Vocational rehabilitation (VR) provides free services to help people with disabilities find and keep employment. Here's how to access these valuable resources.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What vocational rehabilitation is
- Services available
- How to apply
- Working with your counselor
1. What Vocational Rehabilitation Is
State-federal program:
- In every state
- Free services
- For people with disabilities
- Goal: Competitive employment
Purpose:
- Help you prepare for work
- Find suitable employment
- Keep your job
- Achieve independence
Who runs it:
- State VR agencies
- Different names in each state
- (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, etc.)
- Federal funding, state administration
No cost to you:
- Services are free
- Federally funded
- Some may require cost-sharing
- Based on financial need
2. Services Available
Assessment:
- Evaluate abilities and limitations
- Identify career interests
- Determine service needs
- Develop employment plan
Training:
- Vocational training
- College or university
- On-the-job training
- Certification programs
Job search assistance:
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- Job placement
- Employer connections
Supportive services:
- Transportation assistance
- Assistive technology
- Interpreter services
- Personal assistance
Additional services:
- Disability-related equipment
- Medical treatment (if needed for work)
- Job coaching
- Workplace accommodations
Important: Services are individualized. Your VR counselor creates a plan specifically for you.
3. How to Apply
Contact your state VR:
- Search "[your state] vocational rehabilitation"
- Find local office
- Call or visit
- Request services
Eligibility:
- Have a disability
- Disability creates employment barrier
- Need VR services to work
- Can benefit from services
The process:
- Apply for services
- Eligibility determination
- Assessment of needs
- Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
- Receive services
- Achieve employment goal
What to bring:
- Medical documentation
- Work history
- Education records
- Disability documentation (SSI/SSDI award letter)
Timeline:
- Eligibility decided within 60 days
- Plan developed together
- Services begin after plan
- Duration varies by needs
4. Working with Your Counselor
Your VR counselor:
- Assigned to your case
- Develops plan with you
- Coordinates services
- Monitors progress
Building a good relationship:
- Communicate openly
- Share your goals
- Participate actively
- Follow through
The IPE (plan):
- Your employment goal
- Services you'll receive
- Timeline
- Responsibilities
Stay engaged:
- Attend appointments
- Complete required tasks
- Report changes
- Ask questions
VR and Disability Benefits
VR + Ticket to Work:
- VR can be your Ticket provider
- Assign your Ticket
- Combined services
- Coordinated support
VR + SSI/SSDI:
- Work incentives apply
- VR counselor should understand
- Coordinate with WIPA if needed
- Plan for benefit transitions
Cost reimbursement:
- If VR helps you become employed
- SSA may reimburse VR
- Incentive for VR to help
- Benefits everyone
Tips for Success
Be proactive:
- Follow up on your case
- Ask about available services
- Advocate for yourself
- Stay engaged
Have realistic goals:
- Consider your limitations
- Build on your strengths
- Set achievable targets
- Step-by-step progress
Use all resources:
- VR is one piece
- Combine with WIPA, Ticket to Work
- Community resources
- Support network
How Purple Helps
Purple supports your employment journey:
- Track earnings alongside benefits
- Monitor SSI resources
- Manage transition to work
- Clear financial picture
- Early access to deposits