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State Rehabilitation Council

The purpose of the North Dakota State Rehabilitation Council is to advise the Director of North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) on issues concerning policy and program, delivery of services, and methods for reaching potential consumers.

NOTE: With the passage of House Bill 1135 during the 2017 Legislative Session, the goal of the Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities has been combined with the ND State Rehabilitation Council.

The Council

Informs and advises ND Vocational Rehabilitation on the effects its programs may be having on North Dakota communities and consumers.
Facilitates public input into the Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan
Advocates for consumer rights and services, and
Communicates to public and community leaders the purpose and need for vocational rehabilitation.

The council members are selected to serve on the SRC by the Governor of North Dakota. They are selected to serve based on their interest, knowledge, and understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities. Members are advocates for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in their communities and throughout North Dakota.

The Council must have at least 15 members representing:

4 Business, industry and labor
1 Statewide Independent Living Council
1 Parent Training & Information Center
1 Client Assistance Program
1 Disability advocacy group advocates
1 Community Rehabilitation Program Service Provider
1 State Workforce Investment Board
1 Current or former VR applicant or recipient
1 American Indian VR program
1 Department of Public Instruction
1 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
1 Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Director

*51% of Council members must have a disability.

ND State Rehabilitation Council Committees Include:

Planning/Evaluation Committee

Reviews the results of the Vocational Rehabilitation consumer satisfaction surveys
Reviews, analyzes, and advises DVR regarding program performance and policy issues
Assists in the development of the Annual Report to the Governor.
Assists in the preparation of the state plan, strategic plan, and plan amendments
Assists with public hearings to solicit input from consumers, family members, and the public regarding the effectiveness of DVR Services
Reviews the public comments and makes recommendations to the full council for their review and action

Resource Committee

Monitors the progress of the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development to ensure compliance with the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration mandate
Reviews progress toward meeting Qualified Rehabilitation Professional Standards for all counselors within the strategic plan timeframe
Works with the state director to ensure that both the council and the Statewide Independent Living Council are kept informed of funding issues and other legislative issues that impact individuals with disabilities
Provides technical assistance on materials and activities being provided by the council regarding legislative action

Membership/Public Relations Committee

Enhances awareness of the SRC mission and its ongoing support for the VR program
Coordinates with the Resource Committee to identify and develop material that may be used for legislator education and awareness of disability-related issues related to the VR program
Monitors legislative activity on the state level, and reports to the full council for potential action
Develops recruitment strategies
Reviews member applications and makes recommendation to the full council
Provides orientation and mentorship to new members
Develops talking points and strategies to enhance awareness of the SRC mission and ongoing support of the VR program
Reviews and recommends changes to bylaws

ND State Rehabilitation Council Minutes

January 12, 2017 (256kb pdf)
September 19, 2016 (276kb pdf)
July 21-22, 2016 (226kb pdf)
April 21-22, 2016 (235kb pdf)
January 8, 2016 (240kb pdf)
September 15, 2015 (237kb pdf)
July 23-24, 2015 (274kb pdf)
April 23-24, 2015 (232kb pdf)
January 9, 2015 (227kb pdf)
October 21-22, 2014 (264kb pdf)
July 24-25, 2014 (239kb pdf)
April 24-25, 2014 (249kb pdf)
January 10, 2014 (235kb pdf)

ND State Rehabilitation Council Contact Information

SRC Chairperson
Darcy Severson
Pride, Inc.
1200 Missouri Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58501
(701) 223-1543 Ext. 209 (w)
darcys@prideinc.org