Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Case Closure in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program*

Case closure takes place if a participant becomes employed and stable on the job for a minimum of 90 days, or if they did not successfully complete a vocational rehabilitation program with employment as the outcome.

What is a successful case closure?

Successful case closures are those in which the participant achieves a competitive employment in an integrated setting that is consistent with the participant’s individual strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choice. Prior to successful case closure, the counselor and participant should agree that the job is stable and appropriately fulfills the participant’s vocational goal, per the criteria described above.

What is competitive employment?

Competitive employment is the optimal employment outcome in the Vocational Rehabilitation program. This means that the participant is earning at least minimum wage.

What is an integrated setting?

An integrated setting in employment means that the participant interacts with non-disabled persons, excluding service providers, to the same extent that a non-disabled worker in a comparable position interacts with them. Interaction between individuals with disabilities and non-disabled persons need not be face-to-face in order to meet this standard. Persons with disabilities who are self-employed, home-based, or who telecommute may interact regularly with non-disabled persons through a number of mediums, including telephone, facsimile, or computer.

When is a case closed without an employment outcome?

A closure may be necessary if a case cannot be carried through to a successful employment outcome, as defined by the agreed upon employment goal. There are numerous reasons that may justify a case closure without an employment outcome. These reasons include, but are not limited to the following:

• Unable to locate participant or participant has moved out of state.
• Participant’s disability is too severe or participant has an unfavorable medical prognosis.
• Participant refuses services or further services.
• Participant is deceased.
• Participant is institutionalized.
• Participant is transferred to another agency.
• Participant fails to cooperate.
• Participant has no disabling condition.
• Participant has no vocational handicap.
• Transportation for participant is not feasible or available.

Return to New Participant Handbook Table of Contents