1. New York State Education Department Vocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities VESID VESID Capital District Office Welcome to Orientation The purpose of this Orientation is to give you information to help you decide if VESID may be helpful to you.

2. General Information about VESID VESID is a NYS agency that helps individuals with disabilities to choose, find and keep suitable employment VESID can work with people with all types of disabilities: physical, mental health, substance abuse, learning disabilities, HIV, … The only people with disabilities that VESID does not work with are those with legal blindness. Individuals who are legally blind work with The Commissions for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)

3. General Information continued… There is a vocational rehabilitation office in every state There are 15 VESID offices across NYS. You can locate them at our website: www.vesid.nysed.gov

4. Most importantly, remember that VESID helps individuals with disabilities find and keep suitable employment. All services that VESID provides must help you to develop and reach your employment goal If you are eligible for VESID services you will work with a counselor to determine what services you require to find and keep employment Individuals are not automatically entitled to a complete menu of services Everybody’s needs are different!

5. There are 4 things that must be documented to determine if you are eligible for VESID services 1.You must have a disability and that disability can be medically documented 2.Your disability presents a significant impediment to employment. Your disability itself is preventing you from obtaining or maintaining employment 3.You can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services 4.Vocational rehabilitation services are required for you to achieve employment And you are legally eligible to work in the united States

6. The kinds of services VESID can provide Assessments – to help identify your skills, abilities, interests & limitations Career counseling & guidance Training – at school, on the job, or through other programs Books, tools and equipment – that you require to become employed Job placement services Supported Employment services Referral – to other agencies and support services that you might need Assistance with modifications – to a worksite, home or vehicle for work related accessibility Follow-up services – to make sure your job is going well

7. The VESID Process 1.Decide you want VESID services 2.Complete application and provide documentation of disability 3.Eligibility determination 4.Establish vocational goal 5.Develop a plan called an Individual Plan for Employment (or IPE) 6.And finally, your ultimate goal – Getting and keeping employment

8. Remember EMPLOYMENT is the reason someone becomes involved in VESID

9. Examples of employment and job placement services VESID can offer Helping you locate available jobs Assistance with resume development Job coaching Job development Training Work try out & On the job training

10. How much do services cost? Services you receive from VESID staff are free of charge Services that are necessary to determine if you are eligible for VESID will be covered for VESID at no cost to you The cost of other services are often based on your income and /or family resources VESID funding is often used in combination with other funding VESID has spending caps and time limits on many services

11. How do I know if I am ready for VESID services? Are you demonstrating successful management of your disability? Do you perceive a need for a change in your vocational role? Is your life reasonably stable? Do you have a stable place to live? Do you have any legal issues that might prevent you from working or participating in vocational rehabilitation services? Are you medically able to work? Are you ready, willing and able to actively participate in your vocational rehabilitation?

12. What are some of my rights and responsibilities? All information is kept confidential You have the right to disagree – the Client Assistance Program, the Administrative Review Process & the Impartial Hearing Process You have the responsibility to keep your counselor informed of your progress You have the responsibility to let your counselor know when you go to work

13. How do I get an application packet? Inform us you have completed an Electronic Orientation and want to apply by calling us at 518 473-8097 or 1-800-272-5448 When you call, please be prepared to tell us: Your disability or disabilities The date you completed this orientation Your full name, address, and phone If you have a Worker’s Compensation case

14. Tips to remember when you apply List all disabilities / health issues List your doctor’s name & address You must sign your name Don’t answer “it doesn’t” to describe how your disability limits your ability to work Describe the services you are seeking Provide information related to your goal Call us if you need help applying

15. After you send in your application & documentation you should expect: An eligibility decision within 60 days The possibility we will need to request more information on your disability You can get started by using services at: Independent Living Centers One stop Centers

16. Thank You! VESID Capital District Office 80 Wolf Road – Suite 200 Albany, NY 12205 518 473-8097 1-800-272-5448 www.vesid.nysed.gov

17. Independent Living Centers (ILC) Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. 459-6422 875 Central Ave, Albany Schenectady City Hall Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley 274-0701 Troy Atrium Hudson Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) 792-3537 71 Glenwood Ave, Queensbury Ballston Spa

18. One Stop Centers Career Central - 175 Central Ave, Albany Cobleskill Workforce Solutions – 795 East Main St, Cobleskill One Stop Career Center – Columbia Greene Community College, Hudson One Stop of Washington Co – 383 Broadway, Fort Edward Saratoga Co Employment & Training, 152 West High St, Ballston Spa Schenectady One Stop – 797 Broadway, Schenectady Troy One Stop – County Bldg. 1600 7th Ave, Troy Warren County Employment & Training, Northway Plaza, Queensbury