Commissioner Ruttledge to Speak at Region 2 Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Center Meeting

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo's Region 2 Technical Assistance and Continuing Education (TACE) Center, housed under the Graduate School of Education Center on Rehabilitation Synergy, hosts its second advisory committee meeting on July 20-21 in Buffalo.

The meeting will include a keynote speech and group discussion led by Lynnae M. Ruttledge, Commissioner, U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Ruttledge will meet with state directors of vocational rehabilitation agencies, community rehabilitation programs, client assistant programs, independent living centers, Native American and parent advocacy programs from throughout Region 2 which includes New York, New Jersey Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. All are counselors, educators and rehabilitation professionals who address the needs of the disability community and work with the Region 2 TACE Center.

The two-day meeting will focus on the future of vocational rehabilitation, activities of state agencies and the impact of the economy on vocational rehabilitation, and will include an address from Commissioner Rutledge discussing the role of collaboration between RSA and the TACE Center. This will be followed by a discussion on the recommendations and perspectives of state vocational rehabilitation agencies, the TACE Center and the monitoring process.

Recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed RSA commissioner in 2009, Ruttledge serves under the assistant secretary of education and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

In addition to attending the advisory committee meeting, the commissioner has set aside time to meet with the state directors, along with several other university directors of National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research funded programs during a reception on July 20.

Prior to being appointed RSA Commissioner in December 2009, Ruttledge served as the director of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. She has held numerous leadership positions and has received many awards, including serving as a Mary E Switzer Scholar.

UB's Graduate School of Education Center on Rehabilitation Synergy houses a number of million-dollar grants, such as: Region 2 Technical Assistance and Continuing Education (TACE) Center and NYS Supported Employment Training Initiative.

Formerly RCEP II, The TACE Center was awarded a five-year, $4 million grant in 2008 funded by RSA. The TACE Center works with State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and their partners in Region 2. TACE 2 goals are to provide ongoing customized support and continuing education in the diverse field of vocational rehabilitation.

Media interested in interviewing Ruttledge or UB educators on the rehabilitative services within the TACE Center should contact Marilyn Stevens at (716) 829-3243.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities