Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Don Jordan, Secretary
February 10, 2010
Dear Stakeholders:
I am writing to ask for your assistance in implementing Governor Mark Parkinson’s Executive Order 10-02 establishing the Kansas Advisory Committee for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Establishment of an Advisory Committee was a recommendation of the Facility Closure and Realignment Commission (FCRC). We have agreed to assist the Governor to collect applications for membership on the Committee. In that regard, I am asking for your assistance to widely distribute this call for applications.
The Executive Order describes the purpose of the Kansas Advisory Committee for the Blind and Visually Impaired as twofold:
- The Committee will provide advice and counsel to the Secretary of SRS on issues that improve opportunities for employment and independent living of Kansans who are blind or visually impaired.
- The Committee will serve as an advisory body for SRS and, as such, will advise the Secretary and the staff of SRS in matters affecting policies, programs, priorities and a long-term, strategic direction for the state’s services to Kansans who are blind or visually impaired.
Executive Order 10-02 also specifically identifies membership categories for the Committee (see below for link to Executive Order 10-02). I need your help to solicit applications from individuals and organizations that meet the categorical requirements outlined in the Governor Parkinson’s Executive Order.
Attached to this letter is a fill-able appointments questionnaire that must be completed by each person interested in serving in any capacity on the Advisory Committee.
Please distribute this letter and the attached documents to your constituents, friends, family or other individuals who fit the criteria for membership that are interested in improving programs and services for Kansans who are blind or visually impaired.
Applications should be returned no later than March 1, 2010 by mail or email to the following address:
Office of the Secretary, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Attention: Carol Sprague
Docking State Office Building, 6th Floor
915 SW Harrison, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-3271
Email:
Carol.Sprague@srs.ks.gov
Applications received after March 1st will be maintained and used as vacancies occur on the Committee.
As you may know, Governor Parkinson also accepted the recommendation of the FCRC to discontinue operation of the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired effective July 1, 2010.
Thank you for your interest in the programs and services we provide. I look forward to working with you as we move to a new model for services to Kansans who are blind or visually impaired.
Sincerely,
Don Jordan
Secretary
Governor's Executive Order 10-02
Or, to access the Governor's website to view the executive order, please follow this link:
http://governor.ks.gov/issues-a-initiatives/executive-orders