Welcome

1. Welcome to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation for Transition. 1

2. In this presentation, you will learn: • What the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation does and how the program works - • Who is eligible for services • How you apply • What services are available • How to make good career choices • What happens when you reach your employment goal 2

3. What is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)? • Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide program that helps people with disabilities to prepare for, find and keep jobs. • VR helps High School students within two years of graduation and adults of all ages, who presently reside in Maine, to find employment. 3

4. The Intake Interview • A VR person will meet with you and your parent/guardian to have a conversation about your interests regarding work • Gather information and records • Bring any records you may have • Sign release forms 4

5. VR Eligibility • The Maine Vocational Rehabilitation Rules state that you are eligible for services if you: • have a physical, mental or emotional disability that keeps you from getting and keeping a job; and • need Vocational Rehabilitation services to overcome the barriers that interfere with preparing for, finding and keeping a job . • Eligibility will be determined as quickly as possible. 5

6. Getting Started • Meet with Counselor • Begin assessment of disability needs • Learn more about strengths, work skills, capabilities and interests • Make informed choices about employment.

7. Informed Choice • Requires active participation • Guides you in the decision-making process • Encourages exploration of options to make reliable choices Many factors influence choice. 7

8. Making the Program Work for You • Take responsibility for your choices. • Keep scheduled appointments. • Ask questions. • Record important information. • Plan ahead. • Keep in touch with your VR Counselor. • Get to know yourself. • Explore your employment interests. 8

9. Share Your Goals • Invite your VR Counselor to be a part of your school team. • VR can be more helpful when all of the people who support you share your goals.

10. Transition Career Exploration Workshop • Discover employment possibilities • Self Assessments • Team Environment • Interactive experience • Local employment specialists • Begin developing an employment plan. 10

11. Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) • Identifies a specific vocational goal • Outlines steps and time frames • Includes necessary services, training, and supplies • Identifies accommodations and modifications • Is cost effective 11

12. Overview of Services • Vocational counseling and guidance services are provided throughout the rehabilitation process to help you make informed decisions about how to reach your goals. • Assessment servicesto identify your disability needs, and to measure your strengths, capabilities, work skills and interests. • Assistive technology to help you reach your job goal. 12

13. Overview of Services • Job development – help with carrying out a job search, completing applications, developing a resume and practicing interviewing • Job Shadows – see how a job is done and ask questions about the job • Job Coaching – help with learning the job and new tasks. 13

14. Overview of Services • Self Employmentis a service offered to individuals who are seeking to own and operate a business; requires commitment of your time. • Support Servicesare provided when necessary to achieve the employment goal. 14

15. Overview of Services • Training and Education will be explored when necessary to achieve the employment goal. • Steps to take: • Assess academic skills, interests, and abilities • Research job market for opportunities • Identify training program • Apply and get accepted to a training program • Apply for Financial Aid Training and education assistance is offered as cost effectively as possible. 15

16. Resources • All services need to be pre-approved by your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before purchase of goods and services. • Many resources may be used to help pay for the services identified in the IPE. 16

17. Successful Employment Outcome • Once you have found employment that is consistent with your strengths, interests, and capabilities and have worked for at least 90 days, your case is closed successfully. 17

18. Social Security Programs • Social Security Benefits Counseling provided by a Community WorkIncentives Coordinator (CWIC) tohelp you understandhow your benefits will be affected if you go to work. • Ticket to Work (TTW) is afederal program for Social Security beneficiaries that connects you to service providers who can help you achieve a work goal. • Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) is a federal program for Social Security beneficiaries to set aside money to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal. www.benefitsandworkinme.org 18

19. Services at the CareerCenter • Maine's Job Bank • Career information and Self-Directed Skills Assessments • Training and Education resources • Information Center • Computers to access the internet for job search • Job Search Workshops on: • Resume Writing • Interviewing • Veteran Services www.mainecareercenter.com 19

20. What are my next Steps? • If you decide that VR is right for you, a number of application options are available to you - • Contact your local office for an application packet • Complete and return the signed application and health checklist. • VR will contact you for an intake interview. • Create a list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors and other healthcare providers to bring to your intake appointment • Participation at your intake appointment demonstrates your interest in obtaining a job. www.maine.gov/rehab 20