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A Guide for Applicants
What to expect ...
How it works for you ...
What part you play ...
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services help people with disabilities
to prepare for, find, and keep jobs. A person may be found eligible
for services depending upon his or her individual needs. VR will help
individuals to make informed choices of services,
service providers and your employment goal.
How do I apply for services?
Contact the office nearest you and
request an appointment to meet with a counselor. Please let us know
if you need translator services. If you need help in locating an office
in your area, you may call 1 (800) 532-1486 or refer to the
Contact Us section.
Do I need to bring anything with me when I apply
for services?
When you meet with your counselor,
it will be helpful if you have:
-
your Social Security Number
- names and addresses of any doctors you have seen recently
- names and addresses of any schools you have attended
- information about any medical insurance you have
- a list of places you have worked -- including type of job, dates, reason left and salary -names, addresses and phone numbers of two people who will know how to contact your counselor
- any reports of recent medical exams, school records, or other
information which you feel may help the counselor understand your disability
All records and information are kept confidential.
What happens after I have finished the application?
Your counselor will want
to learn more about you through one or more of the following ways:
- getting information from your doctors and/or schools
- sending you to a new doctor to find out about your current medical condition
- having you take some tests to find out more about your interests, abilities, and skills
* Your
counselor can make the appointments for you. You won't have to
pay for these appointments. You have the right to a decision on
your eligibility within 60 days, unless you agree to an extention. It
is very important that you keep all appointments. Please
let your counselor know if you can't make it to one. If you miss
an appointment, it may take much longer for you to get services.
Does everyone who applies get served?
To be eligible for our services, you must have a physical
and/or mental condition that affects your ability to work; be
able to get and keep a job after receiving services; and must
need rehabilitation services in order to help you get and keep
a job.
Who decides if I can get Vocational Rehabilitation
Services?
After looking at all of the facts, your counselor decides if
you can be served in the Vocational Rehabilitation program. As a
client, you play a very important role in helping us to help you
reach your goal.
However, if your counselor tells you that VR can't help, your case
file will be closed and you will receive a letter telling you why
... and what actions you can take if you don't agree. You may be
referred to other programs or agencies which may be able to help
you.
If I do become a client,how do I get
started?
You and your counselor will decide
upon an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that is a written
record of the services you will receive. Your IPE will have:
- your work goal and what is expected of you to achieve it;
- what services you will be provided;
- the services IVRS will pay for and the services you will pay for, if any; and
- the dates you can expect to get services.
You and your counselor will sign the IPE
and you will get a copy. Your plan can be changed if you need
more help in reaching your work goal.
What kind
of services can I expect?
Services might include vocational training, counseling, prosthetics,assistive
technology, assessment, advanced education, training, hearing aids,
transportation, interpreter services for people with hearing impairments,
and help in finding a job. You probably won't need all of these
services. You will only get those services that will help you reach
your goal.
After I reach my work goal, then what?When you are working
and things appear to be going well, you and your counselor may decide
to close your case. You are an important part of the work force
and can be proud of what you have done. If problems occur after
closing your case let your counselor know.
But...what if I have
a problem?
There may be times when you don't understand or agree with the
decisions made about your case. Perhaps you have a concern about
the types of services you are getting.Or, maybe you think you should
be able to get services when you've been told that you can't. At
times like these, the best thing to do is talk with your IVRS counselor
about your concerns. Often, things are easily cleared up.
What can I do if I disagree with my counselor's
decision
You have a number of options. For more information seeQuestions
and Complaints.
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