STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL to the Department of Rehabilitation Services- Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind 

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Table of Contents

A. Council Purpose …………………………………...………….B. Council Duties …………………………………………………C. Council Activities in FY 2017 ……………………………….D. 2017 Consumer Satisfaction ………………………………..E. Membership Committee ……………………………………F. BESB Vocational Rehabilitation Highlights for 2017 …G. Future State Rehabilitation Council Activities …………H. Members of the State Rehabilitation Council in 2017…I. Vocational Rehabilitation Success Story………………..

1

STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL to the Department of Rehabilitation Services- Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind 

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

A.   COUNCIL PURPOSE:  The State Rehabilitation Council (the Council or SRC), comprised of individuals appointed by the Governor, works in partnership with, and provides advice to the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)- Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program in Connecticut. BESB serves Connecticut’s adults who are legally blind and current or former transition-age students who are legally blind or visually impaired through ongoing educational, vocational and living skills programs in order to empower them to achieve employment success and to enhance their self-sufficiency. It is the purpose of the Council to advise the Governor of the State of Connecticut and BESB’s VR Program pertaining to the provisions of Title 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Services as described in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to individuals who are blind so that such individuals may prepare for, secure, retain, advance in or regain employment. B.   COUNCIL DUTIES:  The federal law under which the Council was formed, Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in the

2

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, specifies the functions of the Council.  They are:

(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; and

(B) evaluate the effectiveness of the vocational rehabilitation program and submit reports of progress to the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services Administration;

(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;

3

(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 the Rehabilitation 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 of Rehabilitation Services Administration 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, the advisory panel established under section 612(a)(21) of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, the State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council described in section 124 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6024), the State mental health planning council established under section 1914(a) of the Public Health Service Act, and the State workforce development board and with the activities of entities carrying out the programs under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998;

(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

4

(8) perform such other comparable 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.

 C. COUNCIL ACTIVITIES IN FY 2017:

The State Rehabilitation Council continues to be a valuable and active contributing partner to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and the Bureau as a whole.  Over the course of the past fiscal year the Council members have participated in many activities on behalf of the Bureau, as well as continuing their existing responsibilities as identified in the Rehabilitation Act. These activities included:  Consumer Satisfaction Survey:   The SRC commissioned the Center for Public Policy and Social Research (CPPSR) at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to conduct a consumer satisfaction survey of VR service recipients for FY 2017. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the services that clients received from the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at BESB. Results of the survey found that 96 percent of survey respondents would recommend BESB Vocational Rehabilitation Services to a friend, representing the second-highest rating for this category in the history of the survey. A complete summary of the findings are provided further into this report.

 Continuous Improvement:

5

Based upon the results of the FY 2016 Consumer Satisfaction Survey, the SRC utilized these results to carry forward priorities for FY2017. Two major focus areas were transportation options and developing a clearer approach toward assisting clients in the development of business plans.

It was recognized that satisfaction levels associated with transportation services are reliant upon clients having transportation options. Two relatively new options are LYFT and Uber. The members of the Council requested more information on these services. Toward that end, the Vice-Chair of the Council coordinated for Uber representatives to present at the March meeting. The representatives discussed approaches that could be used to increase access to their services. The Council will be learning about services available through LYFT at their December, 2017 meeting.

The Council also recognized the difficulty that creating a business plan has been for clients and the resulting dissatisfaction for the process. The Council membership recommended that the Bureau develop a guide for clients to follow, along with a business plan template. An initial draft was presented to the Council members at the September, 2017 meeting for review and comment and it is anticipated that the document will be finalized and implemented during fiscal year 2018.

Technology:

The Council members expanded their activities in the category of adaptive technology during the fiscal year to a greater degree than in past years. Electronic magnifying devices, portable readers and sensory aids were brought forth at Council meetings for review, demonstration and

6

active discussion on the merits and limitations of each device. The Vice-Chair of the Council attended a nationally recognized technology conference and brought back information to the membership on products that are new to the market or in development. The Chair of the Council demonstrated a sensory product that allows for immediate feedback on the surrounding environment. The Council’s interest in technology has grown to the point that a new workgroup was established to continue exploring promising technologies that can increase independence and employment options for clients of the Bureau.

VR Success Story: During FY 2017, the State Rehabilitation Council continued its initiative for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program whereby a standing agenda item for Council meetings consists of a “VR Success Story”, in the form of a presentation by a BESB client who has achieved an employment outcome.  Typically explaining the type of work they are involved in and how BESB supports helped them with that work, both the Bureau and SRC members continue to respond positively to this initiative, as it provides the SRC with an opportunity to hear value-added and diverse perspectives on BESB’s ability to support clients and employers in the workplace.

Roles and Responsibilities:

In recognition of the changes brought about by the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Council membership requested training on the language in the Act and accompanying regulations relative to the role and

7

function of the Council. This training occurred at the September meeting.

Order of Selection Workgroup:

Recognizing the fiscal challenges experienced in the state, as well as the relatively small amount of funds received through reallotment in FY 2017, the membership formed a workgroup, to join with designed members from the Bureau’s Advisory Board in order to begin discussions on the implementation of an Order of Selection, if it were to become necessary. The workgroup is charged with making recommendations to the membership of the Council and the Advisory Board on strategies that could be utilized in an effort to stay out of an Order of Selection. The work of this group will carry forward into FY 2018.

Updating Policies:

The State Rehabilitation Council, in collaboration with the Advisory Board dedicated significant time during the year in finalizing the policies that govern the administration of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Children’s Services Programs at the Bureau. For the Vocational Rehabilitation policies, the primary focus was to update the language to reflect the changes that occurred at the federal level through the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and its accompanying regulations. Several new policies were required, included Pre-Employment Transition Services and Customized Employment. The Children’s Services policies required updating to reflect recent changes in state statutes as well as updating of policies related to services for transition age youth. Both policy manuals underwent a public comment period with public hearings. The State Rehabilitation Council held a special meeting to review and

8

deliberate on the public comments received and to finalize the policies that became effective on July 1, 2017 for both Programs.

Programming and Sponsorships: The State Rehabilitation Council continued its support and sponsorship for the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), an annual week-long leadership training program for transition-age youth with disabilities. The SRC is an ongoing co-sponsor of this program and considers both its co-sponsorship and continued funding to be very important and worthwhile.

NCSAB / CSAVR 2017 Spring Conference:

The SRC Chairperson attended the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) national conferences in April. The Chairperson attended conference seminars as well as participating in the visit to Washington, DC to meet with Connecticut’s Congressional delegation to educate them on how the VR Program assists people who are blind to achieve employment and self-sufficiency.

 D. 2017 CONSUMER SATISFACTION: The State Rehabilitation Council commissioned the Center for Public Policy and Social Research (CPPSR) at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to conduct the consumer satisfaction survey for FY 2017.  This work represents a continuation of research conducted by the Center for Survey Research and Analysis (CSRA) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in prior years.  The

9

purpose of this survey was to evaluate the level of satisfaction with the services that clients received from the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at BESB.  The Executive Summary from the CPPSR report is reproduced in its entirety immediately below.  Notable Findings for Fiscal Year 201 7  A. Overall

BESB continues to receive high marks for their Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and counselors. Similar to 2016, almost all of the clients surveyed (96%, down 2 percentage points) reported that they would recommend BESB VR services to a friend. This figure ties the second-highest rating for this question in the history of the survey, bettered only by the all-time high (98%) set last fiscal year. Reported satisfaction regarding overall experiences with BESB services, as rated on a scale from 1 to 10-point scale, remains strong.

Reported satisfaction with BESB services increased in all of the areas surveyed in 2017. The most significant improvement was seen in the extent to which clients felt that their expectations were met (8.54, up 0.97 in rating), an all-time high. Overall satisfaction with BESB services also increased substantially over the past year, setting a new record high (8.78, up 0.43 in mean rating). This replaces the previous record of 8.6 set in 2010.

Ratings of counselors rebounded from the dips in satisfaction observed last year, with average ratings improving in all but one area. The remaining area remained unchanged from last year. In 2016, two dimensions of counselors improved, while the remaining seven dimensions

10

declined in mean ratings. Two dimensions of counselors that saw particularly large increases in 2017 were identifying career goals (setting an all-time high of 8.96, up 1.51 in mean rating) and understanding the process for complaint resolution (7.92, up 1.21 in mean rating). Counselors’ ability to provide information in a format that clients can use remained unchanged from last year (8.51 in mean rating).

Since survey reporting began in 2003, Low Vision and Rehabilitation and Adaptive Equipment have been the most widely-used BESB services, with each respectively averaging over a three-in-four utilization rate. For the second year in a row, Low Vision takes the top spot as the most highly utilized service (84%, no percentage point change), maintaining its third-best utilization percentage in the history of this survey. On the other end of the usage spectrum, use of Reader Services was cut in half from last year (10%, down 10 percentage points). This represents the second-lowest utilization rate in the history of the survey, second only to the all-time low set in 2012 (8%) by 2 percentage points. Overall, of the eight services offered to VR clients, four of them experienced an increase in use, three reported declines in utilization rates, and one remained at the same level of use this fiscal year.

Of those services that saw an uptick in use, Transportation experienced the largest increase. One-quarter of all VR clients (25%, up 9 percentage points) reported using this service, notching the second-highest utilization rate in the history of the survey. Personal Care Attendant Services also enjoyed an uptick in use (8%, up 6 percentage points), matching the third-highest utilization rate. Small Business Services climbed (14%, up 3 percentage points), also matching its third-highest utilization rate. Finally, Skills Training Services experienced a modest increase (45%, up 1

11

percentage point), recoding the third-highest utilization rate in the history of the survey.

The remaining three services all experienced a decline in use this year, with Higher Education Training being the most notable. This service plummeted to its lowest utilization rate in the history of the survey (4%, down 23 percentage points). Prior to this fiscal year, the lowest recorded use was 11%, a percentage found in both the 2004 and 2012 surveys. Also notable was the drop in the percentage of clients utilizing Rehabilitation Equipment Services (71%, down 12 percentage points). While rates still remain high, with Rehabilitation Equipment representing the second most widely-used service, the 2017 survey recorded the lowest rate since 2009 (67%).

This year, the BESB Vocational Rehabilitation Division had 114 clients who achieved employment outcomes, an uptick of 23 individuals from 2016. It should be noted that it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions with a population of this size. Given this small population, no shifts in figures from 2016 to 2017 were deemed to be statistically significant.

B. Services

Using a 1 to 10-point scale, clients were asked to rate their overall satisfaction with BESB services. Compared to 2016 findings, five services experienced an increase in mean satisfaction rating, while the remaining three services saw declines. Transportation Services saw the most dramatic increase in satisfaction rating (9.67, up 2.87 in mean rating), notching an all-time high. Last year, this service reported the third-lowest satisfaction rating in the history of the survey. This year, the mean rating bests the previous all-time high set in 2006 (8.92). Small Business Services saw the second-

12

highest increase in mean satisfaction rating among all services this year (8.71, up 1.71 in mean rating), also notching an all-time high. Higher Education Training reported a notable uptick in rating (8.50, up .71 in mean rating), with 2017 representing the fourth-highest mean in the history of the survey. Low Vision Services also enjoyed a healthy boost in rating (8.66, up .66 in mean rating); this mean rating is the best this service has seen since 2013. Finally, Skills Training (8.55, up .39 in mean rating) rebounded from one of the service’s lower historical marks observed in 2016. The 2017 mean rating is slightly above the historical average for the service (8.47).

The three remaining services experienced a decline in mean satisfaction rating. Personal Care Attendant satisfaction ratings tumbled (7.0, down 3.0 in mean rating), plummeting from the perfect score recorded last year. The 2017 mean satisfaction rating represents its lowest level since 2012 (6.0), also falling well below the historical average for this service (8.19). While much more modest of a decline comparatively, Reader Services also saw a drop in mean satisfaction rating (8.0, down .25 in mean rating). After breaking the 9.0 mean rating threshold in 2015, this service has declined in satisfaction for the second-consecutive year. The 2017 mean satisfaction rating observed for this service falls considerably below the historical average (8.45). Finally, Rehabilitation Equipment Services experienced a very modest decline (8.66, down .04 in mean rating). Despite this small downturn, Rehabilitation Equipment still remains one of the most highly-rated services.

Clients were asked to rate their overall experiences with BESB services on a 1 to 10-point scale, in addition to their IPE, timeframe of delivery of service, and the extent to which the services provided met their expectations. They were also

13

asked, based on their personal experience, if they would recommend BESB to others.

Reported satisfaction with BESB services increased in all of the areas surveyed in 2017. This is clearly an improvement from 2016, where satisfaction ratings increased more modestly in only two of the four dimensions surveyed. The most significant improvement was seen in the extent to which clients felt that their expectations were met (8.54, up 0.97 in rating), an all-time high. Historically, most of the mean ratings for this dimension fall within the upper end of the neutral range, with the second-highest rating (8.3) occurring back in 2009. Overall satisfaction with BESB services also increased substantially over the past year to a record high (8.78, up 0.43 in mean rating), replacing the previous record of 8.6 set in 2010.

Client satisfaction with the extent to which services met their IPE (8.06, up 0.2 in mean rating) experienced a more modest increase, which nevertheless brought this metric above the overall historical mean of 7.9. The most modest increase occurred in the extent to which clients felt that BESB services met their needs (8.3, up 0.11 in mean rating). Still, this rating represents the second-highest value reported in the history of the survey, only 0.05 below the all-time high of 8.35 reported in 2013. Taken together, these results reveal a very high level of current satisfaction with BESB services. In fact, 2017 was a remarkable year for satisfaction with BESB services on a broader spectrum, notching the highest average rating across dimensions of service ever recorded (8.42). Last year, this figure was 7.99, with the second-highest average across all dimensions of service (8.25) occurring back in 2010.

C. Counselors

14

In 2017, average ratings of counselors increased in all areas but one, with the remaining dimension remaining stable from 2016. This greatly contrasts the pattern of results reported last year, in which seven of the nine areas surveyed experienced declines in ratings. Two dimensions of counselors that saw particularly large increases in 2017 were identifying career goals (all-time high of 8.96, up 1.51 in mean rating) and understanding the process for complaint resolution (7.92, up 1.21 in mean rating). These dimensions were those with the lowest overall means for all years combined (7.83 and 7.67, respectively), showing that BESB improved on an area of weakness. Also exhibiting significant increases in ratings: satisfaction with referrals from counselors (setting an all-time high of 9.22, up 0.68 in mean rating), counselors’ ability to recognize clients’ special needs (8.38, up 0.56 in mean rating), and counselors’ effectiveness in helping the client understand his or her vocational rehabilitation rights (8.67, up 0.52 in mean rating). Among these, the increase in clients’ satisfaction with referrals was the most notable, as its all-time high mean rating in 2017 of 9.22 is well above the second-highest value for this dimension (8.80), which was reported a decade ago in 2007. In fact, it is the second-highest mean value ever reported for any of the dimensions since the survey began in 2003. Slightly more modest increases were seen in counselors’ ability to help clients develop their IPE (8.44, up 0.4 in mean rating), the overall professionalism of counselors (8.85, up 0.3 in mean rating), and the perceived knowledge of the counselor (8.63, up 0.2 in mean rating). Counselors’ ability to provide information in the format used by the client remained unchanged at 8.51, while notably, none of the dimensions experienced a decline in ratings from the previous year.

15

The overall improvement in ratings across dimensions of counselors this year is especially powerful when compared to the pattern seen in 2016, where mean ratings in most dimensions declined (in several cases to some of the lowest values ever recorded in the survey), and the largest increase was less than 0.4 points. In 2017, mean ratings for all but one dimension (professionalism of counselors) fell above the historical mean rating for their respective dimension (8.85 compared to a historical mean of 8.93). This is juxtaposed with data from 2016, where six of the nine mean ratings for that year fell below their respective historical means. This suggests that, in general, clients are highly satisfied with their counselors.

In 2017, only in the dimension of understanding the process for complaint resolution does the mean rating barely fall within the neutral satisfaction range (7.92).

D. Regional Trends

Last fiscal year, for the first time, CCSU performed a regional analysis on nine dimensions of counselors. The South Central was dislodged by the Southwest as the region reporting the highest levels of satisfaction. Last year, the Southwest region notched the top ratings on five of the nine dimensions measured, while the Southwest region took the top spot on three dimensions. This year, the Southwest region moved from second to first place in the rankings, notching the top spot in three of the nine dimensions measured (knowledge of counselors, satisfaction of referrals, identifying career goals), and tying for the top spot in a fourth dimension (understanding the process for formal complaint resolution). The Eastern region moved into the second spot in the regional rankings, earned highest honors in two dimensions of counselors (understanding VR rights

16

and responsibilities and recognizing special needs in regards to employment), and tying for the top spot in a third dimension (understanding the process for formal complaint resolution). The South Central region enjoyed outstanding satisfaction ratings last year, ranking either first or second in satisfaction in eight out of the nine areas surveyed. This year paints a very different picture, with the region earning the top spot for only two dimensions of counselors (professionalism of counselor and helping to develop clients’ IPE).

In 2016, the Northwestern and North Central regions saw the lowest levels of satisfaction. The Northwestern region expressed the lowest rates of satisfaction on five dimensions of counselors, while the North Central hit the low spot on the remaining four dimensions. The trend of low performance for these two regions continued in 2017. The North Central region had the lowest satisfaction rating for three dimensions of counselors (identifying career goals, helping to develop an IPE, and providing information in a format that clients can use). Meanwhile, both the Southwest and Northwestern region had the lowest for two dimensions of counselors, respectively.

E.     MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:  In FY 2017, the BESB State Rehabilitation Council continued recruitment, filling the seats vacated by members whose second terms ended and seeking reappointment for individuals whose first term was ending.  Reappointments to a second term occurred in the categories of Recipient of Services, Disability Advocacy Group and Community Rehabilitation Provider, while a new appointment occurred in the category of Statewide Independent Living Council. The

17

membership of the State Rehabilitation Council extends their appreciation to the Office of the Governor for assisting in these appointments and reappointments, and looks forward to processing reappointment and appointment requests of new members in this coming year. In the coming year, the State Rehabilitation Council will be seeking new members in the categories of Employer, Community Rehabilitation Provider and current or former recipients of services in order to replace members whose terms have or will be expiring.   F.   BESB VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2017:

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program achieved 91 employment outcomes in FY 2017, with average hourly earnings of $19.50. Combined annualized earnings exceeded $2.7 million.

In FY 2017, client satisfaction results indicated that 96 percent of clients would recommend BESB Vocational Rehabilitation services to a friend, achieving the second-highest rating on this question in the history of the survey.

Through assistance from the Job Driven Technical Assistance Center, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program rolled out Career Index Plus for clients and staff to utilize as a tool for developing career goals by researching job prospects and labor market information. A Rehabilitation Teacher has been dedicated to train clients to independently use Career Index Plus.  Vocational Rehabilitation staff presented a Webinar to over 100 other vocational rehabilitation professionals from across the country on

18

BESB’s unique model of training clients to use the Career Index Plus independently.

The Bureau collaborated with all five of the Regional Workforce Development Boards to establish a physical presence of Vocational Rehabilitation Program staff at each of the primary One-Stop Career Centers beginning in January, 2018.

DORS-BESB transition-age students had an opportunity to attend a Disability Mentoring Day event at the UTC Aerospace Facility in Windsor Locks, CT. This year 9 students from BESB as well as 3 students from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services attended the exciting and informative program along with some of their parents.

BESB collaborated with Anthem Branford High School and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services to organize a Disability Mentoring Day in conjunction with a college day event.

Forty-five transition-age students participated in competitive paid work experiences in FY 17.

In October 2017, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Vocational Rehabilitation staff collaborated with the Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities, the Department of Labor, and numerous other agencies in organizing three Employment and Diversity Resource fairs in Waterbury, New Haven and Hartford. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program also co-sponsored and helped design the first statewide training conference on supported employment that was also held in October.

The Transition Coordinator, College Counselor and a Rehabilitation Technologist collaborated in planning a

19

Transition Symposium that was held in June. Two transition-age students were panelists at the event and presented on their experiences with BESB services.

BESB successfully served all eligible clients in FY 2017 and projects that FY 2018 will also be a year that every eligible client can be served.

G.   FUTURE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL ACTIVITIES:  In FY 2018, the Council will continue its role as a partner with the BESB Vocational Rehabilitation Program to ensure the delivery of services that afford clients the tools they need to prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful careers.   The SRC will work together with the Bureau to update the BESB portion of the Unified State Plan, including the monitoring of progress made to achieve the goals and objectives established in the FY 2016 plan. Additionally, the members of the Council will assess the results of the 2017 Consumer Satisfaction Survey with a goal of recommending new strategies to address levels of satisfaction that experienced declines from prior years. In particular, the SCR will further assess the implications of the regional trends in the survey results to determine if strategies for continuous improvement should be applied equally on a statewide basis or whether there are unique strategies that would be more applicable to particular regions.

The Council will look forward to additional research on adaptive technology devices that are new to the market and that can provide for increased participation of Vocational Rehabilitation clients in job seeking activities using web-based search engines.

20

Perhaps most important, the Council will work with the Bureau to identify strategies to enable the Vocational Rehabilitation Program to continue its longstanding history of providing services to all eligible individuals. By reviewing policies and making recommendations for areas where cost savings and efficiencies can be achieved, the Council membership will be active in the formulation of these new approaches.

H.   MEMBERS OF THE STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL IN 2017:

The Council is required by federal law to ensure representation of the Bureau’s constituents and employers.  It is committed to seeking appointments of members most qualified to advise the State Director and the Council.  The Council is further committed to diversity in gender, race, disability, geography, and affiliation.  The Council continuously recruits prospective members who can enhance its diversity.  The Council has enjoyed success this year through an active membership, committed to the delivery of quality services to BESB clients.   Per the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act, membership comprises: 

• One Statewide Independent Living Council representative

• One parent training and information center representative

• One client assistance program representative • One representative of community rehabilitation program

service providers • Four representatives of business, industry and labor

21

• One vocational rehabilitation counselor (nonvoting) • One representative of the State Education Agency with

knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Act  • Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Unit (nonvoting) • One State Workforce Investment Board representative • One representative of a Section 121 Native American

Vocational Rehabilitation Program • Current or former applicants for, or recipients of,

vocational rehabilitation services • At least one representative of a disability advocacy

group representing individuals who are blind• At least one representative of an individual who is blind,

has multiple disabilities, and has difficulty representing himself or herself or is unable due to disabilities to represent himself or herself

  The 2017 Council members and their affiliations were: Nyema Pinkney, Chair (Employer)Alan Gunzburg, Vice Chair (Recipient of Services)Nathaniel Barnes, Secretary (Recipient of Services)Diann Murray, Treasurer (Recipient of Services)Marisel DeCordova (Client Assistance Program, CAP)Colleen Hayles (Department of Education) Brian Sigman, Ex Officio (BESB State Director)Diane Weaver Dunne (Community Provider)Steven Famiglietti (Community Rehabilitation Provider)Gary Gross, (Recipient of Services)Jeannette Rodriguez - Perez, Ex Officio (Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor)Ellen Telker (Employer)Carl Noll (Parent Representative of Client)Beth Reel (Statewide Parent Organization)Kathleen Marioni (Connecticut Workforce System)

22

Kimberly Tindall (Disability Advocacy Group)Patrick Melfi (Native American VR Program)Michael Bartley (Labor Department Representative)Patricia Iorio (State Independent Living Council)

23

I. VR Success Story:

Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB), Janel Parker achieved independence and employment, overcoming the challenges of a visual disability to achieve this success. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Jeannette Rodriguez-Perez and Michael Cordero coordinated services

and funding for Janel to achieve her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Social Work. After completing her college education, Ms. Rodriguez-Perez assisted with resume development and interviewing skills. Janel demonstrated motivation and a strong ambition to work. She continued to interview at different agencies and was hired at Blue Hills Civic Association in Hartford as a case manager. In addition to working, Janel is very active in her community. She is a Youth Coordinator for the Pregnancy Prevention Youth Leadership Team for the city of Harford. In her spare time she is a well-known stage play writer, director and actress with 3 successful stage plays: Dear Hope, The Legacy Holders and To Auntie Connie's House We Go. Janel is an inspiration to us all. Her stated Purpose in life: “I'm an Agent of Hope and my goal is to inspire hope in the hopeless.” Her Favorite Quote is: “If I can dream it, I can do it.” 

24