NEW! RSA Frequently-Asked Questions About Implementing Performance Accountability Provisions Under WIOA in the COVID-19 Environment.

A frequently-asked questions document about implementing performance accountability provisions under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies seek to provide continuity of operations for individuals with disabilities in the COVID-19 environment.

 Download the RSA COVID-19 FAQ (PDF, 379KB)

03/27/2020

NEW! Supplemental Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced in a press release that the Department has released new information clarifying that federal law should not be used to prevent schools from offering distance learning opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities. This new resource from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) explains that as a school district takes necessary steps to address the health, safety, and well-being of all its students and staff, educators can use distance learning opportunities to serve all students.

 Download the Supplemental Fact Sheet (PDF, 297KB)

03/23/2020

NEW! Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak

This Questions and Answers document outlines states’ responsibilities to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families, and to the staff serving these children.

 Download the Q&A (PDF, 168KB)

03/12/2020

Notice of Interpretation: Pre-Employment Transition Services Flexibility Regarding the Use of Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Funds

Today in the Federal Register, OSERS issued a notice of interpretation (NOI) to:

• Clarify current policy regarding the use of Federal Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) funds reserved for the provision of pre-employment transition services to pay for auxiliary aids and services needed by all students with disabilities in order to access or participate in required pre-employment transition services under section 113(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; and

• Announce a change in policy with respect to additional VR services needed by eligible students with disabilities that may be paid for with Federal VR grant funds reserved for the provision of pre-employment transition services and the circumstances under which those funds may be used to pay for those additional VR services.

There will be a public comment period from February 28, 2020 through March 30, 2020.

02/28/2020

VR100: Vocational Rehabilitation 100th Anniversary

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. OSERS Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) will be celebrating 100 Years of VR throughout 2020. We encourage you to view and bookmark the VR100 webpage, where you will currently find the kick-off podcast from OSERS Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Schultz, VR100 graphics, signature block and the hashtag #VR100Years to use as your agency and organization promote the year. New information will be added to the VR100 webpage throughout 2020.

01/23/2020

ED Provides Technical Assistance Webinar on Restraint and Seclusion

The U.S. Department of Education released the following webinar—Students with Disabilities and the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in K–12 Public Schools—as technical assistance to both support children with disabilities, and support the needs of those within school systems serving students.

 Students with Disabilities and the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in K–12 Public Schools

01/09/2020

2019 

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