Governor Jim Justice has issued a proclamation declaring October 19 as Vocational Rehabilitation Recognition Day, marking 2020 as the 100-year anniversary of the public Vocational Rehabilitation program, both nationally and in West Virginia. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, known as the Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act, into law on June 2, 1920.…
On June 2, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Smith-Fess Act, known as the National Civilian Rehabilitation Act. Two earlier congressional Acts had established vocational rehabilitation programs targeted to helping disabled World War I veterans transition to civilian life. 1917 — The Smith-Hughes Act established the federal-state program in vocational education, as well…