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:

  • Identify the historical context and general goals of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program
  • Describe how the Vocational Rehabilitation program works in Maine and how to contact the local office.

Teaching

Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

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 those persons found eligible for services. But individuals are encouraged to participate financially if possible. Tuition assistance to colleges and universities is determined based on financial need if the counselor agrees to support the employment goal following the education requirements. 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:

  • $330 million in Federal taxes
  • $96 million in State income taxes
  • $595 million in Social Security and Medicare taxes (self and employer)

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?

  1. Attend Orientation, either online or in person.
  2. Completely fill out an application, signing the paperwork is crucial, as well as completing a health checklist (both sides) and submit it the the regional agency nearest you. A counselor will then be assigned and schedule an intake interview.
  3. During the intake interview releases will be signed to gather medical information and other records to determine your eligibility for VR services.

What are the eligibility requirements for VR Services?

  • The policy states that a person is eligible for services if she or he:
    • has a physical or mental impairment which results in a substantial impediment to employment and
    • requires Vocational Rehabilitation Services services to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment.

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), and/or completion of a Community Based Situational Assessment (CBSA). This is where an individual has the chance to try out a job. They will work with 1:1 job coaching for about 20 hours and receive wages. The job coach completes an assessment form which is submitted to the VR Counselor. A meeting is then scheduled to review the results of this CBSA. The goal of the CBSA is to learn more about the client in an actual work situation and hopefully be closer to developing an employment goal and completing the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

  • Making an Individualized Plan for Employment
    • You and your Counselor will work together to identify an employment goal based on: your interests, skills, abilities and labor market conditions
  • An Individualized Plan for Employment will be developed outlining the steps to achieve your chosen Work Goal:
    • the Plan will include specific services, training, and supplies you need to achieve your chosen work goal
    • the Plan will be reviewed by you and your counselor and changed as needed
    • your case will be closed after you have successfully achieved your work goal and maintained your job for at least 90 days

What services are available at VR?

  • Vocational guidance and counseling
  • Individualized Assessment and plan development
  • Diagnostic services for VR purposes
  • Job Shadowing
  • Trial Work Assessment
  • Job coaching
  • Job training and education
  • Job placement
  • Follow up services
  • Support services
  • Self Employment
  • TTW & PASS Plans

What if more training or education?

  • Following skill assessments, training options will be only considered if it is necessary to achieve your vocational goal. The following conditions must be met:
    • To apply for and maintain eligibility for financial aid assistance
    • To apply to a program and be accepted
    • Financial Assistance for public or private, in-state or out of state institutions will be provided as cost effectively as possible following the guidelines of Maine DVR policy for Community College Programs and Bachelors Degree program

How are VR Client Services Funded?

  • Client services will only be funded if they are pre-authorized by your VR Counselor and are in your Individualize Plan for Employment
  • Your counselor will discuss available comparable benefits
  • Services must be provided as cost effectively as possible
  • If you are able you may be asked to participate financially

What are Client Responsibilities?

  • be an active participant in the rehabilitation process; take ownership of decisions and follow through with plans
  • discuss your strengths and barriers with your VR Counselor
  • identify supports that will help you overcome those barriers
  • be open to different vocations
  • advocate for yourself
  • make informed choices about the provider agency you choose to work with you
  • recognize that VR has limits and sometimes your Counselor needs to say “no”

What are your rights? You have the right to…

  • Confidentiality
  • be treated with respect
  • individualized planning and assessment
  • move within the State of Maine and continue services

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?

  • To encourage and develop an ongoing relationship with you
  • To seek out your vocational interests
  • To make referrals as needed
  • To consider options from your point of view
  • To provide guidance and counseling so that you can make informed choices
  • To assist you with understanding how work will affect your benefits

Career Centers

"The Maine CareerCenter provides a variety of employment and training services at no charge for Maine workers and businesses. Whether you are looking to improve your job qualifications, explore a different profession, find a new career or hire an employee, the CareerCenter can help."

Click HERE to visit the main website for the Career Center (Maine)

We often encourage our clients to participate in Career Exploration Workshops and other trainings. Click HERE to explore individual Career Centers and see what they offer in terms of workshops. (You need to select a REGION and then select a specific OFFICE to visit their part of the site and see what workshops they have coming up!)

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!