The voc rehab process begins when you go to your voc rehab office to apply, or submit a written application.
Next, you meet with the counselor, and that’s where, as they say, “the rubber really meets the road.” A lot goes on during your first meeting with the counselor. That could be a long one! You undergo a comprehensive assessment as the counselor gathers as much information as possible about your work history, education and training, abilities and interests, rehabilitation needs, and possible career goals. You might be asked questions such as what you expect out of voc rehab, and “If you had a magic wand, and could be anything you wanted to be, what would that be?”
If existing information is not enough to determine whether you are eligible for services, voc rehab will provide assessment services to determine the exact nature of your disability and how it might affect your employment prospects. For example, you might be sent to a physical therapist who will test your “physical ability to lift, bend, twist or carry. Or you might be interviewed by a psychologist or another specialist. Your voc rehab counselor will help set up and pay for these assessments. Be sure to bring any information regarding your disability to your first voc rehab appointment—things like the names of doctors or therapists you might have seen, along with dates, and a list of medications you are taking. Past employment information would help too.
The process of vocational counseling and guidance continues as you and your counselor draw up what is called an Individualized Plan for Employment, or IPE. The IPE lists, among other things, all the steps necessary to achieve your employment goal, the services needed to help you along the way, and how you and your counselor are going to measure progress toward your goal, accomplishing your goal could take anywhere from several months to several years. You and the counselor both agree to and sign a copy of the plan.
The last phase of your employment plan, is getting a job in your chosen field. After 90 days of satisfactory employment, you are considered successfully employed to continue your new career, and your case is closed.
That’s me: “successfully employed”! Whew! That’s a little bit about eligibility and the voc rehab process. Always feel free to ask questions of your counselor about anything. Remember, having a disability does not mean you lack abilities. Voc rehab is there to help put those abilities to work for you!
Vocational Rehabilitation and older adults