Public Performance & Management Group

Dear Prospective RSA Scholar:

You are about to make an important decision regarding your future career. I encourage you to consider the field of rehabilitation. I also encourage you to apply to become an RSA Scholar, and to reap the financial benefits associated with it.

Participation in the RSA Scholars program offers wide opportunities for you. In addition to the financial benefits, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your work will contribute to our society. An RSA scholar prepares to work with the State-Federal system of vocational rehabilitation, a system with a long and proud history of serving people with disabilities. Ultimately, of course, scholars enrich the lives of people with disabilities through providing quality rehabilitation services that help them secure employment, and participate fully in society.

There is an acute need for qualified personnel in the field of rehabilitation.  Specifically, State rehabilitation agencies, and the programs with which the State rehabilitation agencies make agreements to provide vocational, supported employment, and independent living services, have critical personnel needs. To ensure that the RSA training program helps State agencies in filling these jobs, Congress added to the Rehabilitation Act a "payback" provision for RSA scholars. The Frequently Asked Questions link explains the payback requirements. Please read it carefully to understand your responsibilities.

RSA SCHOLAR! I hope that you will accept that designation proudly and consider it a privilege and an honor to serve in this exciting field. 

Sincerely,

Timothy Muzzio, Ph. D.
Director, Professional Development and
Special Projects Division
Rehabilitation Services Administration