Family Support Division
Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
State Rehab Council Bylaws
Article V -- Membership
The membership of the Council shall be composed of no more than twenty-one (21) individuals, appointed by the Governor, with the following representation mandated by the Act:
- At least one representative of the Statewide Independent Living Council established in compliance with Title VII of the Act;
- At least one representative of a parent training and information center established pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;
- At least one representative of the Client Assistance Program;
- At least one vocational rehabilitation counselor with knowledge of and experience with VR programs and who, if an RSB employee, shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting Council member;
- At least one representative of community rehabilitation program service providers;
- Four representatives of business, industry and labor;
- Representatives of advocacy groups for blind individuals and parents, family members or other authorized representatives of blind individuals who are unable to represent, or have difficulty in representing, themselves; and
- Current or former applicants for, or recipients of, VR services.
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At least one representative of the State educational agency responsible for the public education of students with disabilities who are eligible to receive services under this part and part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- At least one representative of the State workforce investment board.
- The Deputy Director, DFS/RSB shall be an ex officio memberof the Council.The Deputy Director shall not be a voting member of the Council.
The Governor shall select Council members from recommendations of individuals and organizations interested in the rehabilitation of individuals who are blind.
- A majority of the Council members shall be persons who meet RSB visual requirements for VR and who are not employed by RSB.
- The membership of the Council shall include members of the major organizations of blind persons in Missouri.
- All Council members shall be residents of the State of Missouri.
The terms of all Council members shall begin on September 1.
Council members shall serve terms of three (3) years provided, however, that of the members first appointed, seven (7) shall serve a term of three (3) years, seven (7) shall serve a term of two years and seven (7) shall serve a term of one (1) year. The allocation of such terms shall be on a random basis.
No Council member may serve more than two (2) consecutive full terms.
Any vacancy occurring in the Council membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Recommendations for membership should be submitted to the Deputy Director, DFS/RSB no later than March 1 of the year in which the Governor is to make the appointment.
A vacancy on the Council shall be deemed to have occurred when a member is physically or mentally incapacitated, is absent from two (2) consecutive meetings without good cause, or gives notice of resignation in writing to the Chairperson giving this information. The Chairperson shall convey this by letter to the Governor recommending that a vacancy be declared and requesting that a new appointment be made.
A member shall be deemed to have demonstrated good cause for his or her absence from a meeting when he or she submits an acceptable explanation for such absence to the chairperson. The Council by affirmative vote shall be the arbiter should controversy arise.
08/16/05
