March 2002
Reauthorization Hearing
Alliance attended the Reauthorization Hearing in Seattle for the Rehabilitation Act. This was one of a series of hearings held across the U.S. for the Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration to gather comments, concerns and ideas for improvement from Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and consumers. Ultimately, RSA will present justification for funding VR programs to a Congressional Committee who is expected to reauthorize the Act in 2003-2004.
People who attended the hearing represented a large number of constituent disabilities served by RSA. Interpreters translated for American Indian, Alaskan Native and Latin languages and American Sign Language. Quite remarkably, one man spoke in Sioux and the Sign Language Interpreter was able to sign his testimony. In 4 ˝ hours, testimony from about fifty speakers from around the Western United States moved the audience. Consumers from the Migrant Worker, Tribal, Deaf/Blind, Independent Living and Employer Programs told their stories.
Stories of challenges of physical limitations, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, special education and safety were told. Stories of barriers to integration, employment and technology were shared. The tone of the testimony was well represented by a man who is deaf who said, "VR is a great service and great justice. We endorse you; we appreciate you; we ask that you continue to fight on our behalf! It works!" He was given a standing and stamping applause from audience.
The panel did not ask questions or respond, but listened intently.
The panel included RSA Region X representative Dick Corbridge, Joanne Stafford from Washington, DC and RSA
Commissioner Joanne Wilson. At the end of the hearing Wilson
said, "For many years I testified as you just have today and
I know you are wondering if what you said makes any
difference. Please know that I was listening and will act on
your suggestions."
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April 2002
Alaska Contract Award
Alliance Enterprises, Inc
is delighted to announce a new contract for an
AWARE™ implementation with the
State of Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce
Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
This marks the eleventh vocational rehabilitation agency
that will put into operation the accessible, web-based case
management system developed by Alliance.
On April 1, 2002 Alaska DVR began the Startup stage of the
project. During this stage, key project staff at DVR will be
trained on the system then Alliance staff will install
AWARE on their servers. Next,
Alliance’s experienced Analysts will study the current data
management system and business practices of DVR and the
Implementation staff will support DVR to develop integrated
project plans. This will insure a smooth transition to
AWARE during data conversion and
the statewide implementation.
The implementation process will also include configuring and
customizing the system, preparing technical staff and end
users with training and testing DVR-specific customizations.
Alliance will provide ongoing support through its Upgrade,
Maintenance and Support program and DVR will be joining the
national AWARE Users Group.
Alaska DVR has 13 local offices, an administrative office in
Anchorage and their central office in Juneau.
AWARE is expected to be fully
implemented statewide by August 2003.
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