- What is the purpose of the WSRC?
- What does the WSRC do?
- Who serves on the council?
- Who decides who serves on the council?
- How long do members serve?
- How much time do council members spend on council activities each quarter?
- Do members need a lot of leadership experience to serve on the WSRC?
- What are some examples of the skills and abilities that effective council members possess?
- Are council members paid for their time?
- Does the council pay for the cost of council-related travel and participation for its members?
- How can I request reasonable accommodation?
What is the purpose of the WSRC?
The purpose of WSRC is to work with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to increase the quality of Vocational Rehabilitation Services available to Washingtonians with disabilities who want to enter the workforce.
What does the WSRC do?
The WSRC partners with DVR to develop policies and procedures related to Vocational Rehabilitation Services. We make specific recommendations on how to improve the system. We advocate for change.
Who serves on the council?
The WSRC has fifteen members. The Rehabilitation Act establishes who serves on the WSRC. Our members include:
- Current or former applicants or recipients of DVR services
- Representatives of disability advocacy groups
- A representative of a parent training and information center
- A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (non-voting)
- Four representatives of business, industry, and labor
- A representative of a Community Rehabilitation Program
- A representative of a Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- A representative of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
- A representative of the Client Assistance Program
- A representative of the state Workforce Investment Board
- A representative of the State Independent Living Council
Who decides who serves on the council?
The Governor appoints each council member.
How long do members serve?
Members may serve two terms. Each term is three years. Second terms are not guaranteed. If a member is appointed to serve out the remainder of another person’s term, he or she is still eligible to apply for two terms in his or her own right.
How much time do council members spend on council activities each quarter?
Serving on the WSRC is a significant time commitment. Members meet in person for two full days each quarter (the third Thursday and Friday of January, April, July, and October.) Between quarterly meetings, each member participates in at least two, one-hour conference calls, spends approximately five hours reviewing meeting materials, and dedicates roughly ten hours responding to e-mail or phone calls related to council business.
Do members need a lot of leadership experience to serve on the WSRC?
We welcome new and experienced leaders.
What are some examples of the skills and abilities that effective council members possess?
Each member is unique. Some of the things they have in common are the:
- Commitment to public service
- Willingness to learn
- Commitment to build and sustain relationships
- The desire to take risks, try new things, and to make mistakes
- Willingness to work
- Ability to follow through
- Desire to listen
- Ability to express a vision
- Willingness to collaborate with people with different points of view
- Ability to advocate for change in a system
Are council members paid for their time?
No.
Does the council pay for the cost of council-related travel and participation for its members?
The council is obligated to follow all the laws, policies, and procedures established by the State of Washington regarding travel. The staff arranges and pays for airfare and lodging for travel related to council business. There are no out of pocket costs for these expenses. Council members pay for fuel and food at meetings. After the meeting members can be reimbursed for mileage and per diem, based on state travel guidelines.
How can I request reasonable accommodation?
The WSRC welcomes requests for reasonable accommodation. If you need reasonable accommodation to apply for council membership or after you are appointed, council staff will work closely with you to respond to your request and support your full participation.
To request reasonable accommodation contact Joelle Brouner at brounjm@dshs.wa.gov or call 1-866-252-2939. Although you can request reasonable accommodation at any time if it is possible to make your request two weeks in advance we are more likely to succeed in meeting your request.
