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Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program

Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Presented by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration. Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Goal: The Goal of this session is to provide the participant

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Overview of the Public Vocational Rehabilitation Program

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

  3. 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. Training ObjectivesAt the end of this session, participants will: 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 US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration

  5. Disability A natural part of the human experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

  17. 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 Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesInclude but are not limited to . . . US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  30. 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 What Does VR Have to Offer? US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration

  31. Questions and answers US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration

  32. Thank you US Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration

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