What's New at DRS
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Nine Receive Honors for ‘Championing’ Disability Employment
On October 2, 2009, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), in partnership with Dominion, will host its Fourth Annual Disability Employment Champions Awards Luncheon to honor nine new recipients for outstanding practices in hiring, accommodating, and supporting workers with disabilities. Read more of the News Release.
Survey of wireless technology use by people with disabilities
The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) is conducting research into the use and usability of wireless technology by people with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities through a Survey of User Needs (SUN). The survey can be found at:
http://www.wirelessrerc.org/survey/
The survey en Español at:
http://www.wirelessrerc.org/encuesta/
Governor of Virginia's Executive Order 85 - Posting of Stimulus Funded Jobs
In compliance with Executive Order 85, disability services agencies post available vacancies that result from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to the Virginia Workforce Connection via the posting on the Commonwealth's Recruitment Management System (RMS).
Brain Injury Report Out Day
On Friday July 24, 2009, the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), in partnership with the Virginia Brain Injury Council and the Brain Injury Association of Virginia, hosted "Brain Injury Report Out Day" at the Science Museum of Virginia, to present the Virginia Brain Injury State Action Plan 2009-2013. The event provided an opportunity for several state agencies and partners to meet and discuss the goals and accomplishments of brain injury services in Virginia. The 2009-2013 Brain Injury Action Plan was created to shape the development of a comprehensive service system for Virginians with brain injuries. It involves collaboration among persons with brain injury, family caregivers, state agencies, and community partners serving persons with brain injury throughout the Commonwealth. Read More, Download Presentation Materials and View the PhotoGallery of the Event at the Community Based Services Brain Injury Report Out Day Page.
Governor Announces $500,000 in Economic Development Grant Funding From ARRA
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) awarded $500,000 in federal funding to 12 Employment Services Organizations (ESOs) with projects designed to increase employment for Virginians with disabilities. The funds were made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a portion of which serves as recovery funding directed to the state's vocational rehabilitation system. Read More at the Governor's Web Site.
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2009 – Presidential Proclamation
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Read More in the "Briefing Room" on WhiteHouse.gov.
The Facts about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Tardive Dyskinesia, or TD, is a condition characterized by sudden, uncontrollable movements of voluntary muscle groups as the result of over exposure to a class of prescription drugs known as 'dopamine antagonists'. These drugs are usually prescribed as part of the treatment for mental illness (primarily schizophrenia), but in some cases, are also used to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis and acid reflux disease. Although medical science has been aware of TD for nearly half a century, exact causes of the disorder are not fully understood and little research has been conducted on the side effects of psychiatric medications. The Tardive Dyskinesia Center is launching a public awareness campaign to help individuals, families, and communities recognize the signs and symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia and to provide information on its treatment options. please read their FACT SHEET and visit their web site at http://www.tardivedyskinesia.com/treatment.
Parade Article (07/12/2009) - Can Brains Be Saved: Medical breakthroughs are bringing new hope to people with traumatic brain injuries
In an article in the July issue of Parade, Lee Woodruff, wife of Bob Woodruff, explores how innovations in cognitive rehabilitation are improving people’s lives of those living with traumatic brain injury. Read article
Governor Kaine announces Virginia Recognized Among "Five Best States to Start a Business"
Virginia is recognized among the "Five Best States to Start a Business.", according to the U.S. News & World Report this week. This recognition comes on the heels of the Commonwealth's sixth number one ranking for its pro-business environment. During Governor Kaine's administration, Virginia has also been recognized as the most business-friendly state in America (Forbes.com 2006-2008), one of the best states for business (CNBC 2007 and 2008), the top-performing state government in America (Governing Magazine 2008) and the state where "a child is most likely to have a successful life (Education Week 2007)." Read more on the Governor's web site.
Governor Kaine Announces Latest No. 1 Pro-Business Ranking for Virginia
Governor Kaine announces that Virginia's pro-business environment has garnered the Commonwealth its latest No. 1 ranking nationally. The top slot accorded to Virginia this week by Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc., a top U.S. corporate site relocation expert, marks the third time the company has recognized the state with its highest ranking and is the sixth time overall that the Commonwealth has received national recognition as the most business-friendly state under the leadership of Governor Kaine. Read Governor's News Release
WWRC Celebrates Grand Opening of Rothrock Hall
The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) opened the doors to its new medical building, Rothrock Hall, on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 in a dedication ceremony on the WWRC Campus in Fishersville, Virginia. The medical building, which was closed almost a decade ago due to structural problems with the foundation, is a modern residential facility for clients who require nursing and attendant care, while enrolled in a vocational rehabilitation program. The building was named in honor of James A. Rothrock, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), in recognition for his commitment and tireless work on behalf of Virginians with disabilities.
President Obama Commemorates 10-year Anniversary of Olmstead Decision and Announces New Initiatives to Assist Americans with Disabilities
June 22nd marked the 10-year anniversary of the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C. recognizing that "unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination" under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The decision marked a significant milestone in the civil rights movement for people with disabilities and required states to increase options for community-based services. President Obama has directed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to work together to identify ways to improve access to housing, community supports, and independent living arrangements for persons with disabilities. The Obama Administration has provided over $140 million in the Recovery Act funding for independent living centers across the country.
Governor Kaine Announces $1.7 million in Wounded Warrior Grants
Richmond -- Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the award of $1.7 million in grants to veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves not on active duty who are suffering from combat-related head injuries and stress disorders. The funding is provided by the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program to coalitions of community programs. The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program was created by the 2008 General Assembly to ensure that services to veterans and their families are readily available in all areas of the state. Read more on Governor's web site.Virginia Easy Access: New on-line resource tool for seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and providers
Virginia Easy Access is an on-line resource developed for seniors, adults with disabilities, their caregivers, and the providers that support them. The web site. provides helpful information on a variety of topics including Community Supports, Emergency Preparedness, Financial Help, Housing, Transportation, and connects users to community resources available across the Commonwealth. The web site. also features a search-based directory called "Virginia Navigator", which includes more than 21,000 providers and services.
Go to www.easyaccess.virginia.gov. Don’t have a computer? Simply dial 2-1-1 and speak to community resource specialist for 24 hour, 7-day-a-week assistance.
Firm Recycles Medical Supplies: More people need medical supplies as they lose insurance coverage
Article published in the Free Lance-Star (March 2, 2009) features The Equipment Connection of Fredericksburg, one of 14 AT collection and distribution sites established across the Commonwealth to sort, sanitize, refurbish, and distribute reused AT to individuals who do not have the means to purchase AT through their healthcare insurance or private funds. To read the article, please click here.
To learn more information about the Assistive Technology Reutilization Program, please click here.
Virginia State Rehabilitation Council 2008 Annual Report
- SRC 2008 Annual Report (Word)
- SRC 2008 Annual Report (PDF)
Social Security Announces Nationwide Launch of Compassionate Allowances
Process Will Fast Track Applications For People with Cancers and Rare Diseases
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the national rollout of the agency's Compassionate Allowances initiative, a way to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security's standards.
"Getting benefits quickly to people with the most severe medical conditions is both the right and the compassionate thing to do," Commissioner Astrue said. "This initiative will allow us to make decisions on these cases in a matter of days, rather than months or years."
Social Security is launching this expedited decision process with a total of 50 conditions. Over time, more diseases and conditions will be added. A list of the first 50 impairments -- 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers -- can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
Before announcing this initiative, Social Security held public hearings to receive information from experts on rare diseases and cancers. The agency also enlisted the assistance of the National Institutes of Health. Read the complete article on the Social Security web site.
ADA Amendments Act Restores Vital Civil Rights Protections for Americans with Disabilities
Leaders of a national coalition of disability, civil rights and social justice organizations praised the U.S. Senate today for taking bipartisan action to restore vital civil rights protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In recent years, the ADA - the world's first human rights law for people with disabilities - has been dramatically narrowed in the courts leaving citizens with epilepsy, diabetes, mental illness, HIV-AIDS and other disabilities unprotected from discrimination. The ADA Amendments Act clarifies the intent of Congress and reverses the "judicial activism" that has resulted in more than 90% of employment-related ADA cases being dismissed on summary judgment. To read more, download the complete article.
Comprehensive Preparedness Guide for Special Needs Populations
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning Guide for Special Needs Populations. The guide is designed to aid tribal, state, territorial and local governments in planning for individuals with special needs during an emergency. Following an assessment of emergency operations plans in 2006, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) concluded that "substantial improvement is necessary to integrate people with disabilities in emergency planning and readiness." The guide was developed to address this shortfall with respect to people with disabilities, the elderly, and other individuals with special needs. This is the second of a series of guides being released by DHS/FEMA to provide comprehensive guidance on developing emergency plans, and its release commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act and promotes the inclusion of individuals with special needs in emergency management. Read more at the FEMA web site.
Governor Kaine Announces Federal Approval to Provide Personal Assistance Services to Workers with Disabilities.
RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand services available to workers with disabilities who are enrolled in Virginia's MEDICAID WORKS program.
"With the approval of this alternative benefits package, we can further extend opportunities for Virginians with disabilities to work and achieve greater self-reliance," Governor Kaine said. "As we continue efforts in workforce development for the Commonwealth, it is important to include this often untapped pool of potential workers so that they, too, have access to meaningful career opportunities."
Read more at the Governor's web site.
20,000 vets' brain injuries not listed in Pentagon tally - USATODAY.com
At least 20,000 U.S. troops who were not classified as wounded during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have been found with signs of brain injuries, according to military and veterans records compiled by USA TODAY. Read more at the USATODAY.com web site.
Own Your Future
No one ever said aging would be easy, but there are steps you can take to age well! Take time now to prepare for your long-term care needs. Long-term care refers to a broad range of supportive medical, personal, and social services required by people who are unable to meet their basic living needs for an extended period of time. Learn more about how you can Own Your Future by reviewing the resources available at www.vda.virginia.gov/oyf.
2008 State Plan Public Comments
Read the 2008 State Plan Public Comments (Word Document)
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers who are eligible for and claim the credit. The credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund.
To view archived stories, click here.
