Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Vocational Rehabilitation Process

The process of vocational rehabilitation provided by the Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) is made up of the following six steps:

1. Orientation and Application
2. Eligibility
3. Pre-plan Development and Vocational Assessment
4. Plan for Employment
5. Job Placement and Case Closure
6. Post-employment and Follow-up Services

STEP ONE: Orientation and Application

In this step, DSB provides you with information about vocational rehabilitation services.

1. If you decide to apply, DSB accepts your application.
2. A DSB Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Lead Counselor is identified to determine whether you are eligible for DSB services and, if so, to work with you throughout the vocational rehabilitation process.
3. You may invite family members, advocates, or others to participate in the vocational rehabilitation process.

STEP TWO: Eligibility

Your VR counselor collects records to document your identity, visual disability, and work status. If no records about your visual disability exist, you may need to complete medical examinations or tests to verify eligibility. Information you give DSB is kept confidential.

An eligibility decision is made for an applicant when the preliminary diagnostic study has provided enough information to show that there is:

1. The presence of a visual disability which alone or combined with other disabilities causes an impediment to employment,
   
   and
   
2. Vocational rehabilitation services are required to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.

STEP THREE: Pre-plan Development

In this stage of the VR process, you and your VR counselor explore types of jobs that best match your potential by reviewing:

1. Your strengths, abilities and interests
2. Your work history and skills
3. Information about local job market trends

Additionally, you may complete interest and/or aptitude tests or job try-outs.

STEP FOUR: Plan for Employment

Your VR counselor offers ongoing counseling, guidance and support as you:

1. Select a job goal.
2. Write a plan that outlines what steps and services you need to reach your job goal.
3. Begin working on the activities outlined in your plan.

STEP FIVE: Job Placement and Case Closure

You will conduct a job search with the support of a DSB VR counselor, which could include:

1. Job-related resources and referrals
2. Job search training
3. Résumé and interview techniques
4. Job placement assistance

After you get a job, DSB will maintain contact with you for at least 90 days to make sure the job is a good match.

After 90 days, if you are doing well on the job and no other services are needed, you and your DSB VR counselor will decide when to close your case.

STEP SIX: Post-Employment and Follow-Up Services

If you need assistance after a case is closed, DSB can reopen the case and provide services to assist you in keeping your job. If a job is lost, DSB can assist you in finding a similar job.

Return to New Participant Handbook Table of Contents