1. (1) The purpose of the state rehabilitation council for the blind is to:

   • Review, analyze, and advise the department of its responsibilities under The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 including, vocational rehabilitation, business enterprise program, and independent living services;

   • Partner with the department in the development and review of the VR state plan goals and priorities, the DSB strategic plan, reports, needs assessments, and program evaluation;

   • Conduct a review and analysis of consumer satisfaction as it relates to the functions performed by the department, the services delivered, and outcomes achieved;

   • Prepare and submit an annual report to the governor and the RSA commissioner, and make the report available to the public;

   • Coordinate with other councils, as specified by The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including, the state independent living council and centers for independent living;

   • Advocate for people who are blind by making recommendations to the governor and the legislature on issues related to the department, other state agencies, or state laws which have a significant effect on the opportunities, services, or rights of blind persons;

   • Advise and make recommendations to the governor on the criteria and qualifications pertinent to the selection of the department director;

   • Perform other functions consistent with The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, comparable to other functions performed by the council, determined by the council.

2. (2) Members of the state rehabilitation council for the blind shall be appointed by the governor considering geographic representation, gender, ethnicity and other unique characteristics. Individuals who are blind must constitute a majority of the council.

   Membership must also include the following represented groups:

   • A consumer organization of the blind; two current or former recipients of vocational rehabilitation services;

   • Four representatives of business, labor and industry;

   • The state workforce investment board;

   • The client assistance program;

   • The parent information and training center;

   • A current or former qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor who shall be a nonvoting member if currently employed by the department;

   • A community rehabilitation program;

   • The tribal vocational rehabilitation program;

   • The office of the superintendent of public instruction;

   • A representative of individuals who are blind who have difficulty representing themselves or are unable, due to their disabilities, to represent themselves;

   • The Washington state independent living council;

   • The executive director of the department who shall be a nonvoting member.

3. (3) Members are appointed to the state rehabilitation council for the blind for a term of three years. Members may seek reappointment for a second term. No member may serve more than two consecutive full terms, except for the CAP and tribal representative positions, or unless the governor finds it necessary to extend a position for a specified time in order to achieve required representation. If a vacancy occurs due to resignation or withdrawal prior to the end date of the term, the governor may appoint a new member who will serve out the remainder of the position's term to its scheduled end date. A member's term may be ended at any time by the governor.

[Statutory Authority: P.L. 113-128 and 34 C.F.R. Part 361. WSR 18-14-101, § 67-10-025, filed 7/3/18, effective 8/3/18.]