Proposed rule changes potentially affecting several programs for Oklahomans with disabilities will be the focus of a public hearing held by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council.
The public is encouraged to attend the meetings in Oklahoma City on Feb. 3 and Tulsa on Feb. 4.
Programs affected by the proposed new rules are administered by DRS and include vocational rehabilitation and employment services for Oklahomans with all types of disabilities.
DRS provides a variety of services that help individuals with disabilities achieve employment, personal independence and self-sufficiency. The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council advises DRS on development of policies and plans for rehabilitation services.
Proposed rule changes effect the following chapters: Chapter 1 - Administrative Operations, Chapter 3 - Management Services Division, Chapter 10 - Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Chapter 15 - Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (OLBPH), Chapter 20 - Special Schools and Chapter 25 - Business Enterprise Program.
The changes include division name change of Visual Services to Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) and Disability Determination Division to Disability Determination Services (DDS), revised outdated citations, addition of new rule to assist counselors in distinguishing between On the Job Training and Work Experience, updated and removed antiquated language, relocating the Process Improvement Unit and Policy Development to new subsections under Chapter 1.
Public hearing dates and locations are:
· Oklahoma City – Monday, Feb. 3, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Department of Rehabilitation Services State Office, 2nd floor conference room, 3535 NW 58th St., Okla. City and · Tulsa – Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access, Conference Room, 8740 E. 11th, Tulsa.
If you would like to comment but are unable to attend, written comments may be sent to the attention of Tina Calloway, Policy Development, Department of Rehabilitation Services, 3535 N.W. 58th, suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112. Written comments must be received no later than February 4, 2020.
Copies of the proposed rules may be obtained from the DRS web site at www.okdrs.gov , by e-mail policycomment@okdrs.gov, or by letter to the Policy Administration and Development Section, attention Tina Calloway, Department of Rehabilitation Services, 3535 N.W. 58th, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 or by calling (405) 951-3552 – Toll free 1-800-845-8476.