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Do you have a disability that prevents you from being employed?

Our Vocational Rehabilitation Program can provide you with the skills to do the work you want to do.

Whether your goal is a job in the business community or taking care of your home and family, our counselors will help you make that goal a reality. How long the training will take, depends on your disability, and the job you're preparing for.

Applying for Services

Taking the First Step: During this interview, we will collect information about you, your goals and your disability to determine if we can help you. Our counselor may ask about your work history, and living situation. Please bring copies of recent physical and eye examination results.

Evaluation

Together we'll determine what you want to do, and what your skills are. You may be given tests to zero in on interests and abilities. We may find you need specific vocational or professional training; or need to learn to use special equipment. You may identify other jobs that you might consider.

Developing a Rehabilitation Plan

To make your goal a reality you will need to develop an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE), which will identify your job goal and list all the services necessary to go to it. This can be done in one of four ways:

1. You may complete the form yourself.
2. You may get someone to complete the form for you.
3. You and another person may complete the form together.
4. You and your counselor may complete the form together.

Regardless of who creates the IPE, it does not go into effect until it is signed by both the client and the counselor.

Training: Developing Skills

Training may be offered in many different places; on-the-job, at college or vocational classrooms or in a specialized setting. Your counselor will work with you, making adjustments to your plan when necessary.

Important to success in any work environment is developing the good work habits of dependability, excellent attendance and hard work. Our counselors will be evaluating your job readiness in these areas.

Job Placement

Finding and Keeping Jobs: You may be asked to enroll in a "job seekers" program. There, you will receive advice on where to look for work, filling out job applications and successful interview techniques. Your counselor may supply job leads for you to follow-up. Remember, finding a job can be a full time job. The more contacts you make, the better your chances.

Follow-Up

Assuring ongoing Success: Your counselor will stay in contact with you during the first months of employment to make sure everything is going well. If you need no further services, your case will be closed. If your disability changes, however, you can still receive help.

Your Responsibilities

• To get the most out of the Program.
• Be receptive to exploring new options when choosing a career goal.
• Practice good communication skills; be an active participant in developing a work plan with your counselor.
• Commit to completing all the steps in your rehabilitation plan.
• Take responsibility for keeping your counselor informed about problems, changes or questions you may have.

Fees

There is no charge for evaluation and counseling. But, before the Department can pay for some of the other services, you and your counselor will have to see if there is an alternative way to pay for them.

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