Lynnae Ruttledge, commissioner of the U.S. Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), will deliver the keynote address at the Oregon Association for the Deaf's Northwest Training Forum on employment for people with hearing disabilities Thursday in Portland, Ore. Ruttledge will discuss creating partnerships to improve employment opportunities for people who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing. About 200 vocational rehabilitation professionals are expected to attend.
As commissioner, Ruttledge oversees grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities obtain employment and live more independently through such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services, job training and other individualized services.