Frequently Asked Questions
- What is vocational rehabilitation?
- Vocational rehabilitation is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Vocational rehabilitation is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
- How do I apply for vocational rehabilitation services?
- You should contact your local vocational rehabilitation office to apply for services. A vocational rehabilitation counselor will work with you to determine if you are eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services.
- I have a disability. Can vocational rehabilitation help me get a job?
- Once you have applied for vocational rehabilitation services and are determined eligible, a vocational rehabilitation counselor will work with you to help you identify a vocational goal and help you receive the necessary vocational rehabilitation services to assist you in reaching that goal.
- Am I eligible for vocational rehabilitation services?
- You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if your goal is to become employed and:
- Your physical or mental disability interferes with your ability to become employed, and
- You need vocational rehabilitation's help to find or keep a job.
- If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for your disability, you are presumed eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you plan to become employed.
- How long does it take for my eligibility to be determined?
- Vocational rehabilitation must make an eligibility decision within 60 days following the submission of a completed application. If the vocational rehabilitation counselor cannot make an eligibility determination within 60 days due to exceptional and/or unforeseen circumstances, the individual and counselor must agree to a specific extension of time.
- What is financial participation, and will I have to pay for any of my services?
- Vocational rehabilitation will look at the income of eligible individuals to determine if they will be required to share the cost of vocational rehabilitation services.
- What is Order of Selection?
- All eligible individuals are assigned to a category of service based upon their significance of disability. Under Order of Selection, all eligible individuals who are in a closed category are placed on a prioritized waiting list. Federal law requires that individuals with the most significant disabilities be served first.
- What types of services can vocational rehabilitation provide me?
- A variety of services may be provided, depending on your needs, such as:
- Evaluation and diagnostic services may be provided to determine eligibility and the services needed for an individual to become employed.
- Vocational counseling and guidance are provided directly by a vocational rehabilitation counselor during the client's plan of services to accomplish a variety of objectives leading to successful employment.
- Pre-employment transition services may be provided to students with disabilities and can include job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling for postsecondary education, workplace readiness training and instruction in self-advocacy.
- Training services may be provided to meet the employment goal and may include vocational training, college or other academic training, personal and vocational adjustment training, job coaching, on-the-job training, job-seeking skills training, as well as books, tools and other training materials.
- Rehabilitation technology services may include assistive technology devices, driver evaluation and education services, assistive technology services and rehabilitation engineering services to address barriers encountered by an individual in obtaining or retaining employment.
- Physical and mental therapeutic services may be provided to correct or substantially modify an individual's physical or mental condition.
- Specialized services for individuals who are blind, deaf and deaf-blind may include orientation and mobility training, interpreter services, note-taking services and reader services.
- Placement services may be provided to an individual with a disability to find adequate and suitable employment in his or her chosen field.
- Support services such as maintenance, transportation assistance, personal care assistance and services to family members may be provided, if necessary.
- Post-employment services may be provided to previously rehabilitated individuals when needed to maintain or regain suitable employment.
If you have additional questions, please call 1-800-642-8207.
