Adult Services
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain or advance in employment. If you have limitations with learning, seeing, hearing, communicating, coping with stress, or participating in physical activities, you may be eligible for services from DRS.
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation includes a wide range of services and supports designed to help people with disabilities set and achieve employment goals. Services are provided on an individualized basis.
To apply, you will meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor who will help you identify your strengths and interests, as well as your work-related barriers. You will work together to select a vocational goal and to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), which will outline your vocational objective and the services you need to accomplish your goals.
The services provided to each consumer by DRS will vary depending upon individual needs and may include:
Training and Educational Support Services
Career guidance and counseling – DRS vocational rehabilitation counselors provide ongoing counseling and guidance to consumers to help them successfully meet their employment goals.
Evaluation and diagnostic services – to help determine eligibility and the services needed for a consumer to become employed.
Tutoring – DRS consumers who are struggling to pass a class, course or exam may qualify for one-on-one or small group tutoring services.
Vocational training – to help with occupational, vocational or job skills training in a vocational, trade, technical or business school to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
College or university assistance – to help consumers with education and training leading to a degree.
On-the-job training, internships or apprenticeships – training to help consumers with specific job skills by a prospective employer.
Assistive technology – to help consumers in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.
Job-Related Services
Job search assistance – to help consumers search for an appropriate job and includes résumé development, identifying appropriate job opportunities, developing interview skills, and making contacts with employers on behalf of the consumer.
Job coaching – training of a consumer hired by an employer to learn specific job requirements and tasks.
Direct placement to work – to help consumers with placement assistance to a specific job resulting in an interview and/or employment.
Job-related support services – to help consumers prepare for and maintain employment including things like occupational licenses, tools and equipment, clothing and transportation costs.
Workplace accommodations – an adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform their job duties and may include specialized equipment, modifications to the work environment or adjustments to work schedules or responsibilities.
Specialized Services
DRS offers specialized services to help West Virginians with significant vision and/or hearing impairments address barriers, so they can meet their work-related needs. DRS also provides distinct rehabilitation technology services that can help consumers prepare for and work more effectively and efficiently.