Career or Job?
The purpose of vocational rehabilitation is focused on careers. The Rehabilitation Act requires that people with disabilities have an active voice in choosing employment goals in keeping with their interests and abilities.
Someone who wants to and is able to be a lawyer, scientist or minister should not settle for a job as a receptionist in the firm where those professions are practiced, unless it is only a step in a plan that goes further. Career goals should be consistent with the student’s interests and disabilities.
The first step is to select a job or career goal. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can assist with this process if a student isn’t sure of what he or she would like to do. Students in high school that may even request work experiences to gain basic work skills that are needed on any job. When a career goal is selecting, training will be provided to achieve the desired outcome.