Public hearing on State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services scheduled for June 3, 2011

Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) invites individuals and organizations interested in employment services for people with disabilities to provide input on its State Plan Annual Update for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services. This update will be effective October 1, 2011.

To provide an opportunity for stakeholder input, KRS will conduct a public hearing on this update from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, June 3, 2011. The hearing will be an interactive web cast using technology to connect people in 12 Kansas communities. Participants in each location will be able to share their comments or questions which will be broadcast live to all locations.

During the meeting, participants will be asked for their input on several key questions:

Are there new or emerging opportunities to collaborate with local organizations to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities?
Are there any gaps where employment-related services for people with disabilities need to be improved or developed? What are the barriers to the development of these services?
Are there suggestions on how KRS can improve services and employment outcomes for persons with significant disabilities?
Are there populations who are currently unserved or underserved by KRS? Are there suggestions for how KRS could improve access to services for these individuals?

Participants will also be asked to comment on the KRS performance related to its strategic goals. The goals are:

Kansans with disabilities will achieve quality, competitive, integrated employment and self-sufficiency.
KRS, its consumers, providers and partners will be accountable for the achievement of employment and the effective use of resources.
KRS will emphasize the employment potential of students with disabilities and improve the outreach and outcomes for transition-aged students.
KRS will emphasize meaningful involvement of people with disabilities, public/private partners, employers and other stakeholders in KRS programs, services and activities.

KRS Director Michael Donnelly will originate the web cast from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Learning Center, 2nd and MacVicar, Topeka.

Participants may also attend the interactive web cast at any of the following locations:

Chanute,
Kansas Room
SRS Service Center
1500 W. 7th

Emporia
Myers Conference Room
SRS Service Center
1701 Wheeler

Garden City
Bunker Conference Room
SRS Service Center
1710 Palace Drive

Hays
Grey Room
SRS Service Center
3000 Broadway

Hutchinson (South)
Kansas Room
SRS Service Center
600 Andrew Ave.

Kansas City
Conference Room 1050
SRS Service Center
402 State Avenue

Lawrence
Conference Room 1
SRS Service Center
1901 Delaware

Manhattan
Konza Room
SRS Service Center
2709 Amherst

Overland Park
Magnolia Conference Room
SRS Service Center
8915 Lenexa Dr.

Topeka
Room B
SRS Learning Center
2nd and MacVicar

Salina
Kansas Room
SRS Service Center
901 Westchester

Wichita
Conference Room 3080
Finney State Office Building
230 E. William

As of May 20, 2011, individuals may review the draft update at:

http://www.srs.ks.gov/agency/rs/Pages/RSOutcomesandReports.aspx

Individuals who wish to submit comments in writing may email: peg.spencer@srs.ks.gov

Please submit written comments no later than 5 p.m. June 3, 2011.

To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodation for the hearing, please email Barbara.Mah@srs.ks.gov or call 785-368-7112 or TDD 1-800-432-0698 no later than noon May 20, 2011. All hearing sites are accessible locations.

Peg Spencer
Kansas Rehabilitation Services
Docking State Office Building, 9th Floor North
915 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66612
peg.spencer@srs.ks.gov
785-368-8214
FAX 785-368-7467