Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Florida has two VR agencies, the Division of VocationalRehabilitation and the Division of Blind Services. Both arepart of the Florida Department of Education. For moreinformation, please call or visit their websites:Division of Vocational RehabilitationDivision of Blind ServicesVR helpline – 1-866-515-3692 (toll free)1-800-342-1828 (toll free)http://rehabworks.orghttp://www.state.fl.us/dbsWho is eligible for vocational rehabilitation?You are eligible if you have a physical, mental or emotionaldisability that interferes substantially with employment.When can I apply?Work with your teachers and school administrators to makesure that applying for VR services is on your IEP or Section504 plan. Don’t wait until late in your senior year to apply.Make sure you fill out an application so that VR can make aformal decision on your eligibility well before you leave theschool system.What is the advantage of having VR make a decision onmy eligibility for services before I leave high school?The law requires that if you are eligible, you must leave schoolwith an approved VR Individualized Program for Employment(IPE). With an IPE, you can begin receiving services fromVR as soon as you leave high school. Otherwise, you mayexperience unnecessary delays that can cost you years of yourlife.What help can I request from VR if I am determinedeligible?If you are found eligible, you and your counselor will developand agree to an IPE that will list your employment goaland the services you need to reach it. The services areindividualized and unique to your situation, so feel free todiscuss your specific needs with your counselor. You shouldbe able to explain why your requests will help you succeed inyour rehabilitation program.What services can VR provide me?Vocational exploration, career and interest assessments,trial-work experiences, on-the-job training, job coaching,supported employment, career planning, counseling andguidance, assistive technology (aids, devices and training),assistance with transportation to participate in yourrehabilitation program, vocational training programs, collegetraining, medical and psychological diagnosis and treatment,support services, rehabilitation engineering evaluations andservices, and job placement.Remember, services may be unique to you. Don’t hesitate todiscuss your needs with your counselor.Does VR only help me obtain entry-level employment?No. The Rehabilitation Act requires that individuals withdisabilities have an active voice in choosing employmentgoals and meaningful careers consistent with their interests,strengths, resources, priorities, concerns and capabilities. VRwill pay for an advanced degree if that is appropriate.If I have a problem with VR agency decisions on my case,whom can I contact to learn more about my rights?Your counselor and the counselor’s supervisor should helpyou understand your rights to challenge any decision youdisagree with. The Client Assistance Program (CAP) at theAdvocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities is also availableto provide information, advice, negotiation or possiblerepresentation in disputes with VR agencies in Florida.Please call 1-800-342-0823 if you need additional assistanceor information to resolve disputes with DVR or DBS.The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation isrequired to serve all eligible clients. If DVR can’tpay for everyone, the agency must — under federalsupervision — go to a process called an “orderof selection,” serving the most severely disabledclients first. Florida DVR has implemented a“Financial Needs Participation” Policy requiringsome clients to help pay for services. Florida DVRmay also implement an “order of selection.”If A Person IsEligible For VR, AreThe Services Available?Yes, if theyare agreedupon inadvance andindividualizedto thestudent’sneeds.31