Improving the quality of life for Oklahomans with disabilities.

ORC Establishment

The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) was established in 1993 as mandated by the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act. The ORC was originally established as the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council (SRAC) to advise the designated state agency regarding its performance in providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. The passage of the 1998 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act changed the Council’s name to the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council.

Mission

The mission of the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) is to facilitate consumer education and empowerment, to assure services are of high quality and lead to the employment of individuals with disabilities within Oklahoma.

Vision

• The Council is a significant resource FOR and PARTNER with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services.
• Council members advocate assertively and knowledgeably on behalf of people with disabilities.
• Council members take a leadership role to partner with many other organizations to benefit those with disabilities.

Functions of the Council

• Review, analyze, and advise the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services regarding the performance of its responsibilities.
• In partnership with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, develop, agree to, and review state goals and priorities and evaluate the effectiveness of the VR/VS program.
• Advice the Department of Rehabilitation Services regarding activities authorized to be carried out and assist in the preparation of the State plan and amendments to the plan, applications, reports, needs assessments, and evaluations.
• Conduct a review and analysis of the effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation/visual services and consumer satisfaction.
• Prepare and submit an Annual Report to the Governor and the Commissioner of RSA on the status of vocational rehabilitation programs operated within the state.
• Coordinate the work of the Council with the activities of other disability-related councils.
• Establish working relationships between the Department of Rehabilitation Services; the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Centers for Independent Living within Oklahoma.