As Anniversary of Landmark Legislation Approaches, Education Department Spotlights Transition to Adulthood for Youths with Disabilities
In anticipation of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is sponsoring a week of activities June 13-17, 2005, with the goal of helping young people with disabilities realize their potential and achieve their dreams. The week's events will showcase effective practices for assisting young people with disabilities as they make the transition from high school to post-secondary school and employment.

Click here to learn more about RSA's first National Transition Conference.
(June 8, 2005)

New Structure at RSA
To better meet the needs of all individuals with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Education is improving RSA by moving the work of its regional offices into RSA's headquarters in Washington, D.C. RSA administers and supports a comprehensive array of grant programs and projects that serve and assist individuals with disabilities. Using 21st century technology, RSA will continue to provide the same important programs and services for individuals with disabilities across the nation. The new structure of RSA will strengthen programs without compromising services for individuals with disabilities.

To learn more, read "A 21st Century Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)" or download that factsheet:
MS Word (650K) | PDF (38K)
(May 26, 2005)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Employer and Business Development Network
Employers seeking to hire qualified individuals with disabilities should have access to a nationwide network of vocational rehabilitation employment specialists equipped to help. That is the goal of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Employer and Business Development Network. Here, employers will find knowledgeable contacts who can provide qualified, job-ready candidates with disabilities. Employers will find also examples of the types of services they may encounter when working with their state VR agencies. We will feature interesting employer development programs in different states. Over time, we aim to feature noteworthy examples from the 80 state VR agencies.
(April 14, 2005)

RSA's first National Transition Conference.
"From Roots to Wings: Guiding Youth with Disabilities to Employment." Coming June 16-17, 2005 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., this conference will bring together vocational rehabilitation and education policy makers and practitioners, as well as personnel from collaborating agencies who work with transitioning youth with disabilities. Conference attendees will:

• learn about transition model programs,
• build capacity, and
• develop strategies for improving transition services.

Click here to learn more.
(March 16, 2005)

National Forum of the Thirty-First Institute on Rehabilitation Issues
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) announces the National Forum of the Thirty-First Institute on Rehabilitation Issues (IRI) to be held on May 2 and 3, 2005, at the Doubletree Crystal City Hotel, Arlington, Virginia. Two draft publications: "Consumer Organizations - Important Resources for Vocational Rehabilitation" and "Leading and Managing Change in Public Vocational Rehabilitation" will be discussed with Forum participants in order to assist in preparing the documents for publication. For additional information, visit The George Washington University Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RRCEP) III Web site at: http://www.gwu.edu/~rrcep/ or contact the RRCEP directly via E-mail at fbutler@gwu.edu, telephone at (202) 973-1550, TTY at (202) 973-1544, or FAX at (202) 775-0053.
(February 11, 2005)