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San Diego State University’s Interwork Institute with co-sponsorship from CSAVR, NCSAB and VRTAC-QM presents the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute’s
27th Executive Leadership Seminar in Rehabilitation Administration
Session 1: Leadership Strategies that Support VR Employment Outcomes
Date: February 2 - 6, 2026
Session 1 establishes a strong foundation for successful leadership in the public VR program. Participants explore national and state priorities, strengthen their leadership habits, and build transformational coaching skills that support high performance cultures and effective communication. They examine strategies for empowering staff, leading with clarity and purpose, improving systems through root cause analysis, and advancing competitive integrated employment through strong partnerships and innovative state strategies. The week concludes with preparation for practicum coaching forums and their issue paper projects, setting the stage for continued growth throughout the Executive Leadership Seminar Series.
Session 2: Program Administration, Policy, Performance and Fiscal Management in State VR Agencies
Date: May 4 - 8, 2026
Session 2 deepens participants’ understanding of the administrative, regulatory, and performance frameworks that guide state VR programs. The session examines public policies, audits, RSA monitoring, and evidence based practices that shape program operations. Participants explore organizational requirements under WIOA, including performance measures, quality assurance, and internal controls. They also learn federal fiscal and grant management requirements—such as reporting, allowability, forecasting, and pre employment transition services—to strengthen their ability to manage programs with accuracy, accountability, and confidence.
Session 3: Leading Change and Organizational Transformation
Date: August 17 - 21, 2026
Session 3 focuses on transforming VR systems through intentional leadership and organizational change. Participants apply concepts from the first two sessions to analyze current practices and identify opportunities for improvement. They explore how values, beliefs, and agency culture shape policies and service delivery, and learn strategies for implementing processes that support rapid and meaningful engagement of VR consumers. Through discussion and application, participants consider how these principles can strengthen partnerships, service delivery models, organizational culture, and staff development within their agencies.
Session 4: Public Policy and Partner Engagement
Date: December 7 - 11, 2026
Session 4 expands participants’ understanding of the national policy environment and the broader system in which the public VR program operates. Participants visit Congress, attend selected meetings, and engage with federal partners and constituency groups. The session explores legislative processes, federal decision making, and public engagement practices essential for navigating federal processes and partnerships. Through real time insights from national leaders and policymakers, participants deepen their understanding of how federal actions influence VR programs and how informed leadership can shape stronger partnerships and better results.
26th Executive Leadership Seminar in Rehabilitation Administration
Session 4: Public Policy and Constituency-Building in Rehabilitation
Date: December 1-5, 2025
Session 4 examines national issues relevant to the public VR program. Participants visit Congress, attend selected Congressional meetings, and visit with relevant federal partners and consumer and constituency representatives. There is extensive discussion of the political processes and legislative and advocacy practices essential for the growth and viability of the VR program. With the leadership and public policy developments through the Administration and Congress, the content and experiences for this session are dynamic and insightful.