About
The Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) plays a vital role in shaping the state's vocational rehabilitation programs. It was established in 1992 by the United States Congress as part of the Rehabilitation Act. Its primary role is to review and advise the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (OVRB) on the supports, services, and programs that impact individuals with disabilities in Mississippi.
SRC: Section 105 of the Rehabilitation Act
Mission
It is the express mission of the Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council to ensure that Mississippians with disabilities have a strong role in shaping the vocational rehabilitation programs of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS).
Vision
The vision of the Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council is to ensure that the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services provides Mississippians with disabilities empowerment through informed choice, inclusion through equal access and full participation, independence through employment opportunities, and integration through advocacy.
The SRC’s mandated functions include:
- Reviewing, analyzing, and advising OVR/OVRB on the performance of their responsibilities related to eligibility and order of selection; the extent, scope, and effectiveness of vocational rehabilitation services; and functions that affect the ability of individuals with disabilities in achieving employment outcomes
- Partnering with OVR/OVRB in developing goals and priorities; and evaluating the effectiveness in obtaining these goals
- Advising OVR/OVRB in the vocational rehabilitation portion of the Unified State Plan
- Conducting a review and analysis of consumer satisfaction
- Submitting this report and making it available to the public
- Coordinating activities with other named Councils within the state
- Performing other relevant functions which the SRC determines appropriate consistent with the purpose of OVR/OVRB
SRC Purpose PDF | Text
SRC Bylaws PDF | Text
Federal Regulations, SRC Info: Subpart B; 361.16 - 361.17
Resources
Clients of MDRS OVR or OVRB are encouraged to work closely with their counselors to achieve their goals. If a disagreement arises, it is usually resolved through discussion with the counselor or their supervisor. If the issue cannot be resolved, the counselor or supervisor will explain the available options to address the concern.
Brochures
Mississippi Client Assistance Program
Website | Brochure
MDRS
Navigating Your Rights Brochure
State Plan
MDRS-VR WIOA Title IV State Plan 2024-27
Click Here To Download Plan - PDF
MDRS Advisory Councils
Click Here To Visit Website
National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils (NCSRC
Visit the National Coalition of State Rehabilitation Councils website link below to learn how you can get involved, share your feedback, and help improve services for people with disabilities.
Click Here To Visit Website
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)
Visit the CSAVR website to learn how vocational rehabilitation programs across the nation are helping people with disabilities achieve employment goals and to access additional resources that can support your success.
Click Here To Visit Website
Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council Members
2026 SRC Council Member List
If you wish to apply to serve on the MS SRC, please complete the application below.
Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council Member Application - PDF
Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council Member Application - Word Doc
Quarterly Meetings
All Mississippi State Rehabilitation Council meetings are open to the public. Each meeting includes a designated time for public comments. In accordance with the bylaws, advance notice and a specific procedure are required to provide public comment. Individuals may also submit comments by email once meeting details have been posted
Meetings are typically held on the second Friday of every third month, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Meetings are conducted virtually unless indicated otherwise.
If you require accommodations to participate, please submit your request at least one week in advance.
2026 June Quarterly Meeting - Pictured from left to right:
Kenneth Hudson, Shanda Nash, Dr. Dwight Owens, Pshon Barrett, Rebecca Treadway, Mary Meruvia, Don Brown, Ronnie Brown, Billy Taylor, Edwin Butler, and Pat Fontaine
Upcoming Meetings
2026 Meeting Dates
March 4, 2026 - Click Here For Details
June 10, 2026 - Click Here For Details
September 9, 2026
December 9, 2026