It shall be unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the vocational rehabilitation program, and in accordance with regulations, for any person to solicit, disclose, receive or make use of, or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in or acquiesce in the use of any list of, or names of, or any information concerning, persons applying for or receiving vocational rehabilitation, directly or indirectly derived from the records, papers, files, communications of the State or subdivisions or agencies thereof, or acquired in the course of the performance of official duties without the written consent of each such applicant and recipient. The records, papers, files and communications shall be regarded as confidential information and privileged.