REQUEST FOR PUBLIC RECORDS
All requests to examine, copy or obtain public records, shall be submitted in writing utilizing the standard MDRS Request for Public Records form. These requests must be sent to the attention of the Public Records Officer by U.S. Mail to the address noted below or electronically to PublicRecords@mdrs.ms.gov.
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
Attention: Public Records Officer
Post Office Box 1698
Jackson, Mississippi, 39215-1698
View the Request for Public Records form.
Public Records Policy
The public records policy of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) has been adopted in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, Section 25-61-1, et seq, Miss. Code Ann. (1972).
A request for information under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 shall be submitted in writing to the Department of Rehabilitation Services. These requests can be sent to the attention of the Public Records Officer at Post Office Box 1698, Jackson, Mississippi, 39215-1698 or PublicRecords@mdrs.ms.gov.
The request must identify the records, give the name, address and telephone number of the requesting agency or individual, and must be signed by the requesting party. This requirement may be waived on a case by case basis by the MDRS Executive Director or his designee to facilitate the orderly and timely release of the information.
MDRS shall respond to the request in writing within 7 working days from the date of request. Denials shall contain the specific reasons for the denial. Copies of all denials shall be maintained on file by MDRS for not less than three years from the date denial is made. The person making the request may appeal any denial directly to the MDRS Executive Director.
If the records will be disclosed, MDRS will give an estimate of the total cost, if any, for compliance with the request. If the estimate is agreeable to the requestor, MDRS will produce the records requested no later than 14 working days from the date the request and payment are received. Payments must be made by cash, check, money order, or cashier’s check.
Records furnished to MDRS by third parties, which may contain trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information, will not be released until reasonable notice to the third parties has been given. For the purpose of providing advance notice to submitter’s of trade secret or confidential commercial or financial information, twenty-five days from the submitter’s receipt of written notice shall be deemed a reasonable time for the disclosure of the requested records in the absence of a court order to the contrary.
Please note that client files, medical records, and personnel files are not considered public records.
Fees
Any person desiring copies of public records who does not officially represent a public body, as defined in the Public Records Act, shall be entitled to obtain mechanically reproduced standard black and white copies at a charge of twenty five cents ($.25) per page or scanned, electronic copies at a charge of fifteen cents ($.15) per page, which represents the actual cost of such reproduction. Official representatives of public bodies, as defined in the Public Records Act, shall be entitled to reasonable copies of such records with no charge.
If the searching, reviewing, duplicating or separating of non-exempt material from documents, etc., containing exempt material requires more than one hour of work, then any requesting party may be charged for the work time above an hour in addition to the reproduction charges detailed above. The charge for the hours shall be based upon the hourly salary of the lowest paid employee of MDRS qualified and available to do the job.
Mailing costs calculated at the applicable United States Postal Service rates shall be charged where appropriate. The cost of mailing a notice to third parties via certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be charged to persons requesting the public records. No request for information shall be granted until the fees have been received by the agency. Please note that fees will be charged for records searches even when the requested information cannot be found.
STATE PLANS
2023 Mississippi State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
MDRS-VR WIOA TITLE IV STATE PLAN 2022-23 MOD
MDRS-VR WIOA TITLE IV STATE PLAN 2024-2027 - DRAFT Submitted 3.4.24 - Pending Federal Review
MDRS State Plan and Policy Hearing (PDF)
VR/VRB Return on Investment Report
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Transitional Living Services to Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries or Traumatic Brain Injuries 2024
The Prevention of Spinal Cord and Brain Injury 2024
Recreational Services to Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries or Traumatic Brain Injuries 2024
REQUEST FOR COMMENTS
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) in collaboration with LIFE and MDRS is charged with developing and maintaining the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL outlines their plans for the provision of independent living services to individuals with disabilities in Mississippi. We are seeking public comments from you!
Below is the current SPIL for FY2021-2024. Please review and submit your comments in writing regarding proposed changes to the SPIL to Anita Naik at the MS Department of Rehabilitation Services, P.O. Box 1698, Jackson, MS 39215 or email them to anaik@mdrs.ms.gov no later than April 30, 2024.
Click HERE for word doc
Click HERE for PDF