A state may choose to have a Combined VR program, which serves all individuals with disabilities in the state, or, in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, may elect to establish a separate agency to serve the Blind and have both a General and a Blind agency. Currently, there are a total of 78 programs that cover the States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Familiarize yourself with your State’s VR program configuration and learn the history that supports it.
Additionally, agencies may be situated as a Designated State Unit (DSU) within a larger Designated State Agency (DSA). For example, the VR agency could be a division within the State’s Labor Department, or the agency could be its own DSA. It is always helpful to understand the history behind your program’s organizational structure. Regardless of where you are situated, the DSU must retain administrative control of the VR program.
There are two important sources of sub-regulatory guidance that can further inform you about this important topic.
- Technical Assistance Circular (TAC) 12-03 Organizational Structure and Non-Delegable Responsibilities of the Designated State Unit for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- TAC 13-02 Reorganization of the Designated State Agency and the Designated State Unit for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
To-Do List
- Find out if your agency's program is General, Blind, or Combined.
- If in a State with two VR agencies, reach out to the other Director.
- Find out your organizational structure and its history. Are you a Designated State Agency, a Designated State Unit, or an Independent Commission?
- Read the TACs.