For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: April 25, 2007

State agency seeks public input for vocational rehabilitation plan

RALEIGH - The N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) is seeking public input to help develop a new state plan for the delivery of its services. The plan is updated annually and will become effective Oct. 1.

Cities and dates of the three public meetings are: Greenville, May 24; Morganton, May 30; and Winston-Salem, May 31.

Those who may find the meetings of interest include people who receive VR services and their families, individuals who work in human services programs or advocacy groups for people with disabilities, and employers.

The topics of discussion may include, but are not limited to:

• Strategies to improve outreach to minority populations and individuals with the most significant disabilities.
• Priorities that individuals with disabilities would like the public VR program to address.
• Eliminating barriers to participation of individuals with disabilities in the VR program and the state’s supported employment program.
• The responsiveness of VR services to its consumers.
• Improving school transition services to individuals with disabilities.

The scheduled locations are accessible to people with disabilities. Attendees may register to speak upon arrival at the meetings or in advance by calling Paula Jones at (919) 855-3533. Speakers are encouraged to bring a written copy of their comments.

People who are unable to attend one of the meetings may provide input by sending written comments by June 6. The comments must be addressed to: Phil Protz, 2801 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2801, Attn: Planning Unit-State Plan Comments. Comments may also be
e-mailed to dvr.stateplan@ncmail.net or faxed to: State Plan Comments at (919) 715-1050.

Attendees who require an interpreter or other accommodations are asked to make their request as soon as possible and no later than May 11 to Ms. Jones at (919) 855-3533.

For additional information, contact Phil Protz at (919) 855-3567 or e-mail Phil.Protz@ncmail.net.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS

May 24, 30 and 31, 2007

The North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) invites you to participate in the annual update of the North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan. Public meetings to receive your comments and ideas for the plan will be held in the Greenville area, Morganton, and Winston-Salem.

Greenville Area – Pitt Community College
Thursday, May 24, 2007, 5-7 p.m.
Pitt Community College
Room 112, Reddrick Building
Winterville (252) 493-7200

Morganton – Western Regional VR Facility
Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 5-7 p.m.
Conference Room, 200 Enola Road
Morganton (828) 433-2423

Winston-Salem – Winston-Salem Unit Office
Thursday, May 31, 2007, 5-7 p.m.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
2001 Brewer Road
Winston-Salem (336) 784-2700

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) updates its state plan on an annual basis. To assist with these planning efforts, the division needs the views and comments of individuals who receive VR services and their families, personnel working in programs that provide services, employers, and advocacy groups for people with disabilities.