Substance Abuse & Vocational Rehabilitation — the Elephant in the Room:
Research, Policies, and Exemplary Practices

October 16 & 17, 2007
Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, VA
Note: Hotel reservations at the conference rate are due by Sept. 25

Agenda | Presenter Bios | Register Online | Where to Stay | Poster Session

No other condition associated with large numbers of VR consumers has such state-to-state variability in diagnosis rates, inconsistencies in policy, and "hidden" cases than substance use disorder (SUD). Research suggests that approximately one quarter of VR consumers may have an active substance use disorder when they apply for VR services. This power-packed event will explore these issues with a panel of VR experts. Breakout sessions will review the latest findings regarding policies, training approaches, federal agency perspectives, and practices regarding substance use disorder and VR. A free web-based training series on the topic will be introduced.

The conference will include a keynote address by Christine Griffin, commissioner, EEOC, on the legal complexities of coverage for persons with substance use disorders under the ADA and Rehabilitation Act. John Dziennik, executive director of the Blanche Fischer Foundation, will provide "inside-out" perspectives on substance abuse and VR, and Dr. Lynda Davis, Department of the Navy, will address the topic of injured returning veterans. Breakout sessions over the two days will include the topics of substance abuse screening in VR, a rapid employment model for persons with SUD and co-occurring disabilities, policy considerations for substance abuse within VR, an investigation of unsuccessful closures in VR, integrated models for addressing SUD, and training considerations about what VR counselors need to know about SUD.

Attendance will be limited. The primary purpose of this conference is to create a body of literature and information for subsequent dissemination to the field. This will include website access to archived conference sessions, a white paper on salient issues, and a special issue of a rehabilitation journal. For more information, see the Conference Agenda or call (800) 390-2518; TTY: (937) 775-1495.

How to register  

Special rate for those attending NCRE training conference on the preceding day: $25
Rate for those attending the RTC conference only: $75

Registration includes an evening reception and poster session on October 16, continuation of the special NCRE Education Conference room rate, and all event materials.

You may REGISTER ONLINE
Or

DOWNLOAD the Registration Form and Fax Cover Letter and send them to:

Bridget Gerber
Room 254 WSU Building
3171 Research Park Blvd.
Kettering, OH 45420
800-390-2518 or (937) 775-1473
(Fax/TTY 937-775-1495)
bridget.gerber@wright.edu

Where to stay

Hotel rooms are available at $180/night, plus applicable taxes (special conference rate). Note: The deadline to reserve at the conference room rate is Tuesday, September 25!  

• If you are registered for the NCRE Education Conference, please call Key Bridge Marriott at (703) 524-6400 to extend your room for another night at the same rate and reference "RTC on substance abuse."  (The link below will not work for your continued reservation.)

• If you are coming just for the RTC conference, follow the instructions above to call the Marriott or go to

Hotel Option for Monday, Oct. 15: There are no discounted rooms available at the Marriott for Monday, Oct 15. However, we have been able to make several rooms available at the Radisson Hotel Reagan National Airport for a reduced rate. Click here to find out more.

Reception & poster session 

A reception and poster session will be held following the opening day sessions. Download a poster presentation application here.

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Substance Abuse, Disability, and Employment is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education.

For more information about the SARDI Program or any of its subsidiary programs, please contact:
SARDI Program
Boonshoft School of Medicine
Wright State University
P.O. Box 927
Dayton, Ohio 45410-0927

Voice/TTY: (937) 775-1484
Fax: (937) 775-1495
e-mail: SARDI Program