Vocational Rehabilitation Services

What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, also known as "VR," is a Department of Labor program that helps people who have disabilities to find and keep a job. VR helps people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

Who Is Eligible For VR Services?

To be eligible for VR, you must apply for services. To be eligible you must:

  • have a disability that keeps you from getting or keeping a job; and
  • need VR services to find or keep a job.

Eligibility must be determined in 60 days, but it is usually done in a much shorter period of time.

Virtual Orientation

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is pleased to offer a monthly virtual orientation to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services for individuals with disabilities. The orientation will be an opportunity to learn about VR services and how VR can support you in obtaining, maintaining and advancing in employment.

Topics that will be covered:

  • What is DVR?
  • Eligibility for DVR
  • Application process
  • Transition Services
  • VR Services

DVR orientation is offered virtually every third Thursday of the month from 9-10 am.  No pre-registration necessary. Captioning and ASL will be available.

  • Join Zoom Meeting
    DVR Orientation  
    Meeting ID: 859 2169 2602
    Passcode: 48226391

How Do I Apply?

What About My Employment Goals?

Your VR counselor will work with you to help make informed choices about jobs and careers.

Good planning includes:

  • skills and abilities you have;
  • the types of jobs you want to consider;
  • where you are willing to work and live; and
  • what transportation is available.

The more flexible you can be, the more likely you are to find a job. You and your VR counselor need to work together to develop a plan that will lead to a job.

What Services Does VR Provide?

Every person’s rehabilitation plan is different because every person’s vocational needs are different. VR will consider any service you need to achieve the agreed upon vocational goal.

VR will help you explore different career opportunities by finding out your interests and aptitudes. As you identify careers, VR can provide information about the skills and training you need.

VR has labor market information to help you see what type of work is available. If you need training, VR can locate or develop specific training programs with special accommodations for you.

VR may buy tools, uniforms or basic equipment needed to start a job. VR may buy a lot of job-related things you may need to find or keep a job. VR can also help with re-training or education needed to get a new job. Sometimes VR can assist with payment for some medical/psychological services.

Some people use a Job Developer in looking for work; others may get a Job Coach who gives close supervision and support on the job until the person learns all the job skills.

Generally services end 90 days after a person gets a job.

How Much Will This Cost?

It does not cost you anything to apply for services. There is no charge for diagnostic services, vocational evaluation, counseling, or job placement assistance. If you are eligible for services, your counselor will ask you about your income and expenses. Depending upon your income, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of VR services. VR cannot pay for any services you received before you applied to VR.

Rules Governing the General VR Program

VR Consumer Handbook

The VR Consumer Handbook provides a plain language explanation of the General VR Program for consumers.

What About VR Services for Students In High School?

For a description of VR services for students, please Youth and Transition Services.