Employment is the goal for every VRS participant, regardless of age or disability. In fiscal year 1999, a record-setting 7,572 people with disabilities achieved their dream of employment, with VRS assistance. VRS is a vast, coordinated network that creates a remarkable return on taxpayers investment. And for Alabamians with disabilities, VRS represents much more than a monetary return.
Employment means pride, dignity and independence being empowered to achieve one s maximum potential.
In fiscal year 1999, this section contributed 1,149 successful job placements to VRS s overall total of 7,572. The Blind Services program helped 549 individuals become employed in FY 1999. In addition, Blind Services continued its financial support of the State Radio Reading Service for the Print Impaired. A major contributor to the employment success of Vocational Rehabilitation Service consumers has been the long-term partnerships established by VRS with more than 4,700 Alabama businesses. It will ultimately give consumers the option to electronically link their resume or job qualifications to the U.S. Department of Labor s web sites.