Nevada State Library and Archives

Administrative History

The Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped was created by Executive Order on September 25, 1975. In recognition of the special and unique needs of the handicapped citizens of the state, the Committee's purpose was to ensure that these particular citizens of Nevada have equal opportunity in competing for employment, and in achieving a mobile, independent and more satisfying quality of life.

The main functions of the Committee are to advise the Governor, through the Administrator of the Rehabilitation Division, on the development of employment opportunities, the removal of architectural barriers, and on programs and facilities for serving the handicapped; to develop and assist local committees on employment of the handicapped; to identify and contact Nevada businesses, industries, and labor representatives and to initiate specific programs for creating equal opportunity in employment of the handicapped; to identify the services most needed , and to promote programs which will provide these services; to serve as an advocate for the rights of the handicapped; to develop a public information program which will educate the public about the special problems and needs of the handicapped; and to promote and interpret the programs and goals for providing a barrier-free environment for the handicapped, especially in the removal of architectural and transportation barriers.

The Committee was created originally in the Rehabilitation Division of the Nevada Department of Human Resources. In 1987 it was renamed Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. On October 1, 1993 it was transferred to the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, and on July 1, 1997, it was further transferred to the Department of Business and Industry.

Records  1973-1997      10 cu. ft.  
Administrative Records  1975-1990  4 cu. ft. 
This series consists of the correspondence, minutes and agendas of the quarterly meetings; legislative bills, including reference information relative to the legislative agenda; surveys; and reports. Only a portion of the correspondence is arranged in alphabetical order. The records of meetings are in chronological order by date.
 
Public Information Programs  1975-1990 4 cu. ft. 
The public information program which focused on the special problems and needs of the disabled documents the annual "Employ the Handicapped Week," Ms. Wheelchair Pageant, State Fairs, Special Children's Day at the Mansion, Handicapped Employee of the Year, America Disability Act workshops, Nevada "Ability Counts" writing contests, and Disability Rights Education and Defense, Inc. Many of the programs include photographs of the activities. There is no clear system of arrangement.
 
Barrier-Free Environment  1975-1990  1 cu. ft. 
This series documents the programs to provide a barrier-free environment for the handicapped, especially in the removal of architectural and transportation barriers, and include legislation, the Subcommittee of Architects and Engineers, and other access programs. There is no clear system of arrangement.
 
Section 504  1973-1990 1 cu. ft. 
This series pertains to Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and covers the issues related to transportation, access in libraries, parking and ramps, employment at the post office, transition plans, compliance forms and surveys, coordinating committee, as well as seminars and education workshops to promote knowledge of the Act. Arrangement is generally topical.