Vocational Rehabilitation Service: An Overview

What Is the Rehabilitation Services Administration?

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is under the Department of Education and oversees programs that help individuals with physical, medical, mental health, and developmental disabilities by providing job training and other individualized services. The RSA also provides funds to state vocational rehabilitation agencies to support employment-related services for individuals with disabilities.

What Are Vocational Rehabilitation Services?

Vocational rehabilitation services, usually called "voc rehab," are part of a state-operated program to assist eligible individuals with disabilities with preparing for and engaging in gainful employment.

What Services Can Vocational Rehabilitation Provide?

The rehabilitation process is tailored to each client. A rehabilitation specialist will assist the client in identifying a suitable vocational goal and the services necessary to achieve the goal. Rehabilitation specialists offer the following services:

• Vocational testing and assessment
• Vocational and guidance counseling
• Training, including on-the-job training
• School-to-work transition assistance for students
• Information on assistive technology and devices
• Financial assistance to help pay for assistive technology
• Financial assistance to help pay for tuition
• Supported employment
• Job search and placement services

Who Is Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services?

In order to use vocational rehabilitation services, people must be at least 18 years old; have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that interferes with employment; and be determined that vocational rehabilitation services will help them get or keep a job.

In addition, the Social Security Administration refers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries to state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide the vocational rehabilitation services necessary to help them return to work, enter a new line of work, or enter the workforce for the first time and get off government assistance.

How Do I Get Vocational Rehabilitation Services?

You must contact your state or local vocational rehabilitation agency to set up an appointment. During a meeting, a vocational rehabilitation specialist or counselor will assess whether you are eligible for service.

See the list of state vocational rehabilitation offices in Appendix G.

What If I Am Denied Eligibility?

Every applicant or recipient of vocational rehabilitation services has the right to challenge any decision or determination made by a rehabilitation counselor or coordinator regarding an ineligibility determination or the furnishing, denial, reduction or termination of services. If you need assistance in making such a challenge or in pursuing a formal appeal of a decision or determination, you should contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP) in your state. Each CAP is authorized under title I of the Rehabilitation Act to provide advocacy and assistance to individuals with disabilities who are seeking or receiving services funded under that Act.

• ADVISE you of your rights and responsibilities in the process of obtaining rehabilitation services funded under the Act
• ASSIST you in your relationship with the projects and programs providing rehabilitation services funded under the Act
• EXPLAIN specific rehabilitation services and benefits available to an individual with a disability
• HELP you in the appeal process if you disagree with the rehabilitation services being provided or when services you want are being denied
• IDENTIFY problem areas in the delivery of rehabilitation services and suggest methods and means of improving service delivery; and
• REFER you to other agencies (public and private) when you may not be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
• For a listing of agencies housing the CAP in your state see Appendix I.