Public Comment Sought on Vocational Rehabilitation Changes, Feb. 15

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation program is seeking public comment on changes to administrative rules on employment-related services for people with disabilities. Public comment is sought on Oregon Administrative Rules 582 for Vocational Rehabilitation. Interested parties may testify at a public hearing in person, by phone or in writing. All input will be reviewed and, where appropriate, the procedures will be modified or refined. The proposed procedures will be posted at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr/ no later than Feb. 15, 2019. Vocational Rehabilitation is updating procedures to align with requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), enacted July 22, 2014 (Public Law No. 113-128). The procedures match definitions and requirements in the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, and clarify processes for vocational rehabilitation service, specifically to definitions used in services, confidentiality and privacy, transition services for students and youth with disabilities, and training and services that may be available to employers. How to provide testimony: Email:  No later than March 1, 2019, email comments to: VR.Policy@state.or.us. Mail:  No later than March 1, 2019, send written testimony to: Department of Human Services, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, Robin Brandt, Policy Analyst, 500 Summer Street NE, E-87 Salem, Oregon 97310-1018. In person: Attend a public hearing listed below. By phone: During the hearing, dial in as indicated for each meeting. The hearings will end when comments conclude. Please arrive before the meeting to sign up to provide testimony. The public hearings: Friday, February 15, 2019, Time:  9 – 10 a.m., Location:  Human Services Building, 500 Summer Street NE, Room 166, Salem, Oregon 97301-1120 Dial in: +1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 98691139#; Tuesday, February 19, 2019, Time: 10 – 11 a.m., Location: Vocational Rehabilitation, 1607 Gekeler Lane, Little Creek Meadow Room 134, LaGrande, OR 97850-3341, Dial in:  +1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 669505#; Wednesday, February 20, 2019, Time: 1 – 2 p.m., Location: Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation, 305 NE 102nd Avenue, 102nd Conference Room, Portland, Oregon 97220-4161, Dial in: +1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 95813906#; Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Time: 2 – 3 p.m., Location: Medford Vocational Rehabilitation office, 28 West 6th Street, Medford, OR 97501-2774, Dial in: 1 (503) 934-1400, Access code: 6173011#. Accommodation: Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication should make a request as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event by contacting Robin Brandt at (503-945-5857) or email VR.Policy@dhsoha.state.or.us. About Vocational Rehabilitation: The Vocational Rehabilitation program assists individuals with disabilities to get, keep and advance in jobs that match the individual’s skills, interests and abilities.