Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1179)
The official short title is the "Vocational Rehabilitation Act."
The primary objectives include promoting vocational training for the blind and disabled to restore their competence and self-sufficiency, preparing them for suitable employment, integrating them into economic and social activities, and making vocational rehabilitation services a legal right.
The Act creates the Vocational Rehabilitation Office under the supervision of the Social Welfare Administrator.
The Supervisor is appointed by the Social Welfare Administrator and receives a compensation of five thousand four hundred pesos per annum.
The Social Welfare Administrator designates the Vocational Rehabilitation Office as the sole agency for the program, formulates policies and methods, appoints qualified technical personnel, promulgates rules and regulations, and supervises the implementation of the Act.
The plan includes early start for rehabilitation, rehabilitation diagnosis through medical examination and tests, counseling and guidance, medical services, vocational training, auxiliary services, placement in suitable employment, and follow-up for adjustments and additional care.
A person must be of work age, have a substantial job handicap in the form of physical or mental impairment, and have a reasonably good chance of becoming employable or obtaining a more suitable job through rehabilitation services.
‘Blind’ is defined as a person with visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 in the better eye with corrective lenses or having a limited field of vision not exceeding twenty degrees. 'Disabled person' includes the blind and persons with substantial job handicap due to physical or mental impairment.
Funds are raised through an annual fundraising week called 'Aid to the Blind and Handicapped Week,' a special sweepstakes race authorized to be held by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and appropriations from the National Treasury.
The Center offers individualized rehabilitation programs, supervised by qualified staff, including vocational counselors and instructors. It evaluates clients through a team approach, provides training to develop skills and work habits, operates eight hours a day, five days a week, and provides gratuity allowances to trainees.
Duties include supervising and coordinating rehabilitation services, overseeing training, advising handicapped groups, keeping updated on rehabilitation progress, providing counseling and placement services, fostering public and organizational relations, and performing other duties assigned by the Social Welfare Administrator.
Employment records must include detailed information about work performed, hours, pay, and deductions and be preserved for periods required by the Social Welfare Administrator. Adjustments Centers must maintain adequate accounting, operational records, and undergo annual audits.