History of the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation

History of the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils

NCSRC MISSION On behalf of people with disabilities, our national membership coalition will advocate for and work in partnership with the national public vocational rehabilitation system’s continual quest for excellence.

NCSRC will be the premiere national organization of the consumer voice to enhance the employment opportunities of persons with disabilities through the public vocational rehabilitation system. Our Vision

From the Beginning ~ q Began November 2005 q Benefits & drawbacks of establishing a national organization q Diversity in the structure of Councils & who they represented q Common ground and the power of the collective potential is what a led a motivated core of individuals from all parts of our nation to move forward from brainstorming to organizing the NCSRC

NCSRC Core Values We are honest and straightforward in all that we do. We Integity treat everyone with dignity and respect. We act responsibly with resources entrusted to us. We are accountable and act in accordance with these values.

Commitment We support the full implementation and enforcement of disability non – discrimination laws, particularly the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Excellence We trust that customers of public vocational rehabilitation will be empowered to make choices which lead to ultimate independence.

Advocacy We will work to educate and inform the public and government policy makers regarding issues affecting people with disabilities.

We will uphold a broad definition of diversity that Diversity honors and appreciates disability alongside race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and religion as an integral part of the human experience.

Leadership We will foster leadership among people with disabilities that upholds excellence, quality and inclusive opportunities.

Partnership We will promote a positive collaboration with state and nongovernmental agencies to enhance meaningful and sustainable employment for people with disabilities.

Our Common Goals Should Be ~ Maximizing employment Independence Enriching Lives Let us not forget that we are the voice of consumers & stakeholders

Teamwork We are committed to a partnership based on a spirit of trust and cooperation with Vocational Rehabilitation Administrators and staff so that collaborative efforts will benefit from the NCSRC customer voice.

Culture We support a public vocational rehabilitation service system that is structured in a manner that reflects the social, political, historic, and economic experience of disability.

Communication We value effective communication through appropriate formats.

Here a few tips Advocate for your VR Work in partnership with the agency Understand the standards & indicators/needs assessment Participate in the agency’s policy consultation group Ask questions!

NCSRC is here for you! You may contact us personally or through the website which will generate an email to the President Graham Sisson and/or Vice President Sherry Taylor or you may call us at any time: Graham Sisson (205) 706 -4034 Sherry Taylor (304) 561 -4846

Visit us on the website www. ncsrc. net