Vocational Rehabilitation.
Last updated Thursday, January 06, 2005
VR servicesEvaluation process The services of vocational rehabilitation are designed to help
people from all walks of life, who are disabled, match their skills
with current job opportunities. These may include professional jobs,
self-employment, family or farm work, industrial or technical work,
sheltered or home-bound employment, or any other gainful work.
The specific type and number of services you might need are
determined through an evaluation process. Two examples are given below:
1. A surgical nurse with severe osteoarthritis in the feet
may only need work evaluation studies to determine what other types of
hospital work he or she can perform.
2. A truck driver with progressive ankylosing spondylitis might require a number of services and a complete change of career.
Examples of VR services
To help you achieve your employment goals, VR may provide the following services:
- Medical and psychological examination. You may be
asked to see a rheumatologist, physical and/or occupational therapist
or psychologist
- Evaluation of interests, skills, and ability for future work
- Counseling, guidance and referral to other necessary services
- Physical or mental restoration programs and services that could include surgery, hospitalization or physical therapy
- Expenses for training or education in universities, colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship programs or on-the job
- Expenses for purchasing books, tools, licenses or other equipment
- Basic living expenses
- Transportation costs
- Medical equipment necessary for employment Wheelchairs, prosthetics, glasses, self-help devices
- Job placement
- Follow-up after employment
VR services for teens For young people with arthritis, the change or transition from
school to working life involves many choices and decisions regarding
employment or higher education. Vocational rehabilitation and the
Department of Education will work together to help teens make a
successful transition from student to independent adult. The two
agencies coordinate and offer services that begin in high school and
continue into the early adult years.
Parents and students need to actively pursue this coordination. They
should check with the school counselor and local VR office about
transition programs. Early planning will make the transition smoother
and success more likely. Payment for VR services Not all vocational rehabilitation services are provided free of
charge. You will be asked to submit information about your income and
expenses to determine how much you can contribute to the cost of your
VR program. In some cases VR does pay for all expenses when the person
has very limited funds.
You will not be asked to pay for services that involve medical,
psychological or vocational evaluation, counseling, referral and job
placement. However, financial need must be proven for all other
services.
Individuals who are entering an educational program beyond high
school (college, university, technical school) must apply for federal
student financial aid. Once you apply, the VR counselor will work with
the financial aid officer to determine how your educational expenses
will be met. Usually, financial aid pays for educational costs and VR
covers disability-related expenses.
As discussed earlier, each state sets its own budget for
rehabilitation programs. The amount of money available for VR in your
state will directly affect the range of services and number of clients
served.
In addition, each state agency receives its funds for a 12-month
period (fiscal years). The fiscal year may begin on January 1, or
another date, and this may vary from state to state. That means there
will be more money available at the beginning of the fiscal year than
at the end. These factors: budget, number of clients served, and timing
in relation to the fiscal year, may affect your ability to receive
needed services even though you qualify. Therefore, it is advisable to
apply early in the fiscal year. Contact the local VR office with
specific questions.
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