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Duties
The SRC advises state government on the performance of Minnesota's VRS programs, particularly on the extent, scope, and effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services. Duties include:
- Attend virtual SRC meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Advise and assist in preparation of the state plan for vocational rehabilitation services
- Review and analyze the effectiveness of, and consumer satisfaction with, vocational rehabilitation services
- Report to the governor and the U.S. Department of Education on the status of vocational rehabilitation programs
- Coordinate activities with other state councils with interest in the issues pertaining to disability and employment
- Hold hearings and forums as necessary to carry out the duties of the council
See the bylaws of the State Rehabilitation Council.
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Members
Name |
Area Representing |
Crystal Hellekson |
Advocacy Organization Representative |
Open |
Advocacy Organization Representative |
Open |
Advocacy Organization Representative |
Connie Berg |
American Indian VR Program Representative |
Shelly Weaver |
American Indian VR Program Representative |
James Houston |
Business Industry and Labor |
Scott Berscheid |
Business Industry and Labor |
Ben Coady |
Business Industry and Labor |
Jim Ross |
Business Industry and Labor |
Anne Robertson |
Client Assistance Project (CAP) Representative |
Open |
Community Rehabilitation Program |
Nick Holzthum |
Current or Former VR Participant |
Katie Legrid |
Current or Former VR Participant |
Trevor Turner |
Current or Former VR Participant |
Michael Etten |
Current or Former VR Participant |
Tom Delaney |
Department of Education (DOE) Representative |
Kyle Van Acker |
Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) Representative |
Deanne Curran |
PACER Representative |
Deborah Gleason |
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) Representative |
Mike Windsperger |
VR Counselor Representative |
Dee Torgerson |
VRS Director |
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Council Vacancies
All positions are open for application until filled. Applications are kept active for one year and are reviewed for all open positions, regardless of the position applied for.
The council must have a majority of members with a disability and not employed by the Department of Employment or Economic Development. Members must also meet certain federal requirements. Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of most months, with a total of 10 meetings per year. Compensation is $55 per diem plus expenses.
Apply for an Open Appointment
Complete and submit an online Open Appointments Application on the Secretary of State website. For additional information or to obtain the application form in alternative formats, contact the Secretary of State's Office by email at open.appointments@state.mn.us, or in person or by U.S. mail to:
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
180 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-1299
Applicants may also submit a cover letter, resume or other information which might be helpful to the appointing authority. Applications become public information once submitted.
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Meetings
All meetings are open to the public. Time is set aside at each meeting for the public to address the council. If accommodations are required, request them no later than one week in advance.
Meetings are held virtually unless indicated otherwise below. For more information on meetings, call 651-356-5467 or email Karla Eckhoff, karla.f.eckhoff@state.mn.us.
ZoomGov Meetings
Join Meeting
Meeting ID: 160 833 0707
Passcode: 593633
Dial-in Option: +1 646 88 7666 U.S.
2024 Meeting Dates
Meeting times are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- September 26
- In person
- Hilton Garden Inn
5140 American Blvd W
Bloomington, MN 55437
- October 24
- No meeting in November
- December 5
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Documents
Minutes from the State Rehabilitation Council meetings are available by request. Please contact Karla Eckhoff at 651-356-5467.
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Reports
See the SRC Reports webpage for the annual, committee and special reports of the SRC.
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Contact
For more information, contact Karla Eckhoff at 651-356-5467.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
180 E 5th St Suite 1200
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-259-7366
800-328-9095
651-297-5159 Fax
800-627-3529 Minnesota Relay Service
877-627-3848 Speech-to-Speech Telephone Re-Voice
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Funding
The VR program received 78.70% of federal fiscal year 2024 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2024 grants totaled $52,850,455. The required state match for these funds is $14,299,999. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.