THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release September 4, 1993

PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES SIMPSON COMMISSIONER OF THE REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION AT EDUCATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Clinton today announced his intention to nominate rehabilitation counselor Bobby Charles Simpson Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration at the Department of Education.

"Bobby Simpson has dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities and I am grateful that he has agreed to lend his commitment and experience to our Administration," the President said.

Since 1989, Simpson has served as director of the Arkansas Division of Rehabilitation Services, responsible for planning and directing operation of rehabilitation programs statewide. From 1985 - 89, Simpson served as a research and training coordinator in Arkansas' Region IV Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program in Hot Springs. Simpson was executive director of the Austin Resource Center for Independent Living in Austin, Texas from 1981 - 85 and earlier served as a rehabilitation instructor at Victoria College in Gonzales, Texas (1975-78).

Simpson earned a BA in Sociology from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas in 1973 and a MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University in 1974.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration provides national leadership for, and administers, basic state and formula grant programs, service projects and coordinated programs that encourage vocational rehabilitation and independent living for individuals with handicaps. These programs seek to maximize handicapped persons' employability, independence and integration into the workplace community.

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