Board Information
Authorization:
Section 28-10-25 of the South Dakota Codified Laws
Activities:
Advises the Director of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired in the development of state plans,
policy related to the expenditure of federal and state funds and the coordination of planning and service
delivery to individuals involved in vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. The board
may serve as an advocate for all individuals who are blind and visually impaired needing vocational
rehabilitation and independent living services within the state
Organization:
Attached to the Department of Human Services
Composition:
In those states that establish a separate SRC for the agency serving the blind, the majority of that SRC must be comprised of individuals who are blind and do not work for either VR agency in the state (Section 105(b)(4)(B); 34 CFR 361.17(c)(2)).
In accordance with Section 105(b)(1)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act and regulations at 34 CFR 361.17(b)(1), states may appoint more than the minimum 15 members to the SRC, so long as the membership includes all of the representatives described below:
• at least one representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) – who must be either the chairperson or another designee of the SILC;
• at least one representative of a parent training and information center established pursuant to Section 682(a) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA);
• at least one representative of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) who must be either the CAP director or another individual recommended by the CAP;
• at least one qualified VR counselor with knowledge of and experience with the VR programs. This individual serves as an ex-officio, nonvoting member if he or she is employed by the designated state agency;
• at least one representative of a community rehabilitation program;
• four representatives of business, industry and labor;
• representatives of disability advocacy groups: (a) representing a cross section of individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory and mental disabilities; and, (b) representing individuals with disabilities who have difficulty representing themselves or are unable due to their disabilities to represent themselves.
• at least one former or current applicant for, or recipient of, VR services;
• at least one representative of the directors of the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation grant program, if the state has such a project(s) carried out in the state;
• at least one representative of the state educational agency (SEA) responsible for the public education of students with disabilities; and
• at least one representative from the state workforce investment board.
Pursuant to Section 105(b)(1)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.17(b)(3)(i), states that have established a separate SRC for a VR agency serving individuals who are blind and visually impaired must satisfy all of the above membership requirements, with only a few exceptions permitted. In particular, instead of including representatives of a cross section of disability groups, the SRC for a separate agency serving the blind and visually impaired, must include at least one individual who represents an advocacy group for the blind (34 CFR 361.17(b)(3)(ii)(A)). In addition, this SRC must include at least one representative of an individual who is blind, has multiple disabilities, and has difficulty representing him or herself due to his or her disabilities (34 CFR 361.17(c)(3)(ii)(B)).
Term of Appointment:
Three years. No more than two consecutive full terms.
Frequency of Meetings:
Meetings are held quarterly. Stipends are available for members that attend per meeting. Members are reimbursed for travel.
Are Members Allowed to Call into Meetings:
Yes
Contact Info:
Department of Human Services, 3800 E. Hwy 34, Hillsview Plaza, c/o 500 E. Capitol, Pierre SD 57501-5070, Phone 605.773.4644, or 1-800-265-9684. infoSBVI@state.sd.us
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Board to the Blind and Visually Impaired is to promote independence, employment, and full inclusion for all citizens who are blind or visually impaired.