-- ARCHIVED INFORMATION --

The U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) announces the Twenty Eighth National Forum of the Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) to be held at the:

Radisson Hotel Old Town Alexandria
901 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

The Forum begins
9:00 AM, Monday, May 6, 2002
and ends at 
2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 7, 2002.

The IRI, which has existed under various names since 1947, produces quality training materials that are used extensively in human resource development and staff training throughout the field of rehabilitation. At the National Forum, the three Primary Study Groups present the results of their yearlong studies in concurrent sessions. Interested individuals are invited to register for one of the three topics to be presented at the conference. You will receive a copy of the draft study group document and have an opportunity to read it before the meeting. Participants will then listen to a brief presentation on findings and discuss issues relevant to the topic. To receive a copy of the draft document before the conference you must register by April 17, 2002.

The following topics will be presented this year:

"Investing in the Transition of Youth with Disabilities to Productive Careers."
University of Arkansas - Ms. Jeanne Miller - 501/ 623-7700.
This study illuminates many of the most promising practices in youth development, leadership, and employment. It focuses on roles and resources of all partners investing in the transition of youth with disabilities to productive careers.

"Welfare-to-Work for Individuals with Disabilities."
University of Wisconsin-Stout - Dr. Daniel C. McAlees - 715/ 232-1389.
An exploration of the issues and challenges in developing an effective partnership among VR, TANF and Welfare-to-Work to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities remaining on the TANF rolls. This document will be a useful tool in the implementation of a seamless model of service delivery.

"Distance Education: Opportunities and Issues for the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program." 
The George Washington University - Dr. Donald W. Dew - 202/ 973-1550.
An examination of the use of Distance Education from the perspective of the Public VR program as well as universities and colleges leading to improving the skills of VR professionals in service delivery and achievement of employment outcomes.