Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program by US Department of Education

1. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 1 Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program Presented by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration

2. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 2 Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program Goal: The Goal of this session is to provide the participant with an understanding of the uniqueness of the public vocational rehabilitation service delivery system.

3. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 3 Training Objectives At the end of this session, participants will: Understand the individual nature of the VR program. Be aware of the range of services available to eligible consumers. Understand the framework of the VR program. Learn the benefits of collaborating with VR.

4. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 4 Disability in America Millions of Americans have a disability Less than 1/3 are employed Among the most disadvantaged

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6. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 6 Persons with Disabilities Have The Right To . . . Live independently Enjoy self-determination Make choices Contribute to society Pursue meaningful careers and . . .

7. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 7 Enjoy Full Inclusion and Integration in American Society Economically Politically Socially Culturally Educationally

8. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 8 To empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, achieve economic self-sufficiency and independence, and to realize full inclusion and integration into society.

9. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 9 Demonstrated Ability 200,000 Americans with disabilities achieve employment each year

10. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 10 Eligibility for VR Services To be eligible for VR services, an individual : 1. Must be an individual with a disability, and 2. Must require VR services to be employed

11. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 11 Eligibility for VR Services 1st Criteria: Must be a person with a disability physical or mental impairment substantial barrier to employment can benefit from services in terms of employment

12. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 12 Eligibility for VR Services Employment Outcome Competitive full-time or part-time employment Supported employment Self-employment Other employment . . .

13. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 13 Eligibility for VR Services 2nd Criteria: The individual with a disability . . . must require VR services

14. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 14 Presumed eligible if: Is receiving SSI and/or SSDI Intends to achieve employment Is capable of achieving employment

15. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 15 The Service Delivery System VR services begin with an individualized assessment and career exploration: See a qualified VR counselor Collect existing information Acquire new information Consider the results Initiate joint planning Specify rehabilitation needs

16. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 16 The Service Delivery System A combination of rehabilitation and vocational services become the Individualized Plan for Employment Identify the employment outcome Select VR services Choose service providers Establish timelines Identify responsibilities Other

17. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 17 Vocational Rehabilitation Services Include but are not limited to . . . Assessment Counseling and guidance Referral Restoration Vocational training Maintenance & transportation Interpreter services Reader services Transition services Personal assistance Rehabilitation Technology Supported Employment Tools & equipment Job placement

18. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 18 Key Elements of Consumer Informed Choice an ongoing process a joint effort a partnership consumer driven counselor supported individualized career placement

19. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 19 Enabling policy and procedure (in consultation with the SRC) Long term vocational goal Vocational rehabilitation services Service providers Must also assure: Appropriate mode of communication Availability and scope of informed choice How informed choice may be exercised Support services if assistance is needed

20. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 20 Policies and procedures Collection of information Protection of information Use of information Release of information Recipients of information

21. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 21 Criteria for Success VR services contribution to outcome The right job for the individual The right workplace Employed for 90 days Consumer & counselor agreement

22. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 22 Essential Tenets of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program Organizational Requirements VR Directors Responsibilities Priority of Services to Persons with Significant Disabilities Comparable Services & Benefits Consumer Partnership Qualified Rehabilitation Personnel Quality Employment Outcomes

23. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 23 Organizational Unit Requirements Stipulations of the Act DSU is responsible for the VR program Requires a full-time director All staff must do VR work

24. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 24 VR Directors Responsibilities Determine eligibility Decide the nature and scope of services Authorize services Allocate expenditures Exercise control of field staff Establish the suitability of closure

25. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 25 Priority for services to persons with significant disabilities when there are insufficient resources to serve all eligible persons.

26. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 26 Comparable Services & Benefits Other resources Exceptions: Eligibility & assessment Counseling & guidance Delays

27. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 27 State Rehabilitation Council Purpose Functions

28. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 28 Qualified Rehabilitation Personnel Educational qualifications Medical aspects of disability Counseling and guidance Case management Rehabilitation technology Informed choice Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Other disability-related law Work incentive programs Employment issues

29. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 29 Successful Rehabilitation Requires Quality Employment Outcomes

30. US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration 30 What Does VR Have to Offer? Knowledge of: informed choice disability disability law accessibility assistive technology career development job modification community resources Experience with: employers networking disability management youth with disabilities rehabilitation providers consumer groups workplace supports and accommodations

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