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June/July 2014
Inside this
Issue
Keynote & General Speakers Announced
Breaking News –
Senate Passes H.R.
803 • 2
From the President •
3
From the Executive
Director • 4
Annual Training
Conference Call for
Presentation • 5
2014 Awards
Nominations &
Upcoming
Chapter/Division
Events • 6
Leaders Wanted • 7
New Student
Representative on
Board of Directors &
New Editor for
Journal of
Rehabilitation • 8
Keep your information
updated • 9
Exhibit at NRA Annual
Conference & Silent
Auction • 10
Annual Training
Conference
Registration Form •
11-13
Opening Speaker - October 31, 2014 - Richard Deming
Dr. Richard Deming is medical director of Mercy Cancer Center
in Des Moines, Iowa. He received a bachelor’s degree at South
Dakota State University and his medical degree at Creighton
University. Dr. Deming is known in the community for the
compassionate care he provides cancer patients and their
families. He is involved in many national, state and
community organizations and is the recipient of numerous
awards.
General Speaker - November 1, 2014 - Steve Wooderson
Mr. Wooderson will update the participants on the current
status of legislative activity regarding the Workforce
Investment Act and other national priorities impacting the
public vocational rehabilitation program. Participants will
be provided with the opportunity to hear how the disability
community has rallied to have their voice heard in the halls
of Congress and what is expected in the weeks and months
ahead. He will also share a perspective on the challenges,
opportunities and leadership needed to create a new vision for
the future of the program.
Keynote Speaker – November 1, 2014- Jeff Huffman
Jeff will be discussing the Garden Inn Marriott which will
have 20% of its workforce be individuals disabilities and will
serve as a He will be discussing the Garden Inn Marriott which
will have 20% of its workforce be individuals disabilities and
will serve as a training hotel for them. He will discuss how
the Arc of Indiana and the Indiana partnered with the Garden
Inn to make this happen and will also discuss how might happen
in other industries as well.
1
Breaking News - U.S. Senate passed H.R. 803, the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The U.S. Senate passed H.R. 803, the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act on a roll call vote of 95-3.
Following several Floor speeches by those HELP Committee
Members who were directly involved in the drafting of this
bipartisan, bicameral legislation, 3 roll call votes were
taken and the Substitute bill (also known as the Manager's
package of amendments) was adopted on a voice vote.
Whereupon, a final roll call vote was taken on H.R. 803, as
amended by the Substitute bill, which was adopted on a roll
call vote of 95-3.
Once we have had a chance to assess the Substitute bill, we
will advise you of any changes to the bill that heretofore
have not been made public.
As we said in today's earlier Washington Wire, H.R. 803, as
amended, does NOT move the Rehabilitation Services
Administration (RSA) to the U.S. Department of Labor, but
retains RSA in the U.S. Department of Education; does NOT
downgrade the Office of the Commissioner of RSA from a
Presidential appointment confirmed by the U.S. Senate to a
Director appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education;
dilutes the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development
standards by permitting degrees outside of the rehabilitation
field (e.g., a business degree), even though there is
currently flexibility in the Rehab Act for States who do not
have an adequate supply of Masters-degreed VR Counselors to
use the highest standard in the State; preserves the inservice training money, but eliminates the set-aside that
this money be used for in-service training, among others.
Two amendments by Senators Jeff Flake and Mike Lee,
respectively, were defeated on roll call votes.
Senator
Lee's amendment dealt with evaluation reporting requirements
and Senator Flake's amendment making the appointment and
certification of new local boards permissible instead of
required. Once again, both amendments were defeated on roll
call votes.
The bill now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives which
at this time is not expected to take up H.R. 803, as amended,
until after the Fourth of July 4, recess.
The amendment process in the House is much more structured
than in the Senate and if a bill does not reach the Floor
under suspension of the rules in the House, a rule which the
House Rules Committee provides, will accompany the bill to
the Floor which will set the parameters for offering
amendments.
Contemporary Rehab
Published by
National Rehabilitation
Association
PO Box 150235
Alexandria, VA 22315
Association Officers
Ellen Sokolowski
President
Tarea Stout
Incoming President
David Beach
Immediate Past President
Staff:
Fredric K. Schroeder
Executive Director
Patricia Leahy
Director of Government Affairs
Michael Romero
Membership Operations Manager
Veronica Hamilton
Office Manager
Sandra Mulliner
Administrative Assistant
Kim Joy
Membership Assistant
Subscriptions to Contemporary
Rehab are available to members
only. The cost is $150 for
membership.
Member Service: Please direct all
address changes, including email
changes, and inquires to
Contemporary Rehab via email to
[email protected] or
call 1-888-258-4295
That said, some are hopeful that H.R. 803, as amended, will
be brought to the Floor under suspension of the rules.
All information on the timing of the bill reaching the House
Floor is current as of this date [June 25, 2014] and could
change.
2
From the President
NRA Members:
I recently had the opportunity to be part of a panel at the Texas Rehabilitation Association.
Members of that panel included Commissioner Janet LaBreck from RSA and Steve Wooderson, CEO of
CSAVR. The Work Investment Opportunity Act was discussed, but rather than focusing on the
negative, the focus was on getting “our story” out.
The issue of Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) remains. Your credentials and
education DO matter. They particularly matter to the person who is sitting on the opposite side
of your desk, their parents, and other organizations you may collaborate with.
They matter. How often though have we lamented that we would like to be able to bring a consumer,
parent, employer to Governmental Affairs, etc to be able to meet with members of our Congressional
or state delegation, but are unable to afford this as an association.
It is time that we need to think outside of the box in order to get our message out about the
rehabilitation profession. We all have a cell phone that has a camera,that can videotape, some of
us may have iPads. Can we take those devices, find those individuals, either consumers, parents
or employers who feel that you as a counselor have gone beyond what you should have done in the
successful job placement of your client and want to pay you back; obtain their message and share
it with members of the state legislature as well as members of our Congressional delegation to
show them what the rehabilitation profession does and the benefits of Vocational Rehabilitation
not only for the consumer but the employer as well?
Do we need to consider beginning to collaborate on a state level with other disability
organizations that have similar issues to ours? We can collaborate with them and they in turn may
advocate for our issues. Brain Injury Associations come to mind. Could collaborations be
developed so that there is mutual benefit in membership and education?
In your local elections
if you should happen to hear that a local candidate has in their platform the issue of doing away
with the Department of Education and/or privatizing Social Security, would it be beneficial to
begin a collaborative effort with the local State Education Association as well as AARP?.
There is a saying that “Out of chaos comes opportunity.” We have the opportunity to reinvent the
method in which we transmit our message about what we do, have it spoken by those that most
benefit from it, and transmitted to those that need to hear it.
Credentials do matter and you matter as a rehabilitation professional.
matter to the people that you serve.
Never forget that you
In other parts of this periodical you will find information regarding the national conference in
Des Moines, Iowa. Maintaining your credentials also matters, so do plan on attending, networking
and participating in some excellent training.
Additionally, it is time for identifying and electing future leaders in this organization There is
also information regarding the positions to be elected in the organization.
Sincerely,
Ellen Soskolowski
Ellen Soskolowski
President, 2014
National Rehabilitation Association
3
From the Executive Director
Let me begin by expressing how privileged and honored I am to be
part of the National Rehabilitation Association family. This is a
critical time for private and public vocational rehabilitation
programs and for the individuals with disabilities we serve.
As you know, it appears that the bill reauthorizing the
Rehabilitation Act will soon pass the Senate and will be on its
way to the House of Representatives. The Rehabilitation Act is
included as Title IV of what will now be called the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA), but once the Act is
passed and signed by the President, the work is far from over.
Next will follow the crafting of regulations to implement the new
law.
The regulations will have a direct impact on services to
individuals with disabilities. It is important that we, the
professionals providing the day-to-day services, have our voices
heard during that process. As our Director of Government Affairs,
Patricia Leahy, is so fond of saying: “If you’re not at the table,
you’re on the menu.” Truer words were never spoken. We must be at
the table, and we must be active and organized. Our experience and
perspective matter. People with disabilities need and deserve
state of the art, life changing, professional services.
Fredric K. Schroeder
Executive Director
National Rehabilitation
Association
There are many challenges ahead: the elimination of the in-service
training set-aside for state VR agencies and the plan to
discontinue funding continuing education activities. These and
other challenges have the potential to weaken the ability of
rehabilitation professionals to stay current and to continue
providing world-class services. But we are not just about
protecting what we have built. The field of rehabilitation is
breaking new ground every day. Today, we are assisting people who
a very short time ago would have been considered too significantly
disabled to have any chance of going to work. The challenges are
many, but the rewards are limitless. Please reach out to your
colleagues and encourage them to join in the effort to continue
building the strongest and most effective public and private
rehabilitation program possible. Our collective action is vital in
enabling people with disabilities to attain full and equal
integration.
I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to be
the voice of the rehabilitation profession—the voice of optimism
and hope.
Fredric K. Schroeder
Executive Director
National Rehabilitation Association
4
NRA CALL FOR
PRESENTATION
& POSTER
SESSIONS FOR
ANNUAL
TRAINING
CONFERENCE
The National
Rehabilitation
Association and the Iowa
Rehabilitation is
accepting proposals for
the following Sessions:


Pre-Conference
Session
Poster Sessions
 Conference
Presentation
The proposal forms can
be found on the NRA
website at
www.nationalrehab.org
5
2014 Call for NRA AWARDS NOMINATIONS
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN. GET BUSY, LOOK AROUND, AND
COMPLETE A NOMINATION PACKAGE FOR THAT DESERVING
SOMEONE!!!! The Awards Committee will be
accepting nominations until August 1, 2013. Award
descriptions as well as the nomination form are
below. Don’t put it off, take the time right now
and nominate someone you feel is deserving of an
award.
Nominations will be accepted through August 1,
2014 and can be submitted electronically to
[email protected] Attn: Eleanor Williams.
The 2014 NRA Awards will be presented at the
National Conference in Des Moines, Iowa October 30
– November 2, 2014.
Submit an item for a
future CR Newsletter
Submission Due Dates:
August 15, 2014
October 15, 2014
December 15, 2014
Details on submission maybe found online at:
http://goo.gl/7o4khO or click here to download the
Award Submission Packet
Save the Date – Upcoming Division & Chapter Events
Delaware Rehabilitation
Association Conference
October 2, 2014
New Castle, DE
Additional Details: Contact DRA
President, HarrietAnn Litwin at
[email protected]
6
Leaders Wanted……NRA Call for Nominations
The National Rehabilitation Association has had the opportunity to see many great
leaders who have made a difference in our organization at the national level. Now is
your opportunity to be that person! Please consider nominating outstanding leaders
or stepping forward to run for office for either President-Elect or Board Member at
Large.
Each of these positions requires a three-year commitment to the association and the
expectation that you will participate in the scheduled board meetings.
The National Rehabilitation Association Board of Directors is a board that meets
throughout the year. Typically 12 meetings are held throughout the year. In person
meetings are held in conjunction with the Governmental Affairs Summit and at the
Annual Training Conference. There may be a mid-year meeting as well. The in person
meetings are held prior to the conferences start. Teleconference meetings are held
throughout the remainder of the year and typically last two hours in length.
Expenses for the in-person board meetings are typically self-funded. Some board
members have been able to seek funding from their employer, chapter or region.
Nominees must be current members of the Association; they must have their nominations
approved and be willing to serve if elected. Please note that affiliate members of
the Association may not run for a seat at the national board of directors level.
Each candidate must, at the time of nomination, provide a digital photo( in jpg
format) for publication in the election material and ballot. The photo will appear
along with each candidate’s profile.
If you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities, please contact
David Beach via e-mail at [email protected]
Interested candidates must send a resume, brief bio/a platform statement of 100 words
or less and a digital photograph for publication. See sample below. The deadline to
receive all materials is August 1, 2014
Nomination Criteria Continued on Page 9
7
Student Board Representative Named
Ms. Rebecca Sametz is seeking her PhD from Michigan State
University (MSU) in Rehabilitation Counseling Education. Ms.
Sametz completed her dual Master's degree in Rehabilitation
Counseling (RC) and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) from
Western Michigan University (WMU). Ms. Sametz is currently
serving as a Student Rehabilitation Counselor and Teacher
Assistant for the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)
in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
’
Rebecca Sametz, MA, RC, VRT
Student Rehabilitation
Counselor/Teacher Assistant
Bureau of Services for Blind
Persons
350 Ottawa Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 356-0644 PHONE
(616) 356-0199 FAX
Ms. Sametz previously served as the Graduate Assistant for the
Sports Education Camp for Youth and Transition Age Athletes
with Visual Impairments, WMU Vice Chairperson for the Graduate
Student Advisory Committee, and President of the WMU Student
Rehabilitation Counseling Association (SRCA). Ms. Sametz is a
student representative on the National Rehabilitation
Association (NRA) membership committee and Board Member of the
Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA). Ms. Sametz
advocates for students to learn more about - and to be
involved in – professional associations. Prior to attending
Western Michigan University, Ms. Sametz completed her
undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of
Kentucky. Her research interests include job satisfaction, as
well as the importance of acceptance of disability by coworkers on job performance.
New Editor for the Journal of Rehabilitation Named
Dr. Wendy Parent-Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in
psychology, a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling
and a Ph.D. in education from Virginia Commonwealth
University. Professionally, Dr. Parent-Johnson has held
positions at Virginia Commonwealth University, the
University of Georgia and the University of Kansas. Prior
to the Center for Disabilities, Dr. Parent-Johnson worked
as research professor and associate director of the
Lawrence site of the University of Kansas Center on
Developmental Disabilities and the Schiefelbusch Institute
for Life Span Studies.
Dr. Parent-Johnson has published numerous book chapters and
journal articles and has co-authored several books, while
also providing hundreds of presentations and workshops
during her career. Her areas of interest and research are
supported/customized employment and transition from school
to work for individuals with severe disabilities, inclusive
post-secondary education, job coach certification, health
care transition, and employment first, among others. Dr.
Parent-Johnson has served on the Board of Directors of the
National Rehabilitation Association since 2008.
Dr. Wendy Parent-Johnson, CRC
8801 Sunset Circle
Brandon, SD 57005
Work: 605-357-1468
[email protected]
8
Leaders Wanted……NRA Call for Nominations
(Continued from page 7)
Nomination Criteria:
Nominations must include a resume containing both educational and professional
experience, and a 100 word statement of the nominee’s goals for the Association.
(Note: NRA will edit statements in excess of 100 words.). It is preferred that all
submissions be submitted in the following manner:
Your State Chapter:
Your Home Address: (City and State)
Your Employer:
Education: Undergraduate College and degree, Graduate School and degrees, etc
NRA Background: Years in the association, positions held, volunteer efforts,etc.
Statement: Your 100 word statement explaining your goals, positions, reasons you
are running for office
Stay Connected – Is your NRA
Membership Profile Updated?
Ensure to keep your information up-to-date to receive the latest
information and member news from the National Rehabilitation Association.
Two easy ways to update your information
Online – you may update your contact information by logging into your
profile at www.nationalrehab.org
Email – Contact us via email at [email protected] with your updated contact
information.
9
Reserve Your Exhibit and Advertisement Space for the Annual
Training Conference
Our National Annual Training Conference brings together rehabilitative and assistive
technology (AT) professionals nationwide, supporting individuals with disabilities,
to become actively engaged in our communities, to gain new knowledge in our field and
to network with colleagues and industry nationwide. We invite you to take this
opportunity to reserve an exhibit table, where you can connect with the Midwest and
National rehabilitation and AT market, as well as reach out to more than 300 expected
attendees for this year’s conference.
Visit our website for more information on exhibiting, sponsoring and advertising in
the program book.
http://www.nationalrehab.org/cwt/external/wcpages/programs_events/annual_conference__exhibiting_opportunities.aspx
NRA Annual Training Conference – Silent Auction
Many folks are already hard at work preparing for the October NRA Conference in Des
Moines, Iowa. With a theme of Meeting of Two Rivers: Where Opportunity and
Rehabilitation Unite”, there are sure to be plenty of opportunities to enrich our
professional skills, network with others and enjoy a wonderful, vibrant city!
Please consider making the National Rehabilitation Association HAPPY by becoming a
SAD (Silent Auction Donor)!
Traditional gift baskets- with themes and contents reflective of a particular state
chapter-are always welcomed and encouraged. Other contributions/donations such as
jewelry, sports memorabilia, gift cards and artwork are also welcomed and
appreciated. Be creative!
Last year's Silent Auction brought in an impressive $3000 in revenue. We're looking
forward to exceeding that this year!
All donations are tax-deductible and proceeds go towards supporting and enhancing
NRA's membership activities.
I am pleased and honored to serve as chair of the 2014 Silent Auction committee,
and I look forward to collaborating with all of you!
Would you kindly include the Silent Auction on your upcoming agendas? Be sure to
spread the word, too! Then, simply send me an e-mail response noting your
willingness to participate, along with your contact information and I will send
additional information on where/how to send donation items.
Thank You So Much!
Best Wishes,
Kera Oestreich (Iowa) | [email protected]
10
2014 Annual Training Conference
Registration Instructions
Registration Fee Rules & Instructions:
Print or type and complete all sections of the registration form. Retain a copy for your records.
To be eligible for the early bird rate, your registration and payment must be postmarked by September 5, 2014
Registrations postmarked after September 5, 2014 will be invoiced at the regular fee
Badges must be worn to all events to be eligible for certification credits. In addition, attendees must sign in at each session
to receive educational credits.
FULL Conference Registration Includes: Registration include: Materials, Certification Processing, Access to Exhibit Hall with Professional
Vendors, Reception and Breaks, Awards Banquet. Student ID is required to receive student rate.
Early Bird
Postmarked by September 5, 2014
Regular
Postmarked after September 5, 2014
Member
$255
$275
Non-Member
$325
$350
Student Member
$75
$100
Student Non-Member
$125
$155
SINGLE DAY Registration includes: Materials, Certification Processing, and Access to Exhibit Hall with Professional Vendors, Reception and
Breaks. Does not include awards Banquet. Student ID is required to receive student rate.
Single Day Fee
Member
$120/day
Non-Member
$150/day
Student Member
$90/day
Student Non-Member
$110/day
Additional/Optional Conference Items
Award Dinner (Guest Ticket)
$50 per person
Special Certification
Processing – LISW and
RESNA
$10 per certification
Payment

NRA accepts Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Please include your billing address and card security code on the form when
paying by credit card. 

If paying by check, make checks payable to National Rehabilitation Association and mail to the address on the registration form. 

Registration and payment information must be received by the above deadlines in order to qualify for discounts and/or avoid l ate fees. 
Methods of Registration
Fax:
Complete the registration form, include payment information and fax it to
703-836-0848 Attn: Event Registration
Mail:
Send completed registration form with payment to:
National Rehabilitation Association, PO Box 150235 Alexandria, VA 22315
Internet:
Online Registration is available. Please visit the event information page and click on the “REGISTER” button. Please note if
you register online, you will need to use a credit card as your method of payment.
Cancellations and Refunds
A $50 processing fee will be assessed on ALL cancellations before October 1, 2014. There will be NO REFUNDS after October 1, 2014
Questions?
Please contact NRA at [email protected] or call 703-836-0850 ext. 304
Annual Training Conference Registration
Annual Training Conference – Registration Form
October 30- November 1, 2014
I – Attendee Information
Name:
Job Title:
Agency:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
E-mail:
Phone:
Fax:
II – Select Conference Registration Fee
III - Attendee Profile
Full Conference Registration
Please complete the following demographic
information:
Are you a First Time Attendee?
Member
Early
Regular
Postmarked by
September 5, 2014
Postmarked after September
5, 2014
______ $255
_____ $275
Yes
No
Do you plan to attend the Awards Dinner?
Yes
No
Certification
Non-Member
______ $345
______ $365
Student Member
______ $170
______ $190
CRC
CDMS
CCM
Student NonMember
______ $210
______ $230
CWA
CVE
CVE
LISW
(Add $10)
RESNA
(Add $10)
CVE
SINGLE DAY REGISTRATION
Member – Single
Day
Non-Member
Student Member
Student NonMember
Additional Conference Items
______ $120/Day
____Friday
____Saturday
____Sunday
______ $150/Day
____Friday
____Saturday
____Sunday
______ $90/Day
____Friday
____Saturday
____Sunday
______ $110/Day
Awards Dinner (Additional
Guest)
______ $50/per person
____Friday
____Saturday
____Sunday
IV – Reasonable Accommodations Requests
(please describe your needs on the lines below)
Deadline to arrange any special services is August 30, 2014. Any request after that date will be evaluated on a case by case
basis.




Hearing
Vision
Transportation
Dietary
___Hearing Assistance
___Large Print
___Special Transportation
___Vegetarian Meal
___Interpreters
___Braille
___Other
Conference Location: Des Moines Downtown Marriott Hotel –
visit the NRA website for information on hotel reservations: http://www.nationalrehab.org/annualconference
Conference attendees are responsible for all travel expenses and hotel reservations. The Downtown Des Moines Marriott is
located at 700 Grand, Des Moines, Iowa. Visit the NRA Conference website for hotel reservations including a reservation phone
number of 515-245-5500. Guest room rates for this conference are $104.00 per night plus applicable taxes. The rate is good for
Single, Double occupancy. Conference attendees are responsible for securing and paying their own hotel reservations. As an
attendee of the NRA conference, parking is available at a rate of $20.00 per day with unlimited in and out parking privileges.
Annual Training Conference Registration
Conference Attendee Name:
V- Payment Information
Credit Card – Please complete the credit card section
below.
credit card Summary:
Card Type (Visa/MasterCard/AMEX/Discover)____________________
Card Number:
_______________________________________________________________
Exp. Date _____________________ CVV _____________________
Cardholder Name ________________________
Policy and Procedures
Please note: registration received without payment will NOT be
processed.
Cancellations and Refunds
A $50 processing fee will be assessed on ALL cancellations
before October 1, 2014. There will be NO REFUNDS after
October 1, 2014
Name Badges: All registrants will be provided a name badge
for use during the meeting. Badges must be worn to all events
to be eligible for certification credits. In addition, attendees must
sign in and complete session evaluations at each session to
receive educational credits.
TOTAL CHARGE AMOUNT: $__________________Date _______________________
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE_______________________________________________
2. Provide name, phone, and email address of the contact person
for this charge (if different than the attendee):
Name _______________________________ Phone ______________________
E-mail__________________________________________________________
Americans with Disabilities Act and Special Dietary Needs: In
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NRA uses
only facilities that are in compliance. Attendees with special needs
for facilities, visual or audio aids, or dietary requirements are asked
to call the NRA Headquarters at 703-836-0850 or email
[email protected]
Mailing Information
Billing Address (if different that above)
National Rehabilitation Association
PO Box 150235 | Alexandria, VA 22315
__________________________________________________________
Phone: 703-836-0850 | Fax: 703-836-0848
__________________________________________________________
Check – (Payable in U.S. funds to National Rehabilitation
Association. (Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing). Enclose
with a copy of your registration form and mail to NRA
Registration Office.
Annual Training Conference Registration
Email: [email protected]