What is Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational rehabilitation is a federal-state program designed to assist people with physical and/or mental disabilities who are either entering the workforce, or returning to it after becoming disabled (NARIC). Some services offered include vocational evaluation and planning, job coaching, career counseling, job placement, and on-the-job training.

Who Can Seek Vocational Rehabilitation?

Those who qualify for vocational rehabilitation were either born with a disability, or have recently become disabled. This includes but is not limited to, veterans, adults with or without prior work experience, college students or recent graduates, or high school graduates.

Vocational rehabilitation offers these services, and more, to arrange a smooth and equitable transition for disabled people going into the workplace. Often the focus of a program is to provide patients with the necessary skills to meet their personal and career-oriented goals. Ideally, the skills patients gain will not only lead to employment, but employment retention, and an improved sense of overall independence.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Process

It is a counselor’s job to identify the barriers preventing someone from achieving their employment goals, and to then develop a strategy to help him or her succeed.

The exact processes of vocational rehabilitation may differ slightly depending on state requirements and a patient’s individual needs. Provided below is a general outline of what to expect in a vocational rehabilitation program.

Orientation/Application

The first step toward receiving vocational rehabilitation services will be attending an orientation. Patients may have the chance to interview, ask questions, and meet with counselors. A patient also generally fills out an application at this time.

Determine Eligibility

Patients will be asked to verify their disabilities with the state for agency service purposes. Disclosing a disability does more than determining someone’s eligibility, it can help to identify which workplace barriers a person experiences, along with developing a plan to combat these obstacles.

Creating an IPE

An Individual Plan for Employment, or IPE, is typically created between a patient and counselor to record the foundational steps needed to help the patient reach his or her goals.

Following the IPE

The IPE can serve as a step-by-step plan between a patient and counselor to map out the rehabilitation process. This can include any necessary treatment options with other healthcare providers like therapists or occupational therapists as well.

Finding a Job

After a counselor and patient work through an IPE together, the patient should feel confident enough to apply for work. He or she will still receive guidance and support when writing cover letters and resumes. Further guidance may be provided in the form of learning interview tips and job coaching.

Closing the Case -AKA Success!

Counselor and patient can celebrate at this final step in the process. Once a patient is employed, he or she should feel more at ease when entering the workplace. On-the-job training, and other support services should be available if need be.

Finding Vocational Rehabilitation Information in Your State

Vocational rehabilitation programs are offered in all 50 states. Each state’s process for applying for vocational rehabilitation may vary slightly. To find vocational rehabilitation services in your state, we have provided a list below of state programs.

This list is referenced from RSA (Rehabilitation Services Administration) programs. It’s important to note that some states may have more than one agency for vocational rehabilitation.