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A
consumer guide to public Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
How can my state's VR agency help me
find a job? How do I apply? What if I am put on a waiting list? ICI's new brief
guides consumers and their helpers through the basics of this important public
resource. In addition, the brief shares advice from consumers who made VR work
for them.
Getting
the Most from VR -- http://www.communityinclusion.org/publications/pub.php?page=newpubs
Tools for Inclusion - Family
and Consumer Series - Getting
the Most from the Public Vocational Rehabilitation System
Issue #19 - December 2004
By Colleen Condon, Cecilia Gandolfo, Lora Brugnaro, Cindy Thomas, and Pauline
Donnelly
Introduction
Every
state has a vocational rehabilitation agency that is designed to help
individuals with disabilities meet their employment goals. Vocational
rehabilitation agencies assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for,
get, keep, or regain employment. Many individuals with disabilities and their
families, teachers, employers, and advocates have found these agencies can
provide flexible services that help people reach their employment goals.
This publication describes the vocational rehabilitation system by responding to
questions frequently asked by individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to give
you information that will help you get the services you need to reach your
employment goals.
1. What kinds of services are
available through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?
Helping
you to get and keep a job is VR's ultimate goal. There are many different
services available to help you in reaching this goal. The services offered
during each step in the process vary and depend upon your employment needs and
interests. Your services may include:
1.
Eligibility determination to figure out if you qualify for services
2.
Assessment of vocational needs to learn more about your interests, skills, and the
services and support you might need
3.
Development of an Individualized Plan for Employment that outlines your goals and
the services you will receive
4.
Coordination of services to reach your goal of employment
5.
Post-employment services to help you keep your job once you get it
2. Who is eligible for services
from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?
In
order to be eligible for VR services, the federal regulations say you must:
·
Be
an "individual with a disability," meaning a person who
o
Has a
physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial
barrier to employment and
o
Can
benefit from VR services to achieve an employment outcome
·
Require
VR services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.
If
you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you are presumed to be eligible for VR services,
unless there is strong evidence that you are too significantly disabled to
benefit from these services.
When a state does not have the funds to serve everyone who would normally be
eligible for services, they are required to first serve people with the most
significant disabilities. This is called "order of selection." Each
state decides for itself what "most significant disability" means. You
should check with the agency in your state to find out if you will be eligible
for services.
It is important to remember that the government uses terms differently than they
may be used in our daily lives. While you may not consider yourself to have a
disability, let alone a significant disability, you may, in fact, qualify for
services. Because the regulations are complex, you should not try to guess or
determine for yourself if you will be eligible. Instead, if you think you could
benefit from services, contact your local VR office and a counselor will meet
with you and determine your eligibility. Remember, if you receive SSI or SSDI
you are presumed to be eligible for VR services unless there is strong evidence
that you will not benefit from them.
It is important to note that in some states people who are blind receive VR
services through their state division for the blind.
3. Will I have to PAY for VR
services?
There
is
no cost to apply
for VR services and to find out if you are eligible.
While most people do not pay for their services, some states may require you to
complete a statement of financial need prior to purchasing services on your
behalf. Depending upon your financial resources, you may be asked to help pay
for your services. In most situations if you are going to take classes at a
post-secondary school (such as a community college or a university) you will be
required to apply for financial aid. Regardless of your financial situation, if
you are determined eligible for VR, you may receive the following services at no
cost:
·
Assessments
to determine VR needs
·
Vocational
counseling and guidance
·
Referral
for other services
4. How does the APPLICATION
PROCESS work?
Each
VR office is different, but usually
a staff person will outline available
services to you during your first visit to the office.
This may be done in a
group orientation or during an individual appointment. The best way to get
started is to call your local office.
If you decide that you are interested in receiving services, you must apply
for services. A VR counselor will be assigned to meet with you. During the
first meeting, you and your VR counselor will have the opportunity to discuss
your employment interests, concerns, and employment goals. In addition to
getting information from you directly, the counselor may ask your permission to
get information about you from other sources in order to determine if you are
eligible for services. Your counselor must determine if you are eligible for
services within 60 days of your application.
If documentation of your disability is not available, or is out of date, then
the VR agency may pay for you to have an assessment by a medical professional,
psychologist, psychiatrist, or other appropriate entity.
5. If I am ELIGIBLE for
services, what will happen next?
You
and your counselor will
work together to figure out what services you
will need to reach your goals. Typically, you and your counselor will:
·
Explore
your interests, skills, experiences and support needs
·
Decide
on your employment goals
·
Develop
an Individual Plan for Employment to help you reach your goals
6. What is an Individual Plan
for Employment (IPE)?
Each
person is unique and therefore requires an individualized approach to reach
their employment goal. You and your counselor will work together to establish
your goal and identify the services that are necessary for you to achieve your
goal. You may choose from a variety of different services and different ways the
services can be provided. The following is a list of many of the services, but
not all, that you might receive during the employment planning stage:
·
Vocational
counseling and guidance
·
Job
placement assistance
·
College
or vocational training
·
Supported
employment services
·
Skills
training
·
Job
coaching or tutoring
·
Transportation
·
Interpreter
services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
·
Services
to assist students with disabilities in their transition from school to work
·
Reader
services for individuals who are blind
·
Assistive
and rehabilitation technology services
·
Referral
services
·
Support,
advocacy, and follow-up services for at least 90 days following job placement
Services
may be provided directly by your VR counselor, coordinated with other services,
or purchased by the VR agency on your behalf. Purchasing services means VR pays
another agency or organization to provide you with services. For example, VR may
pay for skills training or for a community employment agency to work with you.
7. Is the IPE IMPORTANT?
Yes!
Take your Individual Plan for Employment seriously.
The IPE is your map
for meeting your employment goal. Be specific when developing it. Making weekly
or monthly "to do" lists is an effective way to track your steps and
mark progress. Frequently it takes time to meet your goals. Your IPE may need to
be revised to reflect changes in your goals. You should discuss this with your
counselor.
8. What are community
rehabilitation provider services?
Vocational
rehabilitation agencies frequently purchase services from community
rehabilitation providers (CRPs). These agencies are
often able to provide
more intensive services than typically provided directly by VR counselors.
Your IPE may state that you will work with a CRP for more intensive employment
services or training. You should be given a choice of providers and an
opportunity to visit each one before deciding which one is best for you. If you
decide to use the CRP's services, the staff there will work with your VR
counselor and keep them informed. Take these resources seriously. Work on your
goals with your CRP counselor or employment specialist. If you are not happy
with the services provided by the CRP, you may always return to your VR
counselor and ask to change providers.
9. What SHOULD I EXPECT from
the services I receive from VR?
You
should expect
respect for your choices and support in making decisions.
You should also expect individualized services that are tailored to your
specific goals. This means that VR will work with you to identify, search, and
apply for jobs or educational opportunities leading to jobs that match your
employment goals. VR does not have a ready-made pool of available jobs that you
can automatically fit into.
10. What is MY ROLE in working
with VR?
There
are
many things that you can do to work effectively with your VR
counselor.
·
Become
familiar with the range of services VR offers.
·
Understand
that participating in VR services involves going through multiple steps. Work
with your counselor to identify the steps you will need to take and what will
happen at each step in the process.
·
Be
as clear as possible about what help or tools you think you need to reach your
goals.
·
Participate
actively in creating your IPE.
·
Read
your VR agency's handbook for consumers. This is given out at orientation and
can often be found by visiting your VR agency's website.
·
Ask
questions, and listen to the answers.
·
Stay
in contact with your counselor throughout the process.
It is important to show as much initiative as possible.
Finding a job is hard work. You should spend a lot of your own time on your job
search and use many different methods. For instance, go to a One-Stop Career
Center or college career center to use their services, attend job fairs to
practice interview skills, network in your community to discover who may be
hiring, and join employment-focused support groups. Ask your VR counselor about
some of these local employment resources.
11. How should I PREPARE FOR
MEETINGS with my counselor?
Each
time you meet with your VR counselor, you should:
·
Be
prepared with updates and questions. You are your own best advocate. It
is good practice to tell your counselor the things you are doing on your own,
including both challenges and successes. Also ask for ideas on how to build on
all your experience.
·
Be
prepared to talk openly with your counselor about your employment goal,
and listen to suggestions. Providing information about your employment history
and goals will help your counselor provide you with services that are right for
you.
·
Set
small goals at each meeting that you can accomplish by the next one.
·
Prepare
yourself for each meeting as if you were going to meet with a potential
employer. The more you practice these skills, the easier they will become.
·
Keep
appointments and be punctual. If you need to cancel, give as much notice
as possible. If you are late, understand that your counselor may have another
meeting after yours, so you will get less time.
·
Dress nicely for the meeting. Be clean and neat.
·
Bring
with you any materials you are working on, such as a resume, job
postings, school application, or cover letter.
·
Bring
a pen and notepaper, and a calendar if possible.
·
Bring
a list of questions and/or requests you may have.
12. Will my counselor HELP ME
TO KEEP MY JOB after I get one?
You
and your counselor may
identify services that you may need to keep your
job. These services may be provided directly by your counselor or by a provider
agency. You may also be eligible to receive post-employment services at any
point during the three years following job placement, even if your case has been
closed. These services are short-term and directly related to helping you keep
your job, and they must be consistent with your original goal on the IPE.
13. Can I use the VR system if
I am ALREADY RECEIVING SERVICES from another state or private agency?
Yes.
Even if you are receiving services from another state or private agency, you can
receive services from your state VR agency. VR
may be able to provide or fund
services that you do not already receive.
may be able to provide or fund
services that you do not already receive.
If you are receiving services from
more than one agency it is important to let your VR counselor know this and talk
about how your services will be coordinated. You will want to work with the
agencies to make sure that the services you receive complement each other and
that you and your team are working together toward the same goals.
14. How do I FIND a VR office
NEAR ME?
You
can find the location of the nearest office on the internet at http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/sbses/vocrehab.htm
or www.nchrtm.okstate.edu/resources/agencies.html.
You can also look in the employment or disability listings in the government
section (blue section) of the phone book.
Remember, in many states a separate office offers services for people who are
blind through their state division for the blind. Contact your local VR office
to find out if there is a separate office that serves people who are blind.
15. If there is MORE THAN ONE
VR office in my area, which one should I go to?
While
VR offices are generally assigned to serve people in specific cities and towns,
you
can use whichever office is most convenient and accessible for you. You do
not need to use the one that is in your town or closest to your home.
16. Can I use more than one VR
office at a time?
No.
You can only receive services from one VR office at a time.
17. What if I am UNHAPPY with
the services I receive at VR or the CRP?
If
you are dissatisfied with the services you have received, try to think of the
reasons why. For example, is it because you have not found a job? Have you
received the services you asked for? Or do you feel that your counselor is not
listening to you? Discuss your concerns with your counselor and ask for
suggestions. If you remain dissatisfied, you can ask to speak with your
counselor's supervisor or the office director. You can also request a new
counselor if you feel you cannot work things out with your current one. But
start
with honest communication and request what you want and need. If, after
trying to work the issues out with your counselor and the supervisor,
difficulties with services persist, you can contact your local Client Assistance
Program.
18. What is the Client
Assistance Program (CAP)?
CAPs
exist in every state.
They provide advocacy and information for individuals
applying for or being served by VR. If you are having problems with VR that
you have not been able to work out with staff in your local VR office the CAP
may be helpful to you. To find out more about CAP procedures, contact your local
VR office and ask about their CAP services, or call the CAP program directly.
You should receive information about CAP during your orientation to VR.
19. What should I do if I
cannot get services I need right away?
Sometimes
more people need VR services than the state agency can serve. When this happens
you may not be able to receive services right away. When you complete an
application for services, ask how long the review process takes and how long it
will take for you to begin receiving services.
Visit your state's VR website and see if there is any information that would be
helpful, including a guide or handbook on services. Visit other public centers
where you can access free employment and information services like a One-Stop
Career Center, library, or college career center. You can find a One-Stop Career
Center online at
www.servicelocator.org/nearest_onestop.asp.
20. Does VR offer any OTHER
SERVICES for people with disabilities?
The
agency in your state that provides VR services may also provide other services
for people with disabilities. Contact your state agency to learn about the range
of services that may be offered.
Melissa: A New Career Path
After
graduating from high school ten years ago, Melissa worked as a child care
worker. Though she enjoyed working with children, she found the job a bit
stressful due to her significant learning disability. About one year ago,
Melissa injured her neck in a car accident and was eventually laid off from her
job since she could not lift the children anymore. After a year of unemployment,
her mother suggested that she contact her local VR office for help deciding upon
a new career. At first Melissa was hesitant, since she had used VR services back
when she first graduated from high school and had not found them to be very
helpful. After thinking it over, she decided to give it a try and called the
local VR office.
Melissa attended the orientation and thought the services there would be helpful
for her. A few weeks later she met with Linda, a vocational counselor. Linda
worked with Melissa to help her decide what career path she would like to try
next. The two of them met a few times and talked about Melissa's education, past
jobs, and interests. Melissa then completed a series of vocational assessment
tests, which helped her learn more about her strengths and skills. After the
assessments and meetings, Linda and Melissa came to the conclusion that a job as
a medical records clerk would be a great fit. Together they came up with an
Individual Plan for Employment that included going to the local community
college and taking a certificate program in medical records. With help from
Linda, Melissa is currently enrolled in the program and is gaining the skills
she needs to find her next job.
Susan: Pursues Her First Job
Getting Started
Susan
has a mental illness and lives in a public housing development in a large city.
Since graduating from high school five years ago, she has attended a clubhouse-a
program for individuals with mental illness. Recently, Susan decided that she
would like to get a job in her community. She talked with her therapist as well
as a clubhouse staff member. They recommended that Susan contact the state VR
agency to see if she would be eligible for their services.
Susan called her local office and was given an appointment to meet with a VR
counselor, Jim. She completed an application during this meeting and some time
later received a letter saying she was found eligible for services. When she met
with Jim again, he requested permission from Susan to talk with staff at the
clubhouse, her therapist, her caseworker at the Department of Mental Health, and
her family. Jim explained to Susan that with input from people who knew her
well, he could help her develop the best Individual Plan for Employment
possible.
The IPE
Jim
and Susan worked together to develop a good job. Together they came up with a
plan for the services Susan would need. The VR agency agreed to fund job
placement services for Susan along with some job coaching and support services
as she began her job. Susan said she felt bad when she had too much time alone,
so everyone agreed that it might be best for Susan to continue attending the
clubhouse when she was not out looking for a job.
Selecting a Provider
Jim
told Susan that she could get her job placement services from a private agency
called a community rehabilitation provider. He gave her a list of three to
visit. She visited and chose one she thought would be best for her.
Starting a Job
After
working with a job placement specialist at the provider agency for four months,
Susan was offered a full-time clerical assistant position with a local real
estate company. When she began her new job a job coach went with her to help her
get the accommodations she needed. He also helped her learn her job by providing
one-to-one instruction. After a week the job coach was needed less and began to
visit the worksite less frequently. Susan, the employer, and the job coach
decided a weekly check-in by phone with the employer would be helpful. Susan
also made plans to meet with her job coach once a week after work for additional
support.
Keeping the Job
Susan
continued to meet with Jim every six weeks. At these meetings they reviewed the
public benefits that Susan was receiving to make sure she understood the changes
that would result from her increase in earnings. Additionally, he and the staff
at the clubhouse began to help Susan make plans to stay in touch with her
friends there. Jim made sure that all of Susan's services were coordinated well,
and he was there to listen to Susan's concerns. After she worked for six months,
Susan found that she no longer required any services from VR, and her case was
closed. She continues to attend social events at the clubhouse when they fit in
her schedule and she gets informal support on work issues as they arise from
staff and peers there. She also meets with her therapist after work.
Tips on Making VR Work from
People Who Found Jobs Through the Program
Evaluate your expectations
Pat: "VR will not hand you a job. Nobody is ever handed a
job. Expect to be given resources, advice and help on making connections. You
must get involved in your job search."
Jose: "Working takes a lot of effort and finding a job takes
just as much work-if not more. Be prepared!"
Ask questions
Juanita:
"When I first went to the VR office, I was given a lot of forms and they
asked a lot of questions. I was shy and did not say much even when I did not
understand some things. I became frustrated and told a friend what had happened.
She suggested I write down a list of questions to ask at my next meeting. I did
this and I think my VR counselor and I understood each other better."
Advocate for yourself
Tom:
"I had a VR counselor that insisted I apply for jobs that seemed beneath my
qualifications and were a poor match for my skills. In fact, my counselor
submitted my resume to such positions without telling me. When I tried to tell
my counselor how I felt, there was no response. After some thought, I approached
my counselor's supervisor. It was decided that another counselor would be
assigned to me. I worked better with this new counselor and got a job in six
months!"
Don't give up
Maria:
"It can take from weeks to years to find a job, but those who stick with
the program do the best. I once spent two years working on a job search while
using VR services. Many times I wanted to give up. Finally, I was offered four
different positions in one week! I chose one and have been employed ever since.
I am pursuing my career!"
Try new approaches
Tasha:
"When my VR counselor first advised me to ask people I knew about
employment opportunities, I did not want to. I was used to looking in the
newspaper for job openings. Eventually I found a job, but I got it after I
started asking people I knew about jobs. I also started using other sources such
as the One-Stop Career Center in my area."
Talk to your peers
Mohammad:
"When I went to VR, I felt very alone. I was upset because I did not have a
job. I really kept to myself except for talking to my counselor. One day my
counselor suggested that I join the job seekers group. I thought it would not be
for me since I had worked a lot in my past. I went and discovered that everybody
had his own story. I got tips from them on what worked and did not work,
different types of jobs and different resources that I would never had known
about. We all found jobs. Some of us are still in touch."
National Resources
Vocational
Rehabilitation State Offices (from the Job Accommodation Network)
http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/sbses/vocrehab.htm
Rehabilitation Services Administration
www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/About/
General Disability Resources
www.disability.gov
Social Security Administration
www.socialsecurity.gov
Independent Living Centers
www.ilru.org/jump1.htm
Massachusetts Resources
Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission (MA state VR agency)
Administrative Offices
Fort Point Place Suite 600;27 Wormwood Street
Boston, MA 02210-1616
MRC main information numbers: 800/245-6543 (voice/TTY) or 617/204-3600;Fax:
(617) 727-1354
www.state.ma.us/mrc
Vocational Rehabilitation Division
Phone: 800/245-6543 (voice/TTY) or (617) 204-3600
www.state.ma.us/mrc/vr
Statewide Employment Services
Phone: 617/204-3854
www.state.ma.us/mrc/ses/indexma.htm
Independent Living Division
Consumer Involvement, Independent Living Centers, Turning 22, Housing, and
Supported Living programs: 800/245-6543 (voice/TTY) or 617/204-3851 Protective
Services program: 508/823-2874 (phone) or 508/823-5186 (fax)
Homecare and Personal Care Assistance programs: 617/204-3853
Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP):
617/204-3852
Disability Determination Services Division
Phone: 800/422-7200 (toll-free within Massachusetts)
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
48 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617/727-5550
Fax: 617/626-7685
Massachusetts Office of Disability, Client Assistance Program (CAP)
One Ashburton Place, Room 1305
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 800/422-7200 or 617/727-7440
For more information, contact:
Colleen Condon
Institute for Community Inclusion
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, Massachusetts 02125
(617) 287-4300 (voice)
(617) 287-4350 (TTY)
colleen.condon@umb.edu
The authors would like to thank Joanne Baldesari, Mark Cowell, John Halliday,
Joe Marrone, and Michelle Zalkind for their editorial assistance.
This publication is a product of Partnerships for Employment, a Rehabilitation
Services Administration-funded special demonstration grant (#H234M010131).
Visit
www.communityinclusion.org
to read this brief online;
Contact the Institute for Community Inclusion
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
email: ici@umb.edu
voice: 617/287-4300 voice, 617/287-4350 TTY
web: http://www.communityinclusion.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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