Board Information
Authorization:
Section 1-36A-5 of the South Dakota Codified Laws
Activities:
(1) review, analyze, and advise the designated State unit regarding the performance of the responsibilities of the unit under this title, particularly responsibilities relating to—
(A) eligibility (including order of selection);
(B) the extent, scope, and effectiveness of services provided; and
(C) functions performed by State agencies that affect or that potentially affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes under this title;
(2) in partnership with the designated State unit—
(A) develop, agree to, and review State goals and priorities in accordance with
section 101(a)(15)(C); and
(B) evaluate the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program and submit
reports of progress to the Commissioner in accordance with section
101(a)(15)(E);
(3) advise the designated State agency and the designated State unit regarding
activities authorized to be carried out under this title, and assist in the preparation of the
State plan and amendments to the plan, applications, reports, needs assessments, and
evaluations required by this title;
(4) to the extent feasible, conduct a review and analysis of the effectiveness of, and
consumer satisfaction with—
(A) the functions performed by the designated State agency;
(B) vocational rehabilitation services provided by State agencies and other public
and private entities responsible for providing vocational rehabilitation services to
individuals with disabilities under this Act; and
(C) employment outcomes achieved by eligible individuals receiving services
under this title, including the availability of health and other employment benefits
in connection with such employment outcomes;
(5) prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and the Commissioner on the
status of vocational rehabilitation programs operated within the State, and make the
report available to the public;
(6) to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance the number of individuals served,
coordinate activities with the activities of other councils within the State, including the
Statewide Independent Living Council established under section 705, the advisory panel
established under section 612(a)(20) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
the State Council on Developmental Disabilities established under section 125 of the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, the State mental
health planning council established under section 1914(a) of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 300x– 3(a)) and the State workforce development board, and with the
activities of entities carrying out programs under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998
(29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);
(7) provide for coordination and the establishment of working relationships between the
designated State agency and the Statewide Independent Living Council and centers for
independent living within the State; and
(8) perform such other functions, consistent with the purpose of this title, as the State
Rehabilitation Council determines to be appropriate, that are comparable to the other
functions performed by the Council.
Organization:
Administered under Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Composition:
Members of the council shall be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall select members after
soliciting recommendations from representatives of organizations representing a broad range of
individuals with disabilities and organizations interested in individuals with disabilities. In selecting
members, the Governor shall consider the extent to which minority populations are represented.A) IN GENERAL.—Except in the case of a separate Council established under subsection (a)(2), the Council shall be composed of—
(i) at least one representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council established under section 705, which representative may be the chairperson or other designee of the Council;
(ii) at least one representative of a parent training and information center established pursuant to section 671 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
(iii) at least one representative of the client assistance program established under section 112;
(iv) at least one qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor, with knowledge of and experience with vocational rehabilitation programs, who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the Council if the counselor is an employee of the designated State agency;
(v) at least one representative of community rehabilitation program service providers;
(vi) four representatives of business, industry, and labor;
(vii) representatives of disability advocacy groups representing a cross section of—
(I) individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental disabilities; and
(II) individuals’ representatives of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty in representing themselves or are unable due to their disabilities to represent themselves;
(viii) current or former applicants for, or recipients of, vocational rehabilitation services;
(ix) in a State in which one or more projects are funded under section 121, at least one representative of the directors of the projects located in such State;
(x) at least one representative of the State educational agency responsible for the public education of students with disabilities who are eligible to receive services under this title and part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and
(xi) at least one representative of the State workforce development board.
Term of Appointment:
Three years. No more than two consecutive full terms.
Frequency of Meetings:
Board meets quarterly. If board member is foregoing earnings from work to attend board member will be paid per meeting. Board members are reimbursed for travel.
Are Members Allowed to Call into Meetings:
Yes
Contact Info:
221 S. Central Ave, Ste 33, Pierre SD 57501, Phone (605)494-3613, cwagoner@bhssc.org
Mission Statement:
To serve as an advocate for all persons with disabilities seeking to reach their employment goals and aspirations through vocational rehabilitation services