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On the Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act

Introduction
In October, 1992, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was amended, reauthorized and signed into law by then President Bush. The law is now consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in that it highlights participation by people with disabilities in rehabilitation planning and services. It also makes it easier for people to obtain the services they need. Some of the revisions include:
Rehabilitation Technology
Defined to include rehabilitation engineering, assistive technology devices, and services. There is a strong emphasis on using technology to support people in where they live and work.

Eligibility
All people with disabilities are presumed to have employment potential. This shifts the responsibility from individuals proving they can be employed to state agencies providing clear and convincing evidence otherwise.

Individual Written Rehabilitation Plans
Plans must include a statement by the person with a disability about how they were included in the process and how they were informed about choices among services.

Appeals
State directors of rehabilitation agencies cannot overturn the decision of a hearing officer unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the decision is not a legal one.

Consumer Power
Fifty-one percent of members of State Rehabilitation Advisory Councils, the National Council on Disability, and State Independent Living Councils must be people with disabilities.
A special January/February, 1993 issue of the Disability Rag on employment was used as a reference in writing this brief summary.

From Patterns of Supported Living: A Resource Catalogue. Developed for: the California Department of Developmental Services by Allen, Shea & Associates and Claudia Bolton Forrest, 6/93.

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