Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Narrative

Vocational Rehabilitation is the process of overcoming the barriers and challenges of a disability and developing the skills and resources to live independently and be successfully employed.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) teams around the state assist adults who are blind or visually impaired to become employed in the career of their informed choice. Eligible participants work with a vocational counselor to complete a plan of services which best meets their individual needs and leads to successful employment. If an applicant is legally blind, and that condition gets in the way of finding or keeping a job, it is likely that they will be eligible for VR services.

The rehabilitation team, which includes a vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor, a rehabilitation teacher or mobility instructor and a counselor aide, works closely with the participant to explore a range of career options. Together they determine how the participant's experience, skills and interests may best fit the world of work. This exploration could include activities like a trial work experience, participation in specific training programs, job shadowing, informational interviews, vocational testing, determining what adaptive skills of blindness are needed, or using the services of the State's Worksource Center system.

The VR counselor and the participant then create a plan based on what has been learned. This plan is called an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE lists all of the steps necessary to prepare the participant for the career of their choice.

One of those steps might be training in the alternative skills of blindness. Another step might be assistive technology evaluation and training, specific job skills training, or academic studies. DSB can assist with the cost of tuition, books and supplies, transportation, reader services, and other needs related to completing the IPE. Additional services could include vocational counseling and guidance, adjustment to blindness, and orientation and mobility training.

Once training is completed, DSB will assist the participant in their job search. This may include matching the participant with a job developer, referring them to Worksource Center services, or arranging for resume assistance, mock interviews, or job club support.

The Assistive Technology team may be involved in evaluating potential job sites to ensure information on the job is available to the participant through access technology. Recommendations about alternative ways to perform certain job tasks may also be made. Additional services include assisting an employer with reasonable accommodations and providing information and resources to employers who hire a person whom is blind or visually impaired.

If a participant is interested in self-employment, the VR team helps evaluate the feasibility of the participant's business plan. Technical assistance is provided to help with the development of a complete business plan. Further services can be provided to help with business start-up.

During the first few months of employment, the VR counselor stays in touch with the participant to ensure that everything is going well. If no further services are needed, the case will be closed, and the participant will continue as a successfully employed, independent, contributing member of the family, community, and work world.