Lesson 14: Collaborating with State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Attention The 12 million people with disabilities who work full-time earn less on average than their colleagues without disabilities: median 1999 income of $28,803 vs. $33,970, respectively. About 9 million people age 15 and over had disabilities so severe that they required personal assistance to carry out everyday activities; slightly more than 4 million of these persons were under age 65. About 80 percent of the people who took on the role of primary helper were relatives and nearly half of these primary helpers lived with the disabled person. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
Teaching Can people with disabilities work? The Myth A 2003 study by Rutgers University found one-third of the employers surveyed said that people with disabilities cannot effectively perform the required job tasks. The second most common reason given for not hiring the disabled was the fear of costly special facilities. Yes, people with disabilities can be productive employees A U.S. survey of employers conducted in 2003 found that the cost of accommodations was only $500 or less; 73 per cent of employers reported that their employees did not require special facilities at all. Companies report that employees with disabilities have better retention rates, reducing the high cost of turnover, says a 2002 U.S. study. Other American surveys reveal that after one year of employment, the retention rate of persons with disabilities is 85 per cent. Thousands of people with disabilities have been successful as small business owners, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The 1990 national census revealed that people with disabilities have a higher rate of self-employment and small business experience (12.2 per cent) than people without disabilities (7.8 per cent). The Public VR Program’s success is demonstrated in the numbers * Individuals who completed their VR service plans in FY 2006 and went to work earned approximately $3.6 billion in wages during their first year of work. During that year, these new wage earners paid approximately $331 million in Federal taxes; $97 million in State income taxes; and $537 million in Social Security and Medicare taxes (self and employer). Return on this investment in the cost of their rehabilitation services, through taxes, is just two to four years. Many of these individuals will generate savings to the Federal Treasury and the Social Security Trust Fund in an amount of $7 for every VR dollar spent, totaling approximately $754 million in future savings. * These savings were generated by SSI/SSDI beneficiaries who exited the VR Program with jobs in 2004 and 2005, and who no longer are eligible for Social Security benefits. THE BASICS ABOUT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) assists people with significant disabilities in making informed career choices and utilizing available support services to prepare for, obtain, and retain competitive employment in an integrated environment A person who is eligible for VR works with a counselor to select a vocational goal, based on his or her interests and abilities, and to identify the services that will be needed to achieve the goal. He or she has the right to be involved in planning a program of rehabilitation, including making informed choices about vocational goals and services. There is generally no cost to eligible people. But individuals are encouraged to participate if possible. Tuition assistance to colleges and universities is determined based on financial need. It must be demonstrated that the education will result in employment. Accommodations or modifications at a postsecondary school are provided at no cost. All students applying to colleges must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Money invested in the Public VR Program is money invested in the future of America. Throughout the decades, Public VR has more than paid for itself by helping persons with disabilities become taxpayers and fill both the Federal and State treasuries. In a given year, graduates of the VR Program in the working world pay up to $1 billion in taxes of various kinds. In their first full year of work, new wage earners with disabilities paid:
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is state agency that assists individuals with disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep a job How does someone become involved with VR?
What are the eligibility requirements for VR Services?
When eligibility is determined an appointment is made to begin the Comprehensive Assessment of Rehabilitation Needs leading to the creation of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). This may involve attendance at a Career Exploration Workshop (CEW), completion of a trial work
What services are available at VR?
What if more training or education?
How are VR Client Services Funded?
What are Client Responsibilities?
What are your rights? You have the right to…
Appeal decisions regarding your case with free representation by the Client Assistance Program (CAP) 1 800 773-7055 http://www.caresinc.org/contact What are VR Counselor’s responsibilities?
Assessment Lesson 14 Discussion Contact a local branch office of VR. Acquire some literature and ask what one would need to do in order to set up an appointment and what qualifies someone to get services from VR. Share your adventure in this discussion!
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