VATS CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF

Ken Knorr has directed the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) since its beginning in 1991 and has been employed by the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services since 1971. His experience ranges from Rehabilitation Counselor to Director of numerous projects besides VATS, such as the Training Services Project, U.S. Postal Services Placement Project, Data Processing for the Handicapped Project (a joint venture with IBM), Special Projects Manager and, most recently, Director of Marketing for Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Ken brings to this project a diverse background of working with a number of constituents, such as Centers for Independent Living, provider agencies, businesses, and a variety of statewide initiative projects and grants.

Since coming to Virginia in 1983, Bob has worked with vocational programs and, as an employee of the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), has supervised specialty programs for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, learning disabilities, and severe physical disabilities. He was the management analyst for the DRS Northern Region prior to working for the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS). Bob holds two degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo with certifications as a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and as a Rehabilitation Provider. He has worked extensively as part of the DRS Accessibility Resource Teams and as the DRS Northern Regional Assistive Technology Liaison. Bob joined VATS in 1994 as the Community Program Coordinator.

Beth has the unique educational background of both physical therapy and social work which has been blended together in the technical assistance which she provides to the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS). She has worked as an administrator, consultant, researcher, trainer, and direct service provider in programs serving infants, children and adults with all types of disabilities and their families. Currently, Beth is a Research Associate at the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Supported Employment at Virginia Commonwealth University where she is on the faculty as a Collateral Instructor. For the past 5 years, she has been associated with VATS in many different capacities and has previously worked with the Maryland Technology Assistance Program as Training Director.

Joey is the Policy Analyst and Funding Specialist with the Virginia Assistive Technology system. He has 20 years of professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Having a variety of experiences including case management, residential services, advocacy, policy development and teaching, Joey remains dedicated to the provision of systems change and personal advocacy for all persons with disabilities. He is the author of multiple journal articles, textbook chapters, and topic papers on a variety of disability related areas. Joey is considered an expert in the area of disability policy and loan financing for assistive technology and is currently coordinating Virginia's initiative to establish such a program.