If your partner has job problems read this

[Diane]

This may be helpful for those of you with partners with problems finding and keeping a job. If they have a diagnosis, they can qualify for free help from your state rehabilitation services for the disabled. This can range from helping him or her find what career area is best for them to providing funds for additional schooling, on the job training and even low cost loans or funds for equipment to start or expand their own business. (In my state, those loans are often forgiven later if the business does well)

My partner used the rehab services here and it did wonders for him. He is now working a job he absolutely loves. They also explored the possibility of helping him set up and keep going his own business, including purchase of equipment and mentoring from a business professional.

Go to the link below to get live links for your state.

www.jobfactory.com/disabled.htm


Employment Information for the Disabled
The following links will be useful for disabled people seeking employment.
Alabama Department of Rehabiltation Services
Alaska Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
Assistive Technology Sites
California Department of Rehabilitation
Chapter 16-Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Rehabilitation
Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Disability Associations
Employment Resources for People with Disabilities
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Georgia Division of Rehabilitation Services
How to Get Started with a State Vocational Rehab Agency
Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
JVS Baltimore List of Vocational Rehabilitation Web Sites
Job Accomodation Handbook
Job Analysis Information
Kansas Rehabilitation Services
Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services
Massachuesetts Rehabilitation Commission
Minnesota Rehabilitation Services
Minnesota State Council on Disability
Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Montana Disability Services Division
National Federation of the Blind List of Rehabilitation Agencies
Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation
Nevada Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
O*NET
OWCP-Office of Worker's Compensation Programs
Ontario Vocational Rehabilitation
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Division
Paraquad Guide to Disability Rights Laws
Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Placement Readiness Handbook
President's Committe on Employment of People with Disabilites
Rehabilitation Services Agencies Listed by State
Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services
Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Texas Rehabilitation Commission
Utah Rehabilitation Services
Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Sercvices
Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Wyoming Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

[Diane]

What is vocational rehabilitation

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 get 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.


How Do I Apply?

To apply for VR, you need to call one of our offices. A VR counselor will contact you for an initial appointment. The counselor will explain the program and learn more about you and your goals. The numbers to call can be found by clicking this link to the BRS Office Directory:

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.