Vocational Rehabilitation.

Last updated Thursday, January 06, 2005

How to make VR work for you

Facts about VR

If you decide to apply for rehabilitation services, there are some important facts you should keep in mind.

• Vocational rehabilitation is not a "make work" program. It helps people with disabilities find and keep employment.
• The agency serves all types of disabilities.
• Counselors often handle more than 100 clients at any one time.
• Arthritis is not well understood by many counselors and other VR personnel.

Client responsibilities

You are responsible for making sure that the rehabilitation plan developed by you and your counselor meets your needs.

Some tips:

• Discuss with your physician the extent and future outlook of your arthritis.
• Discuss with your physician and a physical and occupational therapist how arthritis affects your ability to work.
• If presently employed, talk to your employer about modifying the work situation to meet your needs. An occupational nurse in your work site may be helpful in documenting problems you are having with arthritis.
• Discuss with your family how VR services may temporarily change family lifestyle.
• Initial contact to VR is made by you or someone you know. The agency will not seek you out (Unless Social Security contacts you).
• Complete paperwork on time and provide all the necessary information. Make certain physicians and other health professionals do the same.
• Provide specific information regarding how long you can stand and sit, how far you can walk, your need for self-help devices, and your overall strength and endurance.
• Set realistic career or employment goals. Consider how arthritis honestly affects your ability to work.
• Provide the counselor with information about arthritis if necessary. Arthritis Foundation pamphlets are a good resource.
• Keep the counselor informed of any changes that may affect your IWRP (health, financial, progress in school or training programs
• Meet financial commitments.
• Meet deadlines and scheduled meetings with your counselor.
• Understand your IWRP.
• Understand your rights.
• Resolve small problems before they become major concerns.
• Ask questions. You need to be the coordinator of your program!

Credits

Some of this material may also be available in an Arthritis Foundation brochure. Contact the Washington/Alaska Chapter Helpline: (800) 542-0295. If dialing from outside of WA and AK, contact the National Helpline: (800) 283-7800.

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Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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