From the web site of the Rehabilitation Services Administration on 3/16/1997 ---------- Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) _________________________________________________________________ RSA Organization Immediate Office of the Commissioner * Planning, Policy and Evaluation Staff * Financial Management and Information Systems Staff + Budget and Financial Operations Unit + Administrative Management Unit + Data Management Unit * Office of Program Operations (OPO) + Program Administration Division (PAD) + Basic State Grants Branch + Deafness and Communicative Disorders Branch * Blind and Visually Impaired Division (BVID) + Vending Facilities Branch + Rehabilitation Branch Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) * Resource Development Division (RDD) * Special Projects Division (SPD) + Service Projects Branch + Independent Living Branch Regional Offices (RO) _________________________________________________________________ The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is established by Congress as the principal Federal agency authorized to carry out Titles I, III, VI, VII, and VIII, as well as specified portions of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended and the entirety of the Randolph-Sheppard Act, as amended, and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults Act. RSA provides national leadership for, and administration of, basic State and formula grant programs, service projects and rehabilitation training discretionary grant programs, the Randolph-Sheppard vending facilities and Helen Keller National Center programs, and evaluates all authorized programs to improve management and effectiveness. These programs develop and implement comprehensive and coordinated programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and independent living, for individuals with disabilities, through services, training, research and economic opportunities, in order to maximize their employability, independence, and integration into the workplace and the community. RSA is responsible for the formulation, development, and implementation of regulations, policies, and guidelines for the three statutes as described in the prior paragraph. In addition, RSA is responsible for advising the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Secretary of Education on the formulation, development, implementation, and review of other policies and legislation affecting individuals with disabilities. RSA acts as an advocate to assure the rights of persons with disabilities, serves as a resource and clearinghouse of information for service providers at national, Regional, State, and local levels in the development of national programs to reduce or eliminate social and environmental barriers experienced by persons with disabilities, establishes standards for determining who are individuals with handicaps for purposes of RSA program eligibility; and provides leadership in assuring that all categories of individuals with disabilities receive equitable consideration for access to services. RSA maintains close liaison with Federal counterpart agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the National Institute of Mental Health, the President's Committee on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities, the Office of Special Education Programs, the Office of Adult and Vocational Education, and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Immediate Office of the Commissioner The Immediate Office of the Commissioner provides executive leadership to the Rehabilitation Services Administration; establishes goals and objectives for serving for individuals with disabilities, develops standards, criteria, guidelines, policies and regulations to provide direction in the administration of these programs, and serves as adviser to the OSERS Assistant Secretary and Secretary on programs and problems affecting individuals with disabilities; advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities; prepares internal staff measurement reports and analyses; conducts special analyses of support services, program operations, program development activities, and other RSA operations at Headquarters and the Regions to determine consistency with established regulations, policies, and guidelines; provides periodic reports on problem areas in staff relationships, operations, and management; serves as a clearinghouse for employee suggestions; publishes the American Rehabilitation magazine and such other publications or issuances as will educate, inform, advocate for, and otherwise further the ability of individuals with disabilities to obtain employment and gain independence. The Immediate Office also coordinates with the National Council on Disability on issues related to Section 400, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on issues related to Section 501, to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board on issues related to Section 502, the Department of Labor on Section 503, the Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice, on Section 504, the Interagency Coordinating Council on Section 507, and the General Services Administration on Section 508; maintains external relations with organizations representing individuals with disabilities and their families to ensure that their views are represented in the development of policies and programs within RSA and the Federal government; responds to inquires and problems regarding the availability of services; addresses concerns about relationships with projects, programs, and facilities provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and identifies ongoing and emergent needs based on contacts with individuals and disability groups and recommends related priorities and initiatives to appropriate offices. The following major elements report to the Commissioner: Office of Program Operations; Office of Developmental Programs; and Regional Offices. In addition, the Immediate Office of the Commissioner provides leadership and direction to the Planning, Policy and Evaluation Staff and the Financial Management and Information Systems Staff. _________________________________________________________________ Planning, Policy and Evaluation Staff The Planning, Policy and Evaluation Staff (Staff) is responsible for coordinating and managing RSA's operational and strategic planning, evaluation, and policy processes. The Staff assures the consistent and inter-related application of these disciplines and processes for the purpose of developing, implementing, and assessing initiatives related to RSA's programs. In performing its responsibilities, the Staff: Advises the Commissioner on the formulation, development, and implementation of policy, manages a formal policy process and issuance system, including dissemination of Information Memoranda, used by Federal, State, and other rehabilitation officials. Develops and implements systems for the issuance of control numbers, information policy and guidance documents, and ensures their timely and thorough distribution. The Staff also maintains and updates central RSA policy and guideline files. Reviews policy analyses that are conducted by RSA units at the direction of the Commissioner and assists planning and evaluation staff in incorporating planning objectives and evaluation findings into recommendations for development or modification of policy and legislation. Obtains comments from appropriate RSA units on proposed legislation affecting individuals with disabilities and RSA programs. Reviews policy proposed by RSA units to ensure that it is in the correct format, and reviewed and approved by all appropriate RSA components. Routes policy questions to appropriate RSA units and ensures their policy responses are developed in a timely fashion, receiving all necessary approvals. Developments, reviews, and revises regulations for RSA programs and provides comments on regulations of other Federal agencies which affect RSA programs. Prepares decision papers for the Commissioner on policy and regulatory issues requiring resolution. Serves as RSA's contact with outside organizations, and OSERS and ED units on long and short-range planning issues. Develops, coordinates, and maintains a comprehensive RSA planning system, including obtaining and analyzing input from State VR agencies, consumers, service providers, and other government agencies. Identifies and prioritizes issues pertaining to all programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Disseminates those issues to appropriate agencies and RSA units to assist with their own planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring of operational and strategic plans for RSA. Makes recommendations for the development of policy and legislation in a planning context. Advises the Commissioner on all activities relating to planning, including reports and information needed for the development and assessment of plans. Obtains relevant information from RSA components and manages the publication of the Annual Report to the President and the Congress. Provides leadership in the area of strategic and operational planning to State agencies and other grantees. Incorporates policy analyses, evaluation findings and, with input from the Financial Management and Information Systems Staff, budgetary resources into strategic and operational plans. Participates in developing research and evaluation studies with other Federal agencies to improve services for populations served under the Rehabilitation Act, and analyzes research findings for incorporation into programs and standards. Plans, directs, and manages RSA's overall evaluation program, including the awarding of contracts to assess all programs and projects authorized under laws administered by RSA. Identifies evaluation priorities and develops a plan for addressing these priorities, including use of evaluation contracts and other resources. Conducts evaluations and surveys on the factors affecting ongoing rehabilitation programs and projects. Measures and evaluates the impact of RSA programs to determine their effectiveness and efficiency in achieving stated goals. Develops and publishes standards for evaluation of RSA programs, projects, and initiatives. Provides guidance and direction in the development of program evaluation capacity within State vocational rehabilitation programs. Reviews, analyzes, and integrates existing RSA data and studies from a program evaluation perspective in order to note trends, pinpoint areas of concern, support operational and strategic planning, and identify needs for development and modification of policy and legislation. Negotiates the assistance of other RSA units, State VR agencies, service providers, and consumers in carrying out program evaluation activities not supported by evaluation contracts as long as these evaluations are not conducted by persons immediately involved in the administration of the program or project evaluated. _________________________________________________________________ Financial Management and Information Systems Staff: The Financial Management and Information Systems Staff (FMISS) provides leadership and guidance on matters relating to the overall management, administration and automation of RSA programs and procedures, compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and resolves critical issues and problems concerning executive management within RSA. The FMISS advises the Commissioner on matters of management, administration, internal control, information processing and formulating internal support procedures. The FMISS provides technical assistance, policy development, and computer code development to support RSA's internal automated data processing needs, as well as maintaining and processing data for all RSA statistical reporting systems and coordinating the development and OMB clearance of reporting systems. The FMISS is divided into the following components: Budget and Financial Operations Unit: In performing its responsibilities, the Unit: Directs and manages the formulation, justification, and administration of RSA administrative and program budgets. Reviews budget submissions prepared by RSA components to assure conformity with legislative mandates and implements Education Departmental (ED), OSERS, and other relevant budgetary directives. Develops and adopts improved internal financial management procedures and methods. Provides leadership in developing financial operating plans for RSA programs. Maintains a system of allowance based on approved financial operating plans. Maintains a system of fund control and certification of fund availability through recording and monitoring RSA obligating documents and reviewing and analyzing financial reports. Develops, applies, and analyzes RSA financial policies, standards, and procedures. Formulates programs, policies, and procedures to provide for the accounting requirements of the agency for all formula grant funds. Applies statutory requirements for the allotment of funds for rehabilitation programs. Plans for and assists the Commissioner and OSERS Assistant Secretary in presenting the RSA budget before the Office of the Secretary, Office of management and Budget (OMB), and the Congress. Prepares requests to the Budget staff of the Office of the Undersecretary and the Chief Financial Officer for allotment of appropriated funds and maintains control of allotted funds against current obligations, including separate plans for each of the Regional Offices. Administrative Management Unit: In performing its responsibilities, the Unit: Advises and develops procedures for the effective organization and use of staff resources within RSA. Maintains systems to advise the Commissioner on the allocation of personnel within RSA. Plans and implements staff development and EEO programs and systems within RSA. Performs centralized RSA technical assistance and liaison functions to OSERS and ED personnel operations on all matters related to personnel management. Maintains official files on delegations of authority and organization for RSA. Prepares regular and recurring reports on personnel, organization, records management, and financial expenditures. Implements and monitors internal communications, assignment, and correspondence systems. Maintains liaison with the OSERS Correspondence Unit for tracking RSA correspondence and assignments. Provides monitoring and oversight of the internal control process and assures that the objectives of the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act are achieved within RSA. Data Management Unit: In performing its responsibilities, the Unit: Advises and provides technical assistance to RSA and States on the development and maintenance of computer systems. Manages RSA's data systems and develops and maintains RSA's statistical reporting systems. Manages the development and monitors the clearance of all new and revised RSA reports. Coordinates the review and approval of evaluation instruments and other clearance requirements developed by RSA components. Assists in the analysis of monitoring data and in training in the use and interpretation of monitoring data. Prepares special data analyses and studies on various aspects of RSA programs in liaison with other appropriate offices and in response to direct requests from the Commissioner. Performs cost-benefit analyses of RSA programs and projected initiatives. _________________________________________________________________ Office of Program Operations (OPO): The Office of Program Operations has the primary responsibility for administering the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended's Basic State Grant Program, the Client Assistance Program, Rehabilitative Facilities, Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights Program, State Supported Employment Program, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Service Projects for Native Americans with Disabilities, Community Rehabilitation Program, and programs authorized by the Randolph-Sheppard Act and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults Act. The office provides leadership in the provision of quality rehabilitation services to various groups of and for individuals with disabilities; establishes operational standards, criteria, and program guidelines; establishes and maintains RSA's monitoring and technical assistance system for all formula and discretionary grants for which OPO has responsibility; develops policy for these programs; collects and analyzes program data; provides technical assistance staff in RSA Regional Offices, State VR agencies, Client Assistance Programs, Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights Program, Community Rehabilitation Programs, and other Federal State, and local agencies and organizations; provides consultation on the various medical aspects of rehabilitation to units within RSA and to the States; proposes training, demonstration, and research projects; serves as contact on all audits of State plan programs and analyses; coordinates and substantiates all audit findings; ensures compliance with program financial operation requirements; analyzes overall national program performance and progress from a cost benefit and effectiveness perspective; and acts as RSA liaison to the Institute of Rehabilitation Issues, the Social Security Administration, National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee, the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, and other Federal and State agencies active in improving the employment of persons with disabilities. The Office of Program Operations provides overall direction, coordination, and leadership to the following divisions: Program Administration ; and Blind and Visually Impaired.. Program Administration Division (PAD): The Division of Program Administration administers the Basic State Grants Program, Client Assistance Program, Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights Program, VR Service Projects for American Indians with Disabilities, State Supported Employment Program, Community Rehabilitation Programs, initiatives regarding deafness and communicative disorders, RSA Titles I and VI formula grants monitoring systems, and audit management and interagency coordination functions. Responsibilities of this division are carried out by the following Branches: Basic States Grants Branch and Deafness and Communicative Disorders Branch Basic State Grants Branch: In performing its responsibilities, the Branch: Develops and interprets Federal regulations, policies, administrative and fiscal policies and procedures governing the use of Titles I and VI formula grant funds by States and coordinates RSA task forces on policy regarding these programs. Develops and maintains national monitoring and technical assiatance systems to be used in all Federal Title I and VI formula grant reviews. Provides technical assistance to Regional offices and State VR agencies in the use of monitoring systems. Provides technical consultation regarding the VR program to: State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, States, Client Assistance Programs, Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights program, VR Service Projects for American Indians with Disabilities; Community Rehabilitation programs; and other interested persons, including individuals with disabilities and their parents, guardians and advocates. Provides technical direction and assistance on preparing and reviewing the three-year State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) plan preprint and related submissions. In conjunction with RSA Regional Office staff, identifies, negotiates, and resolves State plan conformity and operational compliance problems. Provides training to RSA Regional Office staff in the use of monitoring instruments and the interpretation of statistical information. Analyzes, coordinates and substantiates all formula grant audit findings and negotiates audit exceptions with General Accounting Office (GAO), the Office of Inspector General (OIL), and the States. Participates with Regional Office staff in State VR agency monitoring reviews in order to ensure consistency and to apply qualitative standards. Provides consultation in the provision of Vocational Rehabilitation services to individuals from minority backgrounds and under-served populations, such as the mentally ill, and individuals with specific learning disabilities or individuals with traumatic brain injuries Provides leadership and consultation in the area of rehabilitation engineering and technology. Collaborates with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research regarding research findings and their application in various vocational rehabilitation, client assistance, Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights supported employment programs and community rehabilitation programs. Deafness and Communicative Disorders Branch: The Deafness and Communicative Disorders Branch (DCDB) promotes improved and expanded rehabilitation services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind through leadership and liaison to appropriate national organizations, agencies and institutions. The DCDB Branch staff develop policies and standards to improve State VR agencies' services to eligible persons with deafness and communicative disorders. They also administer interpreter training projects in all ten RSA Regions, as well as two national projects that annually focus on priorities established by the Secretary. The DCDB staff oversee a cooperative agreement established through a grant with the Hearing Research Center in Oregon to investigate causes and effects related to deafness. In performing its responsibilities, the Branch: Develops regulations, policies, and guidelines governing the Interpreter Training Program. In coordination with the Basic States Grants Branch, develops regulations, policy, and guidance that impact services provision to persons with deafness and communicative disorders. Manages the interpreter training projects including: reviewing project applications; developing evaluative criteria; and recommending grant and contract awards. Manages the Department's internal contract for assuring accessibility of deaf individuals to all Departmental programs and meetings. Promotes improved rehabilitation services to the deaf, hard of hearing and speech and language impaired individuals through research, advocacy, and technical consultation. Serves as liaison between RSA Regional Offices and State VR agencies and other agencies, organizations, and institutions concerned with deafness and communicative disorders Blind and Visually Impaired Division (BVID): The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides guidance and technical assistance to improve the achievement of employment outcomes for persons who are blind and visually impaired. The Division also oversees the implementation of the Randolph-Sheppard Act and provides Federal funding and support to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults. The responsibilities of this Division are carried out by the following subunits: Vending Facilities Branch: In performing its responsibilities, the Branch: Develops guidelines and regulations for Federal departments and blind licensees to conduct vending facilities programs. Ensures the uniform and effective management of the vending facilities program in each State. Works with State agencies to increase the range and number of employment opportunities for blind persons. Provides technical consultation to Federal and State agencies regarding suitability of location, design layout, food concessions, and sanitation for vending facilities. Interprets provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act for convening and conducting arbitration panels. Develops and provides technical assistance to States and Regional Office staff in developing and implementing Randolph-Sheppard program monitoring systems. Rehabilitation Branch: In performing its responsibilities, the Branch: Develops regulations, policies, and guidelines, in coordination with Basic States Grants Branch staff, that pertain to the achievement of employment or the provision of VR services to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Identifies and disseminates information regarding the most innovative practices resulting in improved service delivery and the achievement on employment outcomes for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Administer and monitors the grant to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Provides technical assistance to State agencies and RSA Regional Offices in order to improve the service delivery and achievement of employment outcomes for eligible persons who are blind or visually impaired. Provides consultation to other Federal and State agencies on issues regarding blindness and visual impairment, and serves as liaison with the National Council of State Administrators for the Blind and the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation on issues related to the Randolph-Sheppard program, and to improving the achievement of employment outcomes for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Provides technical assiatance to community-based employment programs for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Provides technical assistance and consultation in curriculum development for the training of specialized personnel who deliver comprehensive services to persons who are blind and visually impaired. _________________________________________________________________ Office of Developmental Programs (DP): The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) develops and interprets regulations, policies, and guidance and provides leadership in and manages RSA's discretionary program development activities, including support for training, rehabilitation facilities, service projects (except VR Services for American Indians), Supported Employment Service Projects, Recreation programs, Projects With Industry, and all Independent Living initiatives. ODP develops and disseminates improved and innovative program practices in the field of rehabilitation. The Office of Developmental Programs provides overall direction, coordination, and leadership to the following divisions: Resource Development Division (RDD): The Resource Development Division administers programs to increase the supply of rehabilitation personnel and improve the skills and competencies of employed rehabilitation personnel. The Division also administers portions of the Rehabilitation Act related to demonstration projects for severely disabled individuals and transition projects. The Division is divided into teams for Severely Disabled and for Training. The Division also administers discretionary grants to improve rehabilitation and community-based facilities and other related activities. In performing its responsibilities, the Division: Develops and interprets regulations for training, severely disabled, and transition grant authorities. Directs and manages the severely disabled and transition authorities contained in the Rehabilitation Act. Directs and manages the training grant authorities contained in the Rehabilitation Act, including long and short-term training, State agency in-service training, continuing education programs, and experimental and innovative training programs. Administers training grants and contracts designed either to increase the supply of professional, paraprofessional, and technical personnel in various rehabilitation disciplinary areas or to improve the skills and competencies of employed rehabilitation personnel. Determines personnel needs and shortages in various rehabilitation professions and disciplines and the need for developing specialized instructional materials. Encourages the development of experimental and innovative training, severely disabled, and transition demonstration projects and programs. Provides guidance on the conduct of staff development programs within State agencies. Reviews project grant applications; develops evaluative criteria and makes grant and contract award recommendations. Administers discretionary grants to improve rehabilitation and community based programs. Develops guidelines, recommends, and develops priorities, and provides technical assistance to applicants for long-term training, experimental and innovative and Severely Disabled Projects. Provides guidance and technical assistance to the State agencies and Regional Office staffs in the area of severely disabled and transition demonstration projects. Serves as the lead RSA unit in coordinating with Regional Offices on all monitoring of grants assigned to the Division. Special Projects Division (SPD): The Special Projects Division (SPD)develops and interprets regulations, policies, and guidelines and coordinates and provides direction for RSA program activities designed to expand and improve rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. The SOD develops appropriate mechanisms to ensure that successful outcomes of such activities are integrated into the practices of rehabilitation agencies. The Division also administers special projects for Supported Employment, migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families, Projects With Industry (PWI), recreation projects, and all programs related to Independent Living. The responsibilities of this Division are carried out by the following branches: Service Projects Branch: In performing its responsibilities, the Branch: Develops and interprets regulations and policies for the programs administered by the Branch. Develops guidelines and annual and bi-annual priorities and provides technical assistance to applicants for Projects with Industry, Special Projects for Disabled Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, Recreational Grants, and Supported Employment discretionary grants. Maintains liaison with other public and voluntary agencies to foster the development of rehabilitation services for special populations groups covered by the Branch. Provides technical guidance related to the award of discretionary grants and contracts by RSA components and ensures the efficient administration of RSA discretionary grants and contracts assigned to the Branch. Disseminates findings and "best" practices resulting from special projects programs to RSA offices, Regional staff, State agencies, and other public and private agencies and practitioners. Collaborates with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research concerning research findings and their application to various rehabilitation service programs. Independent Living Branch: In performing its responsibilities, the Branch: Develops and interprets regulations and policies for the Independent Living (IL) programs. Develops guidelines and provides technical assistance to applicants for and grantees of Independent Living programs. Develops RSA-wide priorities, policy, plans, and guidelines on IL programs. Provides guidance and technical assistance to Regional Offices staff for State agencies and Centers for Independent Living projects. Administers IL programs under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act. Serves as lead RSA unit in Federal interdepartmental initiatives in developing and expanding Independent Living Programs. Establishes data gathering methods and monitoring guides for IL programs. Maintains liaison with consumer organizations to foster development of independent living services. Collaborates with the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research concerning research findings and their application to enhance the IL options for persons with significant disabilities. Fosters collaboration with other RSA components to develop independent living priorities in areas such as personnel development, special demonstration projects, and supported employment. Disseminates findings and "best" practices resulting from IL program activities to other RSA offices, Regional Office staff, State agencies, Centers for Independent Living, and other public and private agencies and practitioners. _________________________________________________________________ Regional Offices (RO): The Regional Offices of the Rehabilitation Services Administration are headed by Regional Commissioners who report directly to the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration.These offices provide leadership, technical assistance, consultation, monitoring and evaluation services, and coordinate RSA and other resources used in providing services to handicapped individuals through the State-Federal administered programs and through grantees receiving discretionary project funds. These offices are also responsible for helping colleges, universities, and other organizations and agencies to develop, implement, improve, and expand training programs designed to prepare a wide variety of rehabilitation workers who provide services to handicapped individuals. Regional Offices provide information for and contribute to the development of national rehabilitation policies; establish Regional program goals, objectives, and priorities; exercise approval authority on State plans; possess approval/disapproval authority for selected discretionary grant programs; serve as a focus in the Region for consideration of issues impacting on handicapped individuals; serve as an advocate for the rights of disabled people, and coordinate administrative actions with the ED/SAR