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Vocational Rehabiliation: An Overview

Abstract

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act), as amended, authorizes multiple programs to provide comprehensive and complementary services to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society.  To receive services, an individual must have a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment, and the individual must require vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to prepare for, secure, retain, regain or advance in employment.  But what does this really mean? 

This introductory program will provide an overview to the public Vocational Rehabilitation program and walk advocates through important steps in the VR process, a process which seeks to assist people with disabilities prepare for and engage in gainful employment.  Emphasis will be placed on important rehab principles to help advocates better understand the rehab services provided to people with disabilities, including important state options in providing services such as order of selection and financial needs tests; the role of community rehabilitation programs, independent living centers, and other state and local service providers.   By working in partnership and better understanding the vocational rehabilitation program, advocates can ensure the coordination and timely delivery of services to increase the employment of people with disabilities.