Sec. 371. Declaration of purpose and policy

282 words·~1 min read·/bill/114/s/3151/is/section-371

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Congress finds that— work is a valued activity, both for individuals and society; as a group, individuals with disabilities experience high levels of unemployment and poverty; individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, have demonstrated their ability to achieve gainful employment in integrated settings; and the provision of vocational rehabilitation services can enable individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, to pursue meaningful careers.

The purpose of this subtitle is to assist States in operating programs to provide vocational rehabilitation services and information and referral services for individuals with disabilities so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment. It is the policy of the United States that such a program shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the following principles: Individuals with disabilities, including individuals with the most significant disabilities, shall generally be presumed to be capable of engaging in gainful employment and benefitting from the provision of individualized vocational rehabilitation services in terms of improving their ability to become gainfully employed.

Individuals with disabilities shall be provided the opportunities to obtain gainful employment in integrated settings. Individuals who are applicants for programs of vocational rehabilitation services or eligible to participate in such programs shall be active and full partners in the vocational rehabilitation process, making meaningful and informed choices. Families and other natural supports can play important roles in the success of a program of vocational rehabilitation services, if the individual with a disability involved requests, desires, or needs such supports.

Accountability measures shall facilitate the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the program, including providing vocational rehabilitation services to, among others, individuals with the most significant disabilities.