Bill Text: VA HR105 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Karen Tefelski.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-1)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-12 - Bill text as passed House (HR105ER) [HR105 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR105-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, for 25 years, Karen Tefelski has served as the executive director of the Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitation Programs, more commonly known as vaACCSES, which provides services and support to enhance the ability of member organizations to fulfill their missions and better serve individuals with disabilities in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, as the executive director of vaACCSES, Karen Tefelski has advocated tirelessly for legislation and budget amendments that benefit the intellectual and developmental disability community; and
WHEREAS, Karen Tefelski played an instrumental role in developing the long-term employment support services program administered by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, enabling thousands of individuals in need to secure and maintain meaningful employment; and
WHEREAS, under Karen Tefelski's leadership, vaACCSES became one of the first organizations to receive what is today the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance grant from the Social Security Administration (SSA), helping thousands of individuals with disabilities navigate the complex system of SSA entitlements and allowing hundreds to receive training in benefits counseling as part of the Work Incentives Specialist Advocate program; and
WHEREAS, Karen Tefelski's indefatigable efforts advocating on behalf of "employment first" initiatives were a key factor leading to the redesign of the Commonwealth's Medicaid waivers and to increases in waiver rates across the state, improving the quality of life for many; and
WHEREAS, to achieve her organization's goals, Karen Tefelski has effectively collaborated with other advocacy groups, as well as with various state government agencies, including the Department of Social Services, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; and
WHEREAS, for nearly 25 years, Karen Tefelski has represented vaACCSES on the steering committee of the annual Collaborations Conference, which facilitates the sharing of knowledge and ideas between rehabilitation and employment professionals, employers, and educators; she has also coordinated many other conferences that promoted professional growth for people working in the disability field; and
WHEREAS, Karen Tefelski has shared her experience and expertise through service on various statewide work groups, task forces, and committees, where her insight into government and ability to advocate for persons with disabilities, as well as the providers who support them, has proven invaluable to the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Karen Tefelski hereby be commended for her 25 years of service as executive director of the Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitation Programs; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Karen Tefelski as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her remarkable career serving the disability community of the Commonwealth.
