Compendium of Budget Information for the 2012 General Session
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Agency: State Office of Rehabilitation Function The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR), under the direction of the State Board of Education, operates programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for and obtain gainful employment as well as increase their independence. USOR contains a single line item and multiple programs, including an Executive Director's Office and four operating divisions: Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired, Rehabilitation Services, Disability Determination Services, and Services to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. Detail on USOR operations can be found here. The Smith-Fess Act authorizing the state-federal vocational rehabilitation program was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1920. The program officially opened in Utah in 1921. The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation was created during the 1988 Legislative session under the direction of the State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Prior to 1988 two separate departments, the Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, existed as separate divisions under the Utah State Office of Education. USOR provides tailored services focusing on the needs, interests, abilities, and informed choices of the individuals served. USOR works in concert with other community service and resource providers to offer rehabilitative services throughout the state. Services are provided upon determination of eligibility for such. Eligibility requirements differ depending upon the division or services desired. In general, eligibility is based upon patrons having a physical or mental impairment that constitutes a substantial need in order to attain independence and/or gainful employment. State law requires a financial needs test to determine the extent to which a client may receive services. Statutory Authority Statutory provisions for the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation may be found in UCA, Section 53A, Chapter 24. In addition to state law, many functions provided by USOR have provisions detailed in federal law. Those federal law references, where available, follow the references in Utah Code. Utah Code:
Federal Law:
Performance The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation utilizes various indicators to measure the performance of the agency. USOR performance measures can be found in an Issue Brief provided during the 2012 General Session of the Legislature. Funding Detail Two primary sources provide revenue for USOR. The largest contributor is the federal government, providing approximately 75 percent of total USOR revenues in FY 2011. In addition to federal funds, USOR receives a significant appropriation from state funds. Education Fund revenues, along with a small amount of state General Fund, account for roughly 27 percent of the total appropriation. In addition to state and federal resources, the office collects dedicated credits generated primarily through fees and the sale of services, goods and materials. For analysis of current budget requests and discussion of issues related to this budget click here.
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