Minnesota Rehabilitation Association - MRA RSS Feed
Beginning Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Basement Cafeteria of State Office Building
100 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
JOIN US! – Each Tuesday during the legislative session the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and other advocacy organizations will be at the Capitol to help people share their stories about the importance of disability programs and services with legislators. We need a strong presence at the Capitol this session.
AGENDA
10:00 – 10:30am Welcome and introduction with MN-CCD leaders in the State Office Building Basement Cafeteria
10:30 – 11:30am Meet with your legislators and share your personal story
11:30 – 12:30pm Lunch in the Department of Transportation Cafeteria
12:30 – 2:00pm Attend committee hearings or meet with your legislators if you were unable to do so in the morning
WE WILL
- Provide ‘talking points’ about critical issues this session
- Provide tools on how to share your story with legislators
- Provide a daily schedule highlighting committee hearings
- As needed, provide materials specific to certain legislation
- Be available from 11:30 – 12:30pm for Q & A in the Department of Transportation Cafeteria
YOU WILL
- Learn how to find and meet your legislator
- Share your personal story with your legislator
- Educate yourself about the legislative process and issues important to the disability community
- Become an effective advocate for yourself and the broader disability community
To sign up for one or more Tuesdays at the Capitol contact the Public Policy team at braininjurymn@gmail.com or Michelle Gray at michelleg@braininjurymn.org or 612-378-2742. We encourage you to set up meetings with legislators in advance. And while we hope you can join us at 10:00 am, you are welcome to join at any time.
MENTAL HEALTH DAY ON THE HILL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2012
Sponsored by the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN) – a coalition of over 20
orgnaizations concerned about the quaility and availability of mental health services.
]]>From: Patricia Leahy, Director of Government Affairs
Re: The Honorable Lynnae Ruttledge Leaving RSA
Date: Thursday, January 5, 2012
It is with great admiration and sadness that we announce the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, The Honorable Lynnae Ruttledge, will be resigning her post effective January 13, 2012.
There is no greater love than love of family which is the reason the Commissioner has decided to return home to her beloved Washington State.
Commissioner Ruttledge has been and will always be an active advocate on behalf of children and adults with disabilities no matter where she resides.
Commissioner Ruttledge, always the champion of children and adults with disabilities here in Washington and in her home State of Washington, will be greatly missed but we know will always remain an advocate and a friend to our community.
Bravo, Commissioner Ruttledge, for your courage, your conviction and your commitment to those who will miss you the most.
Immediately below this message is the announcement that was issued by the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in the U.S. Department of Education on the Commissioner's resignation.
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Opportunity Services
2383 Coon Rapids Boulevard
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-755-7866
Host: Kelly Kennedy
There is a parking lot and side street parking. The meeting will be held in the conference room.
]]>From: Patricia Leahy, Director of Government Affairs
Re: House Education and the Workforce Committee to Hold Hearings on WIA/VR
Date: Monday, October 3, 2011
The Education and the Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, Chaired by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R.N.C.), will hold a hearing on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, on the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the programs administered under the Rehabilitation Act.
This hearing, entitled "Modernizing the Workforce Investment Act: Developing an Effective Job Training System for Workers and Employers, will be held on Tuesday, October 4, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
I will cover this hearing for the National Rehabilitation Association
The witness list follows immediately below this message.
Witness List
Kristin Cox
Executive Director
Utah Department of Workforce Services
Salt Lake City, Utah
Laurie Bouillion Larrea
President, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Bruce Herman
Organizer and Strategist
National Call to Action
Brooklyn, New York
James S. Fall
Vice President
Workforce and Talent Developmental Policy
HR. Policy Association
Washington, D.C.
Patricia Leahy
Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy
National Rehabilitation Association
633 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-888-258-4295
NRA Office - 703-836-0850
NRA Fax - 703-836-0848
TDD - 703-836-0849
E-mail - patricia@nationalrehab.org
NRA Website - www.nationalrehab.org
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From: Patricia Leahy, Director of Government Affairs
Re: Commissioner of RSA, Lynnae Ruttledge, to Present at Monday's TeleSeminar on
the Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
Date: Friday, September 16, 2011
The National Rehabilitation Association is pleased to advise you that The Honorable Lynnae Ruttledge, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), will present at NRA's TeleSeminar on Monday, September 19, with Andy Imparato, Senior Counsel and Disability Policy Director, Senate HELP Committee, Lee Perselay, Disability Counsel, Senate HELP Committee, and Kelly Hastings, Professional Committee staff, Senate HELP Committee, on the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The Commissioner of RSA is the highest-ranking official in the Nation's Capital with extensive, in-depth experience and expertise in the programs administered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Commissioner Ruttledge formerly served as the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation in the great State of Washington where she had extensive, hands-on experience at both the State and local levels with the programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act.
In her capacity as RSA Commissioner, Lynnae Ruttledge provides overall leadership and direction to the Nation's public vocational rehabilitation programs by administering $4 billion in Federal resources to serve nearly 1 million Americans will disabilities each year.
Among her many accomplishments at the State level, then VR Director, Lynnae Ruttledge, eliminated a significant waiting list of eligible Americans with disabilities waiting for VR services in Washington State.
The presenters in this TeleSeminar, Commissioner Ruttledge, Andy Imparato, Lee Perselay and Kelly Hastings, are some of most well-known and respected powerbrokers on the Potomac who will be instrumental in determining disability policy in both the Legislative and Executive branches of government for years to come.
The bios of all presenters have been posted on NRA's website at www.nationalrehab.org;
The TeleSeminar will be held on Monday, September 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., EASTERN time, although time will be allotted for all questions should we exceed the one-hour timeline.
The registration fee for the TeleSeminar is $29 for NRA members and $39 for non-NRA members. Registration information has been posted on NRA's website at www.nationalrehab.org; or you may register by accessing this site.
We want to emphasize once again that Capitol Hill staff are encouraging questions on the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act from all stakeholders during the TeleSeminar. As one Hill staff person said to NRA when visiting the Hill, "I am so glad you came in to see me." "If we do not hear from you, how are we supposed to know what is important to you and your organization?" Truer words were never spoken.
We look forward to being with you on Monday, September 19, at 2:00 p.m. EASTERN for what will assuredly be one of the most interesting and informative TeleSeminars the National Rehabilitation Association has hosted.
Thank you.
Patricia Leahy
Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
National Rehabilitation Association
633 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-888-258-4295
NRA Office - 703-836-0850
NRA Fax - 703-836-0848
TDD - 703-836-0849
E-mail - patricia@nationalrehab.org
NRA Website - www.nationalrehab.org
]]>OCTOBER 6-7, 2011
AT THE ST. CLOUD HOLIDAY INN
Click here to be directed to our Conference Page for registration and program information.
]]>SAVE THE DATE!
A Team Approach to Transitional Placement
Resources and Best Practices for Supporting Transitional Aged
Consumers in Job Placement and Retention
This panel discussion will focus on providing job placement services to consumers who are currently in or recently completed a Vocational Transition Program. This training will offer an understanding of the unique supports needed and a team based approach to providing vocational and career services.
Topics and Discussion Points
- Curriculum, philosophy and methods of Transition Programs
- ‘Bridging the gap’ from Transition Program to workforce expectations
- Specific barriers and needs
- Best practices and strategies to increase success
Panelists Representing
- Job Placement Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Vocational Transition Programs
- Transitional Living Services
Sponsored by:
When: Thursday, August 4, 2011 Job Placement
and Development,
Time: 11:30am-4:30pm a division of Minnesota
(Lunch Provided – Training begins at 12:45pm) Rehabilitation Association
Where: French Regional Park Visitor Center
Oakwood Room
12605 County Road 9 Plymouth, MN 55344
Cost: $20 JPD Member
$30 Non-Member
*Up to 3.5 hours of CRC credits are available*
Registration materials available and distributed June 16, 2011
Contact Ross Pringle at (952) 930-4285 or rpringle@opportunities.org for more information
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- Minimum: BA/BS in social work, special education, psychology, nursing, human services, or other fields related to the education and treatment of individuals with disabilities. Two years of full-time work experience with an individual/s with a developmental disability required. A minimum of one of the two years of experience must include service coordination or management of waiver services. Masters in social work or related field is preferred.
- QMRP qualifications required, social work license preferred.
- Ability to perform office related duties as well as carry out responsibilities in home and community based settings. Ability to work off-site and travel as needed.
- Possession of a valid Minnesota Driver’s License and maintenance of a satisfactory driving record consistent with Fraser policy.
For more information and to apply, visit www.fraser.org/employment.
]]>Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Onamia, Minnesota
Click to Download Program Information Here
Contact Doris Illies Box 371, Little Falls MN 56345, Or e-mail to: dorisillies@hotmail.com
Mail OR Fax Registration Form and Payment To: (make checks out to MRA)
Katie Hartl
VRS 140 Buchanan St., Suite 152, Cambridge MN, 55008
Or Fax: 763-689-7140 Attn: Katie
]]>Age and the Workplace: A New Perspective in a Changing Labor Market
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ridgedale Library, Meeting Room 172.
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305-1909
(952) 847-8800
Fee: $15
Click here to download program and registration information.
]]>The MRA Day on the Hill is taking place Tuesday, January 25th!
Please check out the GA Committee section under Divisions for more information.
]]>Collaborations that Work
Thank you to those who came to the Fall Conference. It was a huge success with 140 attendees, 23 speakers and 10 vendors. Our keynote, Michael Kiefer A.K.A “The Pumpkin King” kicked off the conference with Leading the Inspired Life by Making Collaboration Work. Michael was “Interesting (information was) easy to transfer to other fields” “Great, interesting speaker, engaging” “Put together well - Good inspiration” “Very useful and applicable”. At lunch Dr. Wuersmer spoke on Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries and Issues in Decision-Making Capacity and Withdrawal of Care. She was, “Extremely dynamic speaker, thoroughly enjoyed it” “Very good speaker - good personality, engaging”. Chad Weinstein wrapped up the conference with Beyond the Code: Professional Ethics that Achieve Extraordinary Results. Feedback said, “Excellent examples of ethics - good synthesize” “Handout nice - good presenter”
New for the conference was an offering of extended sessions for more in-depth training. Feedback from attendees of the three hours session was very positive. Attendees also liked ethics provided in the general sessions and credits for vendors.
The Awards Banquet was inspiring and it was great to see the recognition and talent amongst our peers in the field. Congratulations all award winners and nominees! Attendees enjoyed Ken Lundquist and his band for the great musical entertainment. Thank you again for everyone who attended the conference.
Sara Sundeen and Lindsey Cornell, Program Chairs
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Last month, four MRA board members—Sara Sundeen, Doris Illes, Christine Paul and Pat Bienfang - participated in the National Rehabilitation Association’s Annual Training Conference Oct. 15-17 in New Orleans, LA. These four members served as delegates, representing Minnesota and having voting rights to the general membership meeting. All would like to extend their thanks to the board for the funding that allowed them to participate. We all feel that being able to attend a national conference offers many rich opportunities for learning and networking. The learning comes not only from the wide variety of subjects covered with the general and concurrent sessions but also on an individual basis from networking with other professionals. Here are some highlights.
The general session speaker on Friday spoke on the topic of collaboration, stressing that “being right is not always enough.” In our field, it is important to listen to what others have to say and take everything into perspective rather than judging and offering what we feel is right. “With funding and the economy where it is today, we need to make sure we use collaboration to reach our goals, “said Pat.
We spoke with a few vendors who expressed interest in being a vendor and/or speaker at one of our conferences. We also learned how other chapters have vendors as conference sponsors to help with conference costs. (If you have to cut something for space you can cut this)
Sara: It was a dynamic conference with excellent keynote speakers and general sessions. Doris and I had the opportunity to present on Building and Maintaining Business Relationships; an important and timely topic not only for placement specialists, but counselors and management. We had a full room and rich exciting dialog.
Pat: I was particularly interested in a session focusing on the state vocational rehabilitation program and if or why we should be offering services through state agencies. This session took a new approach on how to measure what we do and how to best describe how dollars spent benefit our state and the people we serve. A committee of national rehabilitation leaders is working on this issue and how to best market state vocational rehabilitation agencies.
Doris: My favorite part was the connections I made with professionals in the field from across the nation. Through the years they have proven to be a resource both professionally and personally.
Christine: I learned about a new career exploration website: www.thecareerindex.com. It’s a useful site I’m using with my consumers. I was intrigued about a current study showing that rehabilitation counselors have higher incidences of injury and illness compared to other professionals. I will be serving on a committee to look further into this study.
We were honored to receive the Chapter of the Year award on behalf of all board members. It’s been questioned whether a state chapter should receive the same award two years in a row. However, the decision was that the merit of the nomination was based on 2009 and previously 2008 which shows creative, growth and sustainability! “I strongly believe our national recognition comes in part from the involvement of our amazing board in Minnesota and the work so many members do at the national level,” said Sara. “We are seen as leaders in the nation in rehab and outcomes which is very exciting and something I take great pride in.”
A special congratulations to Sara who is president-elect for 2011.
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