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Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists people with disabilities to work. VR is a State/Federal partnership that provides multiple services including vocational counseling, training, and job placement to eligible individuals. Each state has a Vocational Rehabilitation program dedicated to serving people with disabilities who want to work. In order to receive services, a person with a disability must apply and be determined “eligible” by a VR counselor. The decision is based on the medical documentation of a disability and the counselor determination that the disability interferes with a person’s ability to work.
Georgia’s VR program has 12 regional offices statewide, each with strategically located “hubs” of expert teams who work in the community. These teams have an in-depth knowledge of both the job marketplace and the community support services available. All people with disabilities are thus able to benefit from opportunities tailored to their specific needs. Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) are agreed on between the person with a disability and their VR counselor before services begin. This plan serves as a map leading to employment and independence. Anyone interested in applying for VR services or learning more about the program, should contact a local hub office. These can be located at www.vocrehabga.org or by calling 404 657-3000. A toll free number is also available: 1-866-489-0001 (voice); 1-866-373-7778 (TTY).
Persons who have experienced brain injury often need specialized services to return to work. Specially trained professionals in vocational rehabilitation are experts in assessing each person’s strengths and abilities to determine the best approach to achieve work place success. Certified Rehabilitation Counselors work with individuals who have brain injuries or strokes to craft an individualized plan that will include the services required to get a job. Speech or cognitive therapy, augmentative communication devices, re-training, job coaching or supported employment are examples of many services that can be included in a work plan. Every person is different and the goal is always employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation staff work with employers in local communities to understand the job requirements and industry standards for entry level jobs as well as management and professional careers. In addition they provide employers with technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act, workplace accessibility issues, and other workforce needs to help assure qualified applicants for employer’s job vacancies. The “hub” teams know their community. They know where the jobs are and what the job requirements are. They are committed to matching people with disabilities with jobs where they can be successful.
Work helps define an individual. Work provides independence. Work empowers people and gives them choices. Vocational Rehabilitation offers people with disabilities the opportunity to work and have a richer life.
Resources
US Dept of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
US Dept of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Programs
Assistive Work Technology Services
Independent Living Services
Alan Morris is the Assistant Director of the GA Dept of Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation Program. He has been with VR for 30 years and is a tireless advocate for people with disabilities. Alan is a former president of the GA Rehabilitation Association and was a guest at the White House for the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. He was appointed liaison to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Authority from DHR by Gov Barnes in 1999.