Finding a good job can be a challenge for anyone. But for some people, getting work and staying employed are made much more difficult by disability. Fortunately, there are services available for people who need some support to find success at work. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) was created to help people reach their full potential at work instead of being overlooked because of their disability.
PA CareerLink® offers essential VR services to residents of Delaware County, and they can make all the difference for struggling people. Here are the facts you should know about this vital program.
WHAT IS VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR?
Vocational rehabilitation is designed to help people who have physical, learning, or psychiatric disabilities get into the workforce and become more independent. Certain disabilities can make it harder for people to prepare for work, connect with the right employer, and stay employed. However, their struggles shouldn’t make it impossible for them to find meaningful work.
One way to support people is through VR, which is a US Department of Education-funded program. This program helps people with disabilities to make plans for their careers by way of job training based on their aptitude and areas of interest. It also assists them in getting the training and education they need to pursue those goals. It then provides help with overcoming obstacles, such as mobility problems, communication needs, and physical adaptations.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION?
Not all individuals with disabilities are eligible for these services. In order to qualify for a vocational rehabilitation program, a person must be able to show that they meet all the following criteria:
- They have a mental or physical disability that makes it difficult or impossible to work without assistance,
- VR services could help them get and keep a job, and
- They need these services to prepare for a job, get hired, or stay employed.
Once a determination has been made that someone would benefit from vocational rehabilitation services, the next step is to discover which forms of assistance they need.
WHAT ASSISTANCE DOES VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OFFER?
The services that are available to participants vary based on their individual needs. Some people may need several services to be successful, while others only need a few. Vocational rehabilitation services aim to make it possible for each individual to work who might otherwise be unable to. To make that possible, each person’s specific needs must be evaluated to find the solutions they’re seeking.
These services may include diagnosis, counseling, individualized rehabilitation, training, job placement, and support to retain a job. Some participants may benefit from assistive technology, communication access services such as ASL interpreters or oral transliterators, or consultations with employers to meet an employee’s needs.
HOW TO GET VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION IN DELAWARE COUNTY
PA CareerLink® Delaware County provides Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to qualified applicants. We can help people explore the available services and see that they get the support they need.
We can also assist employers who are interested in hiring VR participants through our single-point-of-contact model. This model ensures that you will interact with one person who helps coordinate the program support for you.
FIND THE BEST JOBS FOR YOUR ABILITIES WITH HELP FROM PA CAREERLINK® TODAY!
If you are looking for work or vocational rehabilitation services in Delaware County, PA, CareerLink® is set up to help meet your needs. We are here to help both employers and potential employees find the perfect fit. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you find the perfect job or hire the ideal employee.
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