From: Steven Cohen [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 9:16 PM
To: Senate Finance Exhibits
Subject: AB's 20, 64, and 192
To Whom It May Concern,
I have been a Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation client off and on since relocating to
Las Vegas in 2006. Out of respect for the Bureau, I have withheld the names of specific
Bureau staff members from this testimonial, and welcome the opportunity to discuss the
Bureau at greater length with Bureau staff members and/or joint subcommittee members
privately. My contact information follows in this testimonial's closing.
Having reviewed the Bureau's proposed budget presentation, I want to express my
neutrality concerning AB's that directly impact the Bureau and its clients, and
respectfully request that these AB's receive further consideration by appropriate
legislative committees.
The Bureau's staff qualifications in the field of rehabilitation are presently insufficient to meet the workforce
supply of qualified individuals on the autism spectrum that can contribute to organizations of their choosing
throughout the state. As discussed in a recent Autism Commission Adult Services and Resources subcommittee
meeting, national statistics regarding unemployment/underemployment of persons on the autism spectrum
closely align with, if not exceed, national statistics that encompass all disability categories.
As a recent Accounting graduate, statistics can be made to depict the position the person compiling them intends
to demonstrate. What cannot be manipulated, however, is the discrimination many people with disabilities
experience across the lifespan of the hiring process. As the Legislature prepares to consider modifications to the
Bureau's 700 hour program (AB 192) as part of its overall restructuring, the training is intended to address the
value persons on the spectrum can provide organizations, as opposed to the barriers.
I look forward to continuing to work with impacted Bureau staff members and legislators to develop and
implement the desired disability awareness training for all participants to the employment and hiring processes
within the biennium. Until this training is fully implemented, the Bureau is incapable of receiving additional
programs as part of its budget. Please do not hesitate to contact me
at [email protected] and/or (702) 688-9145 with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Steven Cohen
Alumni, Lee Business School (BSBA - Accounting) '16
Member, Nevada Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adult Services and
Resources Subcommittee
Cell: (702) 688-9145
E-mail: [email protected]