The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) partners with the Aging and Disability Services (ADS). Together, they aim to help people with disabilities find jobs and be successful. SRC members advise ADS Rehabilitation Services. They want to let disabled people help design services. They should be self-sufficient and independent.
ADS Rehabilitation Services runs the Title I and Title VI programs of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. They are the Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment programs. The act mandates job services for people with disabilities. This act is a federal law. It requires each designated state agency to work closely with its SRC. In Connecticut, that agency is ADS Rehabilitation Services. They must conduct needs assessments and evaluations. ADS Rehabilitation Services also develops:
• State plan
• Strategic plans
• Reports
• State goals
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) advises ADS Rehabilitation Services and others. The SRC reviews programs that help disabled people get suitable jobs in the community. Then, it suggests ways to make the programs better.
Goal
The State Rehabilitation Council will:
- Assess the effectiveness and delivery of vocational services provided by ADS Rehabilitation Services to individuals with disabilities.
- Improve how ADS Rehabilitation Services, the state agencies, and public and private services work together to benefit consumers.
- Advise the Governor, ADS Rehabilitation Services, and others on ways to improve employment and vocational services for people with disabilities.
Membership
The Governor appoints members for a three-year term. Each member may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
Per Section 105 of the Rehab Act of 1973, as amended, the SRC needs to have specific representatives of the following groups:
- At least one representative each of
- the Statewide Independent Living Council;
- the Parent Training and Information Center;
- the Client Assistance Program - CAP (Section 112);
- Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP);
- the State Education Department;
- the State Workforce Investment Board; and
- Section 121 (VR for native Americans);
- Four representatives of business, industry and labor;
- Representatives of disability advocacy groups representing physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities and individuals who have difficulty representing themselves; and
- Current or former applicants or recipients of VR services.
A majority of the members of the Council must have physical and/or mental disabilities. Members are provided with accommodations for meetings and are reimbursed for travel expenses to and from meetings and for the use of personal care attendants that enable participation in the meetings.
Meetings
The SRC rotates meeting locations around the state approximately six times per year. These meetings are usually three hours on Wednesday afternoons. Members must join at least one subcommittee. It will meet before the full meeting and as needed to achieve its goals.
You can find additional information on previous and upcoming meetings here.
Value of SRC Participation
Membership in the SRC gives you an opportunity to voice your opinions. Members speak about policies and procedures that affect ADS Rehabilitation Services consumers and service providers. The SRC works with ADS Rehabilitation Services to improve vocational rehabilitation. It also helps improve the supported employment process.
The SRC always seeks new members who have a strong interest in the VR program and/or employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Having the time and willingness to do the work is essential. If you are interested in becoming a member or you would like more information, contact Kerri Fradette, SRC Liaison.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 860-424-4858
- Toll-free: 1-800-537-2549
- Video phone: 860-920-7163
- Fax: 860-424-4850
- Email: kerri.fradette@ct.gov
Click here to access the application.
Consumer Feedback to the SRC
Are you an ADS Rehabilitation Services consumer who would like to share your thoughts with the SRC? Please submit your general comments about the VR program to Kerri.Fradette@ct.gov.
Consumers, family members, and others interested in the VR program may also attend SRC meetings to gain information or to share feedback. Please contact the SRC liaison SRC Liaison Kerri.Fradette@ct.gov to register your attendance at an SRC meeting.
Connecticut’s SRC is a member of the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC). This work with SRCs in other states gives a stronger, united voice. It will ensure the consumer's concerns are heard at the national level.
Reports
The SRC submits an annual report to the Governor of Connecticut and to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The SRC also makes recommendations to ADS Rehabilitation Services in the VR Portion of WIOA State Plan for the State of Connecticut.
Training
New members to the SRC receive internal training to help prepare them to fulfill their membership duties. They are equipped with information to help them understand the role of SRCs and how to interact with the vocational rehabilitation program.