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How Does The VR Process Work?
Do you have a vision problem that prevents you from being employed?
Our Vocational Rehabilitation Program can provide you with the skills to do the work you want to do.
Whether your goal is a job in the business community or taking care of your home and family, our counselors will help you make that goal a reality. How long the training will take, depends on your disability, and the job you're preparing for.
Applying for Services.
Taking the First Step: During this interview, we will collect information about you, your goals and your disability to determine if we can help you. Our counselor may ask about your work history, and living situation. Please bring copies of recent physical and eye examination results.
Eligibility and Evaluation.
Determining a Course of Action: You are eligible for services if the counselor determines that your sight loss creates a barrier to employment, and you need our Vocational Rehabilitation services to get a job.
Together we'll determine what you want to do, and what your skills are. You may be given tests to zero in on interests and abilities. We may find you need specific vocational or professional training; or need to learn to use special equipment and new ways of operating within your vision limitations.
Developing a Rehabilitation Plan.
Making Your Goal a Reality: You and the counselor will create a plan of action based on what you have learned about your skills and the work you want to do. This plan is called an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan. The plan will identify the job you want, and list all the steps necessary for you to get there.
Training: Developing Skills.
Training may be offered in many different places; on-the-job, at college or vocational classrooms or in a sheltered workshop. Your counselor will work with you, making adjustments to your plan when necessary.
Important to success in any work environment is developing the good work habits of dependability, excellent attendance and hard work. Our counselors will be evaluating your job readiness in these areas.
Job Placement.
Finding and Keeping a Job: You may be asked to enroll in a "job seekers" program. There, you will receive advice on where to look for work, filling out job applications and successful interview techniques. Your counselor may supply job leads for you to follow-up. Remember, finding a job can be a full time job. The more contacts you make, the better your chances.
Follow-Up.
Assuring on-going Success: Your counselor will stay in contact with you during the first months of employment to make sure everything is going well. If you need no further services, your case will be closed. If your disability changes, however, you can still receive help.
If you are a homemaker, your case will be closed when you successfully complete your training. But, it may be reopened if your circumstances change.
Your Responsibilities.
How to get the most out of the Program.
- Be receptive to exploring new options when choosing a career goal.
- Practice good communication skills; be an active participant in developing a work plan with your counselor.
- Commit to completing all the steps in your rehabilitation plan.
Take responsibility for keeping your counselor informed about problems, changes or questions you may have.
Fees.
There is no charge for evaluation and counseling. But, before the Department can pay for some of the other services, you and your counselor will have to see if there is an alternate way to pay for them.
About Our Staff.
The people whose job is helping you: If employment in a business, trade or profession is your goal, you will be assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. If your goal is to take care of your home and family, you will work with a Rehabilitation Teacher.