TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO ON VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (continued)
Eligibility and Assessment
When I told friends I was going to voc rehab, I got sympathetic looks. You know, when some people hear the word “rehabilitation” they automatically think oh no poor you. But, voc rehab is an employment program for people with disabilities. They help you qualify for, and find, a job. It’s a voluntary, individualized, time-limited program. They work with you only as long as needed for you to find work—the average person receives voc rehab services for a little over two years.
To qualify for rehab services you must have a physical or psychological disability that’s diagnosed by a doctor, psychologist, or licensed professional. In my case, I was evaluated by no less than an orthopedic surgeon— a doctor who specializes in back-pain and such. Actually, I had been seeing this doctor for my back for some time.
Also to qualify for services your disability must keep you from getting or keeping a job.
After you apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services your counselor has 60 days to gather the necessary information and make a determination about your eligibility. If you are not eligible for voc rehab, your case is closed, and you are directed to other resources such as North Dakota Job Services or any number of community services. If you’re unhappy about any decision made by your counselor, including your eligibility, you can request a review by contacting the Client Assistance Program, or CAP (PRONOUNCED “KAP”). Your counselor will tell you about CAP.
Just because you are eligible for voc rehab, doesn’t mean you’re entitled to all the services they offer. The services are based on your particular need.
For example, one of voc rehab’s services is transportation. Well, I would have liked for voc rehab to buy me a car so I could drive to my phlebotomy classes. But the city bus went right past my house and my counselor and I agreed that was the simplest and most economical way to get to class. So, you guessed it—I became a bus rider! But I sure tapped into a lot of other voc rehab services.
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