TACE Presenter

William S. Harris, CRC
State of Florida, Department of Education,
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Mr. William S. (Bill) Harris, has accomplished 35 years of professional state service with the last approximate 25 years as a vocational rehabilitation (VR) professional serving as a counselor, senior counselor, supervisor, and consultant for the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Mr. Harris received his undergraduate education at the University of Georgia majoring in Sociology and History; and the University of South Florida with a concentration on Criminal Justice. He earned his graduate degree at the University of Central Florida in Public Policy. In addition, he obtained a Certificate as Public Supervisor from the Florida State University and he is a Certified Supported Employment Trainer also from the State of Florida/APD.

Mr. Harris has many years of expertise as a vocational rehabilitation professional in serving individuals with chronic and persistent mental health issues as well as providing expertise in supported employment. He has also mentored and trained a veritable number of VR personnel. His vision of VR Services is the same as the vision for the State of Florida Department of Education, Division of vocational Rehabilitation -- “To provide services to eligible individuals with physical and/or mental impairments that will enable an individual to achieve an employment goal and/or enhance their independence.” Mr. Harris believes that public policy can benefit from improved methods to quantify performance measures of the enormous and diverse tasks that vocational rehabilitation professionals perform and ultimately provide a positive impact on the lives of Floridians with disabilities, their family members and the community.