Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Are There Ways ToMake VR Work Better?YesFor applicants who want to be approved as eligible— and then, when approved, for persons receivingvocational rehabilitation — there are ways to makeworking with DVR more successful.When Applying:DVR determines eligibility according to the person’sdisability and barriers to employment. Applicants,with help from their families and teams, are morelikely to succeed if they:• obtain as much information as possible about VRservices and eligibility criteria (see ResourcesSection for contact information)• prepare to describe their disabilities withoutexaggerating or minimizing the effects• are ready to explain how a disability prevents themfrom working34Being prepared will help not only withone’s eligibility determination but alsowith negotiating services after eligibilityis determined.Negotiating the services:A VR client is more likely to succeed if,with support from a counselor or otheradvocate, he or she:• establishes a job or career goal FIRST — trainingwill be provided only if it’s necessary to achieve thedesired outcome• explains why the training requested will helpachieve that goal• sets a career goal that is the most advanced andmeaningful work the participant hopes to do, notjust entry-level employment• targets that occupation from the start with the VRcounselor• stays in close communication with the counselor,since an IPE can be amended if additional servicesare neededThe Client Assistance Program at the AdvocacyCenter for Persons with Disabilities (toll free 1-800-342-0823) can provide information and referral toDVR and DBS clients and those trying to enter theprograms. After investigating the facts of a case, CAPmay negotiate or advocate for a client, or representthat person in appealing a decision made by a VRagency.How can a person with adisability make the most ofvocational rehabilitation?By setting realistic butchallenging goals — andpreparing to negotiate foreverything necessary toachieve them.