INFORMATION NOTICE ON REHABILITATION PROGRAMS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
FROM: James Gashel
DATE: September 26, 1997
With regard to continuation of programs authorized by the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, normal authorizations for which expire
on September 30, 1997, I am told that, beginning on October 1,
1997, all of the program authorizations in the Rehabilitation Act
are automatically extended for one year without the need for
additional legislation to be passed before that time. Also, the
House of Representatives has already passed H. R. 1385, with
provisions for reauthorizing rehabilitation programs for three
years and some very positive new provisions in regard to client
choice in vocational rehabilitation. This bill also consolidates
many of the job training programs which serve the general
population, but the vocational rehabilitation program is maintained
under an entirely separate authority.
The Senate version of the job training consolidation bill--S.
1186--was introduced on September 17 without any provision for
reauthorizing programs under the Rehabilitation Act. However,the
Senate subcommittee on Employment and Training is definitely
beginning to work on the rehab extension provisions, intending to
add the rehabilitation extension measure on to S. 1186 on the
Senate floor or, if not there, to add the Rehabilitation Act
amendments when the differences between S. 1186 and H. R. 1385 are
resolved in conference between the House and the Senate.
Meanwhile, we are receiving draft text to review. At least at
present the changes being proposed in the Senate are essentially
technical in nature, with the possible exception of more
strengthening of the requirements for client choice. The stated
goal of everyone involved in the process is to have a smoothe
reauthorization, including the separate vocational rehabilitation
components, by the end of October or by adjournment of the first
session of the 105th Congress in mid November.
The actual appropriation of money, however, occurs in a bill
which is entirely separate from the authorizing legislation. A
separate notice concerning the status of this bill and problems
which may disrupt its passage is being posted to provide current
information and encourage action.
David Andrews (dandrews@visi.com)
or BBS: (telnet to nfbnet.org) or call (612) 696-1975
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