KUEHLE RESIGNS AS STATE CHAIRMAN OF DISABILITIES GROUP

JACKSON - After nearly six years of service, Harold Kuehle has resigned his post as chairman of the Governor's Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities.

Kuehle has submitted his resignation effective Jan. 1 and will preside over his last meeting of the 25 member committee on Dec. 11.

A Republican, Kuehle was appointed to the chairmanship by Gov. John Ashcroft, who will leave office early next year. Kuehle said he has advised staff of Gov.-Elect Mel Carnahan that a new chairman will need to be appointed.

But it is not politics that led to Kuehle's decision, but rather a feeling that it is time for someone else to head the committee, and a feeling of accomplishment.

"I have accomplished everything I set out to do," said Kuehle. "We have an excellent staff working with the committee and have done a great deal the last few years. We have a diverse group of people on the committee and work well with other groups.

"I felt it was time for me to move on and let somebody with new perspectives come on," he added. "The governor, legislature, and other groups have given us their full support."

Kuehle, who has been collector of Cape Girardeau County since 1967, also served five years on the committee during the administration of former Gov. Warren Hearnes.

The committee works under the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and is required by state law.

Kuehle is particularly pleased that the committee has been at the forefront of dealing with many issues facing disabled people. Some things required by the Americans with Disabilities Act passed recently by Congress, were already implemented by Missouri before the act passed, he noted.

One of those issues is a requirement that a telephone operator provide a relay service for deaf people who want to communicate with anyone who does not have a T.D.D. system. Under this program, the deaf person communites on a T.D.D. with an operator, who relays the message and then sends it back to the deaf person.

"We implemented that two years ago before it was required, and our committee played a big role in that," said Kuehle.

Another key focus of the committee has been working with the state conservation and parks departments to improve access to parks and recreation facilities. This access is also part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, however, much of it was already in affect in this state before it was mandated.

One example, Kuehle said, is that most lakes have facilities that are accessible to people in wheel chairs at boat docks.

The governor's committee has also worked closely with other departments and agencies in state government to make programs and facilities more accessible to disabled persons seeking employment.

Kuehle explained that the committee worked closely with the Missouri National Guard in trying to place citizens with learning disabilities into jobs with the guard. Overall, the program has worked well, benefiting both the guard and the disabled employees.

One of the obstacles was working out the requirements for state merit system exams so that the potential employees could comply with the law.

One of the main functions of the governor's committee now is sharing information about the Americans with Disabilities Act with governmental entities and private employers.

"There is a lot of uncertainty about this act, but most are finding that the average cost to small businesses to make facilities accessible for employment is only around $500," noted Kuehle.

The committee also provides technical assistance on how to make facilities and programs more accessible and to make it easier for handicapped workers to get employed.

Committee staff is also doing job site assessments to let employers know what is needed to make buildings accessible under the A.D.A.

The governor's committee holds quarterly meetings and the members include a cross section of citizens representing consumers, providers, parents, business, industry, the disabled community, and the private sector.