VR Public Hearings in May

REHABILITATION SERVICES
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON STATE PLANS AND
PUBLIC FORUM

The Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services has scheduled public hearings in Middle, West and East Tennessee on the 2009 State Plans update for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These public hearings are scheduled during the months of May in six (6) cities across the state and will allow the opportunity for public review and comment on the Rehabilitation Services State Plans. The public hearings starting times and locations are attached.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services serves eligible individuals with physical or mental disabilities and may provide services to include diagnosis, treatment, training, maintenance and transportation, counseling and guidance, job placement, post-employment services and supported employment services. Employment of people with disabilities is the objective of the program.

The Division’s regional supervisors and State Rehabilitation Council members will participate in these public hearings, which will be conducted according to the attached schedule. Copies of any or all Plans of the Division may be obtained by writing or contacting the Division as follows:

DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES
ATTN: SAMUEL E. COLE
CITIZENS PLAZA STATE OFFICE BUILDING, 10th FLOOR
400 DEADERICK STREET
NASHVILLE, TN 37243-1403

TELEPHONE: (615) 313-5682 TTY: (615) 313-5695 FAX: (615) 741-6508

E-MAIL: SAMUEL.COLE@STATE.TN.US

The State Plans may also be reviewed in any regional rehabilitation services office across the state, as well as online at http://state.tn.us/humanserv/rehab/st_plan.htm (which will be online by May 2nd 2008).

State Plan comments can be made at the public hearings or be sent to the regional supervisor in your region. A listing of DRS Regional Offices with counties served is enclosed.

Individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in the public hearings should contact the Rehabilitation Services Division to discuss any auxiliary aids or services needed to facilitate participation. Requests may be made in person, by letter, by telephone, fax or by e-mail. The request, through the above address and numbers, should be made as soon as possible to allow time for scheduling.

Nashville - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Metropolitan Board of Education
Customer Service Center/Board Room Entrance-Berry Street
2601 Bransford Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204

Jackson – Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Jackson Center for Independent Living
1981 Hollywood Road
Jackson, TN 38305

Johnson City – Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Tennessee Room
Johnson City Medical Center
400 N. State of Franklin Road
Johnson City, TN 37604 - 6094

Knoxville - Wednesday May 21, 2008 at 4:00 PM
State Office Building
531 Henley Street, Room 7-A
Knoxville, TN 37902

Welcome Mark Montgomery, SILC Executive Director

Mark has been the Tennessee SILC Executive Director since December 2007, when he relocated from New York with his wife Kate. While some may see this move as a radical change, he does not. He believes that people are the same wherever they live; they have the same needs, wants and desires, especially within the disability community. He looks forward to the many challenges that face him and the disability community here in Tennessee.

Mark has been involved in the disability rights movement for over 13 years. He brings experience as a recipient of CIL services. His background includes working in legal and educational settings as well as having worked at a CIL and numerous other organizations serving persons with disabilities.