Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Goal

The goal of vocational rehabilitation (VR) is to assist an individual in achieving or maintaining and employment outcome that is consistent with his/her unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice.

Eligibility

Individuals must have a visual impairment in both eyes and require vocational rehabilitation services to obtain, maintain, or retain and employment outcome.

Services

Types of services may include:

• Vocational Training
• Job Placement
• On-the-Job Training
• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Independent Living Skills Training
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Low Vision Aids and Appliances
• Job Modification Including Adaptive Technology

Some services are based on economic need.

Plan

All eligible VR consumers with the assistance of the VR Specialist will develop an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) that outlines the rehabilitation program required to meet the desired employment outcome. The IPE will include a vocational goal and the services to be provided toward achieving that goal.

Rights

Applicants and eligible consumers have the right to question or appeal any decision that is made regarding eligibility determination or their rehabilitation program.  VR Counselors will explain these rights to applicants and eligible consumers.   Applicants and eligible consumers can also contact the Client Assistance Program for information or assistance regarding their rights or the rehabilitation process.  

Responsibilities

Consumers must:

• Maintain regular contact with their counselor
• Inform the counselor of any change of circumstances which might affect the IPE or it's outcome
• Keep all scheduled appointments

The VR Program is Work Oriented.  The Consumer is expected to become employed once the IPE is completed.