An Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation

for Educators

June , 2014 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

That was then, this is now…

WHO is VR / WHO do we serve? WHAT is VR? WHEN to access VR services? WHERE is VR? WHY partner with VR? HOW to make the partnership happen.

ULTIMATE GOAL:

EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES

Today’s Goal: 5Ws & H of VR

Mission“To assist Oregonians with disabilities

to achieve and maintain employment and independence.”

We believe individuals that experience disabilities are:

-Motivated to work-Capable, talented, and can achieve on par with their peers-Deserve the opportunity to achieve their potential-Have skills that are needed in the world of work

WHO is VR?

Historical Perspective: The Disability Rights Movement resulted in the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.

Amendments in the 1990s increased the role of the consumer. This increased consumer choice and resulted in better options for high quality jobs.

Today, Executive Order is fostering better partnerships with ODDS, ODE, and VR for coordinated team approach to transitioning students experiencing disability.

WHO is VR?

Who are Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors? Counselors have extensive knowledge in community resources and

available workforce programs

Counselors have expertise in and know what disability accommodations are necessary for a particular client. They can help match jobs to a clients specific skill set.

Counselors help clients to determine what a “reasonable accommodation might be and how to ask for it.

Counselors can act as part of a transition team to help determine a job goal and steps required to get there.

WHO is VR?

Individuals experiencing a documented disability

The disability is a barrier to employment

There is a service VR can provide to address barrier

The individual wants to work

WHO does VR serve?

WHAT VR Does?

Eligible

Documented disability

Disability related barriers to

employmentare identified

VR services expected to

reduce/eliminate barriers

WHAT VR Does?

APPLICATION

• Meet with a VR Counselor (VRC) for an intake appointment

• Give your VRC your completed Personal Information form

• Discuss your disability and problems with getting or keeping jobs

• Sign an application and other forms to open a VR file & send for records

ELIGIBILITY

• Work with your VRC to discuss & evaluate your barriers to employment

• Assess your unique interests, needs, capacities & concerns to develop a realistic and achievable job goal

• Explore the labor market (if not currently working)--narrow your choices for a job goal

PLAN

• Identify a Job Goal to get or keep a job

• Work with your VRC to determine what services will be needed to achieve the goal

• Develop a written Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to get or keep the job

• Follow your IPE until you’ve obtained or maintained your job goal

EMPLOYMENT (Closure)

• Found or kept a job!

• Maintained employment for 90 days!

• SUCESSFULLY REHABILITATED!

• VR file closed

From IEP to IPEStudent + IEP = Path to Graduation

Student + IPE = Path to Employment

VR will become part of the student’s team to assist in building upon the work that the student and school

have done.

Build on identified PINS --Preferences, Interests, Needs, Strengths--

WHAT VR does?

…All services based on student’s VR EligibilityEmployment Services and supports can remove barriers so a student can meet his/her job goal Counseling and Guidance

Assist with understanding barriers to employment, with a focus on disability related barriers, and personal strengths/attributes

Job Accommodations Training Job Development Job Coaching/Support

WHAT VR Does?

Student has an interest in gaining employment

Student’s disability appears to have the potential to impact employment success

At least 1 year prior to the student exiting the school system (hopefully school staff and VR are discussing case loads on a regular base)

Note: VR Counselors can come to the school but it is helpful to have at least a month notice

Student is connected, if applicable, with County Developmental Disability Services and/or Brokerage (intending to seek employment)

WHEN to Access VR?

WHEN to Access VR?

WHERE is VR?

14 VR branch offices statewide Many offices

have multiple outstations

123 VR counselors statewide 12 counselors

serve Lane County

Metro Area Branches:

Beaverton – 503/277-2500 Clackamas - 971/673-6130 Central Portland – 971/673-2555 East Portland – 971/673-5858 North Portland – 971/673-3055

We can come to you.

WHERE is VR?

WHY Partner with VR?

Opportunities for employment, training, and education during this time can establish a foundation for adult income and occupational achievement.

Without careful planning and supports, individuals might be tracked into low paying or unsatisfying jobs, or no jobs at all.

Lack of opportunities for advancementLack of motivation for advancement

WHY Partner with VR?

Young adults with disabilities in their early career years are more likely to be:– Unemployed– Underemployed– Living below the

poverty line

0%

20%

40%

31%18%

Percentage of individuals between 18-34 years old earning wages that placed them below the federal poverty line.

(U.S. Census Bureau, 2010)

WHY Partner with VR?

Limited knowledge/awareness potential job opportunities & career paths Lack of exposure to work experiences

• Job Shadowing• Mentorships

Higher Annual Income Stable

Employment Full Time Work

• Cooperative Education• School-Based Businesses• Work Based Internships

Higher Hourly Wages

Likelihoods of Benefits

Team Approach = Better Employment Outcomes

VR is a lifelong resource for student employment needs related to disability barriers

Teachers have a rich history and knowledge that is invaluable to VR counselors

Benefits Planning

WHY Partner with VR?

The students and families need your help to connect with adult service agencies such as VR

We (Schools, VR, Brokerages, County Development Disability Services) can partner with students to provide help in them reaching their goals

Transition goals can be meaningful United front Benefits of a team approach

WHY Partner with VR?

Facilitate referral to VR Identify Students who many benefit Connect Student to YTP specialist and/or VR

Counselor

HOW to Partner with VR

Intake Session Overview What to expect Who to invite Timelines Eligibility criteria

Medical Diagnosis vs. School Eligibility

HOW to Partner with VR

Before the referral: Career Exploration & Person Centered Plans Career Goal Development Real Life Skill Building Work Experiences

Job Interest InventoriesJob ShadowsInformational Interviews

HOW to Partner with VR

School PartnershipLocal Teacher : VRC Connection, Set up meeting

for all Special Ed providers, Meeting for Parents and Students, facilitated individual intake sessions at school, ongoing collaboration

Example of partnership

HOW to Partner with VR

That was then, this is now…

Questions?