Counseling and guidance

Counseling and guidance is a major service provided by Rehabilitation Services (RS). Your counselor will talk with you, advise you and help you to plan for employment. Some examples of counseling services are:

• Help in learning about your disability, abilities, aptitudes and interests.
• Help in choosing work goals, based on your preferences, the results of your vocational assessments and the availability of jobs.
• Help in planning to reach your employment goals.
• Help in learning about jobs, education, health services, and community programs.

Important reminder: Remember, RS must approve payment of services listed on your IPE before the services are provided or purchased. The approval must be in writing from your counselor. Some equipment can be purchased only through State bidding procedures.

Physical and mental restoration services

The physical and mental restoration services that may be provided by RS include:

• Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as artificial limbs or braces and denture.
• Corrective surgery or treatment, including outpatient care, if it directly relates to your ability to get or keep a job.
• Eyeglasses and visual services.
• Dentistry.
• Diagnosis and treatment for mental and emotional disorders (in-patient drug/ alcohol treatment is generally limited to a maximum of 25 days).
• Special services, including:

• Speech therapy to help you understand and overcome speech problems.
• Physical and occupational therapy to help you develop physical abilities and teach you how to use such things as braces, wheelchairs, crutches and other devices if you need them.
• Nutritional services to help you develop an individualized diet for special health problems that interfere with employment.

Training

If you need training to get or keep a job, your counselor can tell you more about the different kinds of training offered. Generally, there are several types of training programs available:

Work Skills Training: Sometimes you might have trouble adjusting to work, or returning to work after an accident. This may be because you don't have enough confidence in yourself. Or, you may have trouble getting along with other people at work. Or, you may have some habits that cause problems at work, like not doing things on time. If you have these kinds of issues, RS may refer you to a work skill program. This kind of training can help you change habits or work out problems that cause difficulty at work.

Daily Living Skill Training: Instruction may be given on a variety of topics, including:
• Communication skills.
• Orientation and mobility skills.
• Self-care skills.
• Use of community resources and agencies for health, recreation and leisure, education and transportation services.

Vocational Training: In some cases, you may need to learn specific skills to reach the vocational goal listed on your IPE. This training may be provided on-the-job or at technical/trade schools, colleges or universities. If your plan includes training, it is up to you to do the best you can. If you have problems with the training or adjusting to it, you must talk with your counselor about it. If you are receiving training, you must:
• Apply for PELL grants or other available financial aid. Use these grants or funds, if you receive them, to help pay for training costs.
• Maintain a satisfactory performance level as agreed to by you and your counselor.
• Provide a copy of your grades to your counselor at the end of each semester or quarter. Keep in touch with your counselor throughout your training.

On-the-job Training in business or industrial settings may also be arranged to help you achieve specific employment objectives. This type of training must be agreed to you, your counselor and the employer.

Other services

Other important items or services can be provided through RS, if you need them for a job. These items or services may include:

• Books, equipment, tools, supplies, licenses and stock needed to begin work.
• Reader, interpreter and tutor services.
• Personal assistance services.
• Rehabilitation technology to change a work site, or provide you with an adaptive device, to help reduce barriers to employment.
• Telecommunications, sensory and other technological aids and devices, such as hearing and optical aids.

RS may also help you arrange transportation during your training, or pay relocation and moving expenses if needed to help you get a job. Sometimes RS can help with living expenses, such as room and board, child care and travel expenses, if no other financial resources are available and if you need this assistance to benefit from your vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. RS will also refer you to other agencies and programs to help you get the services you need.

Supported employment

Supported employment gives people with the most significant disabilities opportunities for employment in regular work situations. Intensive training is provided while you're learning the job. Then long-term ongoing support is provided to help you keep the job. If your disability has prevented you from working, or if you need long-term support services to keep a job, supported employment may be an option for you. Please check with your counselor for additional information.


Job placement services

The goal of RS is to help you get or keep a job. Your counselor, a job placement specialist or another service provider may show you how to fill out application forms or help you decide what to say in a job interview. Your counselor can also provide help in lessening obstacles that interfere with your ability to get or keep a job. For example, special accommodations can be made for transportation or in the equipment you will use in your job. Please remember–your counselor can guide you, but you have the primary responsibility to find a job. It is important that you participate actively in looking for employment.

After you begin to work, your counselor will want to be sure that you and your employer are satisfied and see if you need any help in staying on the job.

Once you are employed, follow-up services, such as additional counseling and guidance, can be provided if needed to help you keep your job.


Services for high school students

VR services may also be available to help high school students with disabilities prepare for employment after leaving school. For more information or to apply, contact your nearest RS office.

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Page last updated January 23, 2006