Executive Order 93-01

Whereas, the state of Missouri should pursue all possible avenues to secure proper funding for the rehabilitation of its blind citizens: and

Whereas, under Title One of Public Law 102-569, the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, federal funds are available to the state for a wide range of rehabilitation services: and

Whereas, this federal law requires that the State Plan filed with the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, provide for an advisory council appointed by the Governor to consult actively and continually with the Department of Social Services, Family Support Division (formerly known as Division of Family Services), Rehabilitation Services for the Blind: and

Whereas, Section 1.12 of the Reorganization Act of 1974 authorizes the Governor to create by executive order such advisory councils as may be required to conform with requirements to receive federal grants.

Now, therefore, I, Mel Carnahan, Governor of the state of Missouri, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the constitution and laws of the state of Missouri, including Section 1.12 of the Reorganization Act of 1974, hereby create and establish the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council for the Blind (hereinafter referred to as the Council).

The Council is assigned for administrative purposes to the Family Support Division (formerly known as Division of Family Services), Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, and should operate with all applicable powers, duties and responsibilities contained in Title One of Public Law 102-569, the rules and regulations promulgated there under by the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, or his successor, applicable State Statutes and rules and regulations promulgated there under, and this executive order, including advising Rehabilitation Services for the Blind on planning, development, support, implementation, and evaluation of the appropriate state program assisted under Title One of Public Law 102-569.

The Council shall consist of no more than 21 individuals appointed by the Governor, to be broadly representative of rehabilitation interests of persons in the state who are blind or severely impaired, including persons representative of the various groups identified in Section 126 of Public Law 102-569, and as ex officio member, the director of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. A majority of the council members shall be persons who are individuals with disabilities described in Section 7(8) (B) of said Public Law, who meet Rehabilitation Services for the Blind visual requirements for vocational rehabilitation, and who are not employed by Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. The membership so appointed shall include members of the major organizations of the blind in Missouri.

The members appointed by the Governor shall serve terms of three years: provided, however, that of the members first appointed, seven shall serve a term of three years, seven shall serve a term of two years, and seven shall serve a term of one year. No member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms, and any vacancy occurring in the council membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

Council members may be reimbursed for reasonable, actual and necessary expenses arising from council activity or business. The guidelines of the Family Support Division (formerly known as Division of Family Services) shall govern the rate of reimbursement for travel expenses.

The Council, in conjunction with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, shall prepare a plan for the provision of resources, including staff and other personnel, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Council but the plan, to the maximum extent possible, shall rely on the use of resources in existence during the implementation period of the plan.

The Council shall make annually a report on its activities to the Governor, to the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Education, and to the director of the Family Support Division (formerly known as Division of Family Services). A copy of that report shall be transmitted by the Council to the legislative library.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause to be affixed the great seal of the state of Missouri in the city of Jefferson on this fifth day of February, 1993.

Mel Carnahan
Governor