: The VR-NET has access to a lot of skilled, diverse talent, so it is exciting when companies step out and take a lead role with other companies to leverage this amazing talent pool. It is also great to work with schools and parents to help them look past a medical label and see the skillsets their students and children have to offer a workplace. This is my 40th year in this profession and I am still excited about it every day. I see the positive impact we can make on people and their families. Despite what individuals are told they “can’t do” they are working, independent and contributing to their community in meaningful ways. It is exactly what anyone of us would want, if/when we acquire a disability. On July 17th, Hands on Education celebrated their 20th Anniversary by inviting 300 of partners, sponsors, and graduates to The Hyatt Regency Orlando - which happens to be the second largest Hyatt in the world. ​ In attendance were The Honorable Janet LaBreck (former RSA Commissioner and Presidential Appointee), Tyronne Stoudemire (Hyatt Global VP of Diversity and Inclusion), Nikki Massey (Hyatt VP of Human Resources - Americas), Kathy West-Evans (National Business Relations Director for CSAVR), Allison Flanagan (FL State DVR Director), John Evans (former WA State VR Business Relations Mgr), and Robert Doyle (FL State DBS Director). Also in attendance were partners from Hyatt Hotels all over Florida and as far as Dallas and Denver. ​ The real most distinguished attendees of the event were the graduates of the Hands on Education program. Some of them helped serve the evening's well received dinner, and many of them were recognized for their long-term employment spanning over the past 20 years. The National Employment Team would like to extend our congratulations to the program graduates and all of our partners who were involved in making the event a success and an honor to attend! ​ Below are several great photos captured by Kathy West-Evans that we hope you enjoy!

2023 NET Summit Sept. 19-20, 2023 Westin Washington, DC City Center 1400 M Street ● NW Washington, DC 20005 8:30am to 4:00pm Eastern Time both days Conference Details Below: REGI STRATION closed on September 8, 2023. NET Summit 2023 Agenda Registration fee is $325.00. Due to demand, registration is limited. All non-State Agency personnel must contact CSAVR (kwest-evans@csavr.org ) for registration. ​ CSAVR 2023 NET Summit Hotel Westin Washin gton DC 1400 M Street Washington, DC 20005 Hotel Link: Book your group rate for 2023 NET Summit ​ Dr aft Agenda: Day O ne: NET Members, Business Relations and VR Training Center Staff meet to discuss a number of updates and hold roundtable discussions based on “hot topics” submitted by the team. General Session Welcome Introductions NET and Business Relations Update Breakouts and Roundtable Discussions The topics will include: Roundtable Discussions “Hot Topics” ​1. Cross Staff Training and Development: How do you build the team within a VR agency to include the career focus upfront? This would include the working relationships at all levels within the organization as well as the VRC – Business Relations Staff and other areas that support CIE outcomes in the dual customer environment – OT, AT, Transition, etc. 2. Business Based Training – disability awareness, demographics, Windmills and other tools. How to best use these tools when working with a business at all levels, particularly in a DEI&A environment. 3. Measuring Outcomes of Business Relations Services – where do we have tools that are being used (e.g. MI), there is uncertainty about WIOA Indicator 6 so how do Business Relations teams define and share their outcomes? This could include reporting on a wide range of services, employment outcomes, customer satisfaction tools, etc. Could this be part of the statewide assessment for the State Plan, what is the involvement of the SRC? How do the measures related to the amendments in the Rehab Act directly related to VR’s work with business? ​ 4. Work Based Learning – the continuum of opportunities, what strategies are being used effectively, consider the wide range of options: volunteer work, internships, externships, OJTs, training center involvement, pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship options. 5. Transition: early introduction of careers and opportunities to students while they are still in school. What is the connection between Transition Counselors, the schools and the Business Relations team? 6. Second Chance Employment: where do we have partnerships and models that are effective in working with business to build opportunities for individuals with disabilities who are formerly incarcerated? Day One Evening Reception: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Recognizing partners and individuals who have made a difference in promoting a dual customer approach that supports the careers and independence of customers with disabilities. Day Two: Hearing from our Business Partners, including Federal Agencies – Dual Partnerships that are Effective and Where we Move Together for Future Career Opportunities that Meet the Employment Needs of Business Sample Listing of the Businesses Invited: CVS Health, Pfizer, Boeing, Walmart, GM (Michigan team), Dell, Microsoft, ACCESS Board, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Transportation. Accommodation Requests: The deadline to request accommodations is August 25, 2023. Accommodations must be requested when registering. Accommodations cannot be guaranteed after the cut-off date. If your travel approval is delayed in your agency process, please contact thamrick@csavr.org and let us know your accommodation needs. Social Media: By registering for the event, I understand that my photo or likeness may be used on social media activities. If you have questions regarding social media please contact info@csavr.org . ​

PARTNERS CANAR Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation CANAR disABLEDperson disABLEDperson, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to reduce the high unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities disABLEDperson EPR European Platform for Rehabilitation ​ EPR is a network of service providers to people with disabilities committed to high-quality service delivery. EPR’s mission is to build the capacity of its members to provide sustainable, high-quality services through mutual learning and training. EPR NCSAB National Council of State Agencies for the Blind The mission of the NCSAB is to promote through advocacy, coordination, and education the delivery of specialized services that enable individuals who are blind and visually impaired to achieve personal and vocational independence. NCSAB

Model State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Deaf People The CSAVR Model State Plan (MSP) serves as a foundational resource for the field. Employment and career outcomes for deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deafblind adults (collectively, deaf in this document) are far below their hearing peers. Longstanding systemic barriers continue to require proactive, comprehensive approaches to improving access for deaf clients. This MSP gives essential guidance to state vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs in the structure, services, and supports needed to close the employment gap. This MSP provides: High level summary of critical issues and action items for VR leadership Content for training and professional development for VR professionals This guide was developed with the assumption that the audience is largely familiar with the core tenets of VR, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It is a deep dive into how to provide meaningful services for deaf people and to improve employment outcomes for this population. States are encouraged to adapt and adopt state-specific information for their own state plans, as needed. >>> Definition: This document uses the umbrella term “deaf” to refer to deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deafdisabled, and deafblind categories within RSA (page 26). Further information from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) on the history of and considerations in different usages. Resources: Model State Plan updated Oct.2023 Top Priorities in Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Deaf People Infographic

"Leap and the NET will appear" -Zen Saying ~John Burroughs NET Summit 2023 Agenda ​ NET Evaluation Check back here for PowerPoint Presentations each day. - NET Summit - IDVR PowerPoint - NET Summit - Iowa Video Marketing - NET Summit - TAP PowerPoint - NET Summit - Business Partnerships MA & MI PowerPoint - NET Summit Abilities to Careers Technical Virtual Learning Platform PowerPoint - NET Summit CVS Abilities in Abundance PowerPoint - NET Summit - DVS Workforce Initiatives Abilities PowerPoin t - Net Summit State Department - NET Summit Access Board - NET Summit Hands on at the Hyatt The national network of the 78 public Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs supports a united or “one company” approach to working with business customers. The 78 VR Directors have each named a business consultant that functions as the designated point of contact for their agency. These 78 points of contact, through CSAVR leadership and support, form the National Employment Team or The NET. The NET vision statement: To create a coordinated approach to serving business customers through a national VR team that specialized in employer development, business consulting and corporate relations. The NET supports a dual customer base, meeting the employment needs of business through the qualified applicants and support services provided by the public VR system. Why dual customer? Because the VR programs are funded to serve individuals with disabilities but their employment outcomes are tied to business. VR consumers receive better career planning and employment supports when VR works with business customers to better understand their needs and expectations. ​ The dual customer approach provides the following benefits to customers of the CSAVR sponsored-NET: Business has direct access to a pool of qualified applicants and the support services provided by the public VR system and their partners; VR consumers have access to national employment opportunities and career development resources; and VR agencies have a national system for sharing employment resources, best practices and business connections ​ For more information, please contact: Kathy West-Evans, Director of Business Relations, CSAVR & the National Employment Team Phone: 206.999.9455 Fax: 866.322.4434 KWest-Evans@csavr.org ​ Inger Neal, Business Relations Consultant, CSAVR & the National Employment Team ineal@csavr.org Phone: 470.561.1215 ​ -or- ​ Danielle Guest CSAVR/NET Contractor info@csavr.org VIDEOS AND MEDIA Kwik Trip Retail Helper Program CVS Health - Abilities in Abundance: Our Continued Commitment to Inclusive Employment Vertical Harvest -"Heart of Glass" Introduction Video For a downloadable copy of The NET brochure please select below: PDF Word Document The NET Services to Business Pre-Employment Recruitment and Retention Disability Awareness Training Employment Law Education Consultation and Support Financial Advisement Employee Assistance Access to VR support at all levels Emphasis on Diverse and Inclusive Hiring The NET is a one-company approach to serving a variety of businesses through the national network of the 78 publicly funded vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. The NET is supported by 20,000 specially trained VR staff nationally in coordination with their community partners and a $3.7 billion annual budget designed to train and employ the talents of people with disabilities while meeting the employment needs of business. Contact us today! ​ Kathy West-Evans – Director of Business Relations kwest-evans@csavr.org ​ Inger Neal – Business Relations Consultant iNeal@csavr.org ​ Danielle Guest – Media Coordinator info@csavr.org Talent Acquisition Portal ® Features Job Posting and Metrics Geographic Specific Resume Searches Candidate Availability Recruiter Access and Saved Searches Compliance and Application Reports Hiring Data Interview Capability with Transcripts Direct Access to VR Agencies *TAP is Supported by The NET MATCHING BUSINESS WITH DIVERSE TALENT FOR OVER 100 YEARS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

CSAVR Statement on Equity The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) is a national organization comprised of Directors of State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies. These agencies are the state partners in the State-Federal program of rehabilitation services provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended. The public VR program engages with nearly 2 million individuals with disabilities every year. CSAVR is committed to working toward a world free of institutional bias and injustice. Racism is a civil and human rights issue, and as such, a disability rights issue. CSAVR condemns and rejects racism and inequities in all forms and the systemic manner in which it is used to oppress minorities, including those who are individuals with disabilities. Disability and poverty continue to exacerbate the challenges that many individuals face. CSAVR will work tirelessly to assist individuals with disabilities, with whom we work, to have full access to opportunities that increase independence and employment, and to provide them with the services and supports they need to achieve the American dream. This Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leads to a commitment on the part of the leadership of CSAVR to assertively establish strategies and definable actions to foster equality of opportunity in the workplace by supporting initiatives to include underrepresented populations in our own ranks, at all levels. CSAVR and our member organization will promote initiatives that focus on the recruitment, hiring, training, and upward mobility of staff from minority communities. In order to serve our diverse customer base, it is essential to reflect that diversity in our own staff to address the cultural and access issues that individuals with disabilities face in their goal of competitive integrated employment and independence. ​ For more resources and initiatives regarding CSAVR's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access please visit the DEIA website: www.vrdeia.com

CSAVR POSITION PAPERS ​ RFI on the Future of the Rehabilitation Training Program - CSAVR Response ED-2018-OSERS-0026 ​ CSAVR Letter to Secretary DeVos regarding Competitive Integrated Employment 1-9-18 Regulatory Reform Comments Submitted by CSAVR 9-13-17 S 1356 CSAVR WIA LANGUAGE CSAVR WIA LETTER Skills Act CSAVR SKILLS ACT LETTER CSAVR Social Security Employment First Proposal CSAVR EMP FIRST PROPOSAL