#### UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

#### OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

#### REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

#### WASHINGTON, DC 20202

### INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

### RSA-IM-03-12

### DATE: June 19, 2003

ADDRESSEES: STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES (GENERAL)

STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES (BLIND)

STATE REHABILITATION COUNCILS

> REGIONAL REHABILITATION CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS

CONSUMER ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

PROTECTION & ADVOCACY OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS PROGRAMS

AMERICAN INDIAN VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

RSA SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

SUBJECT: Request for Nominations for the Thirtieth Institute on
Rehabilitation Issues Primary Study Groups

CONTENT: The purpose of this Information Memorandum (IM) is to request
nominations for persons to serve as chairpersons and members on the
following two Thirtieth Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) primary
study groups (PSG):

1.  Innovative Methods for Providing Vocational Rehabilitation Services
    to Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities

> The university coordinator for this study group is Dr. Donald Dew, the
> director of Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program
> (RRCEP) III at The George Washington University.

2.  A New Paradigm for Vocational Evaluation: Empowering the VR Consumer
    through Vocational Information

> The university coordinator for this study group is Ms. Jeanne Miller,
> the director of RRCEP VI at the University of Arkansas.
>
> **The deadline for receipt of the nominations is July 18, 2003.**
> **Descriptions of the two IRI topics are attached to this
> memorandum.** Nominees for chairpersons for the PSGs must be current
> State VR agency directors, or designees, who have demonstrated
> leadership qualities, an ability to facilitate group discussions, good
> writing and editorial skills, and who have served on previous IRI
> PSGs. Both the chairpersons and the PSG members make a commitment to
> attend three meetings for two to three days each, during which the
> topical issues are discussed and debated in great detail.

The PSG will be primarily made up of representatives from State VR
agencies and will include a total of approximately 10-12 persons,
including individuals who are recognized authorities on the issue under
study and/or represent important consumer perspectives. The PSG members
define the issues in their topical area and write drafts of assigned
chapters or sections. Their only compensation is reimbursement of travel
and per diem expenses at the host university rate.

In submitting nominations, we encourage you to review the attached "IRI
Primary Study Groups - Roles and Responsibilities" with each nominee
before submitting his/her name. In order to receive consideration, each
Nomination Form must be fully completed, including a brief
justification. We also suggest that you ensure that each nominee
requests his/her supervisor\'s approval prior to submitting a Nomination
Form. Self-nomination is also encouraged. Our goal is to select a
representative sample of persons knowledgeable of the topics from both
inside and outside the State-Federal VR program, and to ensure
participation of persons from minority backgrounds and persons with
disabilities.

During the 30^th^ IRI Forum to be held in Washington, DC from May 3-4,
2004, the PSG chairpersons and members present their draft publications
to a larger study group for review and comment, and are honored for
their contribution to the field of rehabilitation literature.

We appreciate your continued support of the IRI. Please provide the
completed Nomination Forms for chairpersons and members of the IRI PSGs
to:

> Mr. Charles Sadler
>
> RSA IRI Coordinator
>
> Rehabilitation Services Administration
>
> 330 C Street, SW, Room 3216 Washington, DC 20202-2735
>
> E-MAIL: [charles.sadler@ed.gov](mailto:charles_sadler@ed.gov)
>
> TELEPHONE: (202) 205-9286
>
> FAX: (202) 205-9340
>
> TTY: (202) 205-9295
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> Joanne Wilson
>
> Commissioner

Attachments: IRI Primary Study Groups -- Roles and Responsibilities

Nomination Form

Descriptions of the 30^th^ IRI Topics

cc: Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation

National Organization of Rehabilitation Partners

**[IRI Primary Study Groups - Roles and Responsibilities]{.smallcaps}**

The following information is provided to persons who are either
interested in nominating an individual to serve as a member or
chairperson of an IRI PSG, or who are considering whether or not they
are willing and able to be nominated to serve on an IRI PSG.

Persons nominating individuals to participate in the IRI should ensure
that the nominees are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities.
In order to avoid misunderstandings, please review the information
contained herein with each nominee before submitting the Nomination
Form.

**[Purpose:]{.smallcaps}** To research, write and publish an IRI
publication that provides a foundation for quality state-of-the-art
training on a specific topic. RSA annually funds two grantees at the
University of Arkansas and The George Washington University to serve as
university coordinators for two IRI PSGs, and to convene the National
IRI Forum in Washington. The IRI is not original research; the document
is comprised of existent research applied to contemporary issues and
challenges in the field of VR. Approximately 2500 to 3500 copies of each
IRI publication are disseminated nationally to an audience of VR
counselors, consumers, advocates, administrators, educators,
researchers, and trainers. The publications are also placed on the two
university coordinators' web sites with numerous links to other
rehabilitation partners.

**[Skills Needed by]{.smallcaps}**

**[All PSG Members:]{.smallcaps}** 1) Knowledge of the topic.

> 2\) Writing skills. This includes the ability to discuss the issue and
> then create and write (outlining, developing and drafting) a section
> or chapter of the document.

3\) The ability to work as part of a team.

[Roles of Participants on the IRI Study Groups]{.smallcaps}

**[University]{.smallcaps}**

**[Coordinator -]{.smallcaps}** Arranges all facets of the PSG meetings,
such as:

> communicating meeting times and hotel arrangements to group members;
> providing travel and per diem; arranging teleconferences, if
> necessary; duplicating and editing the draft IRI documents; publishing
> and disseminating the final IRI document; and, any other logistical
> support necessary during the course of the IRI cycle.

**[Chairperson -]{.smallcaps}** Facilitates the PSG meetings and
maintains group focus on the topical issues. Assigns writing assignments
and membership to the editorial committee that is responsible for
editing the document after the national IRI Forum. Works closely with
the university coordinator, and the PSG members to ensure that the IRI
publication is published in a timely manner.

**[RSA Representative -]{.smallcaps}** Ensures that the group fulfills
the charge presented by the

> RSA Commissioner and that the final publication complies
>
> with Federal law, regulations and policy. Reviews the final draft of
> the IRI document and provides a written review to the RSA IRI
> Coordinator.

**[What kind of Time Commitment is Required to participate in the
IRI?]{.smallcaps}**

The IRI requires an approximately one-year time commitment that includes
three meetings of approximately two and a half days. THE FIRST TWO
MEETINGS MAY ENTAIL WEEKEND TRAVEL. The first meeting is devoted to a
discussion of the topic and all the issues surrounding it. The group
members are then assigned chapters to be written.

The second meeting focuses on a review and critique of the draft.
Between the second and third meetings the members of the PSG rewrite and
refine their respective chapters into the final draft.

The third meeting occurs during the National IRI Forum in Washington,
DC, during which time an expanded group of individuals reviews the final
draft publication and provides feedback for further improving the
document. These recommendations are considered by the PSG editorial
committee, who may meet in Washington, DC immediately following the
Forum. The editorial committee is usually composed of 3-7 members of the
PSG, including the chairperson and the university coordinator.

IRI PSG membership is an honor. IRI PSG chairpersons and members are
accorded the title of "IRI Scholars" and receive certificates of
appreciation signed by the RSA Commissioner. The IRI is an opportunity
to work collaboratively with consumers and professionals with knowledge
and expertise on a given topic, and to develop a publication useful in
training VR professionals.

## Nomination Form

**[Thirtieth Institute on Rehabilitation Issues]{.smallcaps}**

1.  Nominee Information:

Name: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Address: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Telephone/TDD: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Fax: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

E-mail: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The nominee is an individual with a disability.

\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_ No

The following question is to assist us in assembling an IRI PSG that
includes individuals from diverse backgrounds. Answering this question
is optional.

Race/Ethnic Status (Please check the most accurate answer)

4)  

\_\_\_\_ White

\_\_\_\_ Black/African American

\_\_\_\_ American Indian

\_\_\_\_ Hispanic

\_\_\_\_ Asian/Pacific Islander

\_\_\_\_ Other \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

2.  For which PSG is this nomination being submitted?

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Innovative Methods for Providing VR Services to
Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ A New Paradigm for Vocational Evaluation

3\. Are you asking that the nominee be considered as the chairperson or
member of the PSG? For an individual to be considered as the
chairperson, the nominee must be a State VR agency director, or his/her
designee. You must also specify the previous IRI study group(s) on which
the nominee served as a PSG member. If you would like us to consider the
nominee for both, check both Chairperson and Member.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Chairperson

Previous IRI PSG experience -
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Member

4.  Please provide a brief justification for the nomination. The
    justification should describe the nominee's knowledge and expertise
    regarding the topic, and most importantly, include specific
    references to the individual's ability to participate as part of a
    team in discussing the topic and in writing chapters of a
    publication. Explain why you feel that this individual would be an
    asset to the IRI PSG. If necessary, use additional space or attach
    supportive documentation.

Nominator Information:

Name: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Address: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Telephone/TDD: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Fax: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

E-mail: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Nominator's Signature:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

####### [THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF THE NOMINATION FORMS IS JULY 18, 2003.]{.smallcaps} 

**Descriptions of the 30^th^ IRI Topics**

> **Topic 1: Innovation in Vocational Rehabilitation: Trends in Service
> Provision to Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities**

1.  Issues to be addressed in publication:

    A.  According to RSA-911 data, individuals with psychiatric
        disabilities continue to have lower placement rates than other
        disability groups.

    B.  The unique and often cyclical barriers to employment faced by
        this population present unique challenges to the rehabilitation
        counselor and require flexibility and innovation on the part of
        an entire VR agency.

    C.  Describe the best practices currently being utilized to improve
        consumer compliance with taking medications, a problem often
        related to job loss.

    D.  There are strategies that address these barriers. These include
        transitional employment, clubhouse, and other service delivery
        and VR administration strategies.

    E.  Improving the skills of the VR counselors in working effectively
        with employers is an important part of improving job acquisition
        and retention for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

    F.  What is the responsibility of the VR program in working with
        transition age students with disabilities, since the psychiatric
        diagnosis is now often made at a younger age, when compared to
        past experience.

    G.  More training and/or technical assistance could provide
        counselors with the support they need to address the needs of
        individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

    H.  Describe the state-of-the-art in assisting individuals with
        psychiatric disabilities to achieve and maintain employment.
        What are the ongoing supports that must be in place? What other
        issues need to be included in this document to ensure that it is
        a useful training and technical assistance resource for
        practicing VR counselors?

        2.  Intended audience:

> > VR counselors, managers, and administrators; rehabilitation
> > counselor educators; mental health, psychosocial and community-based
> > provider program personnel; VR consumers and their families; and,
> > consumer advocates.

3.  Potential effects on improving services to individuals with
    disabilities:

    A.  Increase the knowledge of individuals who provide rehabilitation
        services to people with psychiatric disabilities.

    B.  Increase the employment rate for individuals with psychiatric
        disabilities.

    C.  Decrease the return rate of individuals with psychiatric
        disabilities to the VR system.

    D.  Improve the experience of individuals with psychiatric
        disabilities as they move through the VR process into
        competitive employment.

> **Topic 2: A New Paradigm for Vocational Evaluation: Empowering the VR
> Consumer through Vocational Information**

1.  Issues to be addressed in publication:

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A.  Review longitudinal studies and summarize findings that indicate one
    of the best predictors of positive VR outcome is effective
    vocational evaluation services.

B.  Define effective vocational evaluation services.

C.  Review the current status of vocational evaluation in the VR system
    across a variety of settings, including back to work, transition
    from school to work, and career planning.

D.  Identify effective strategies for self-advocacy.

E.  Describe how the VR consumer is empowered through the provision of
    in-depth vocational information and their involvement in vocational
    planning.

F.  How can the use of assistive technology be effectively integrated
    into vocational evaluation services?

G.  Describe how the vocational evaluation report can be revamped to
    link the VR consumer, VR counselor, and vocational evaluator in the
    career planning process.

    2.  Intended audience:

> > VR counselors, managers, and administrators; vocational evaluators;
> > transition school system personnel; rehabilitation counselor
> > educators; VR consumers and their families; and, consumer advocates.

3.  Potential effects on improving services to individuals with
    > disabilities:

    A.  Identifying effective vocational evaluation practices may
        enhance informed choice for career planning, and enhance
        services resulting in positive VR outcomes.

    B.  Revamping vocational evaluation to provide good vocational
        information may empower VR consumers and enhance consumer
        self-concept.

    C.  Career planning enhancements may be identified through the
        communication between VR counselors, VR consumers, and
        vocational evaluators.

    D.  The identification of strategies to include assistive technology
        assessments within the evaluation process will increase access
        to needed assistive technology by VR consumers.