Voc Rehab Presented by Jeffrey Hughes Jeffrey.Hughes@fssa.in.gov 1

VR Purpose Statement VR assists people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment 2

Structure of BRS BRS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Blind & Visually Impaired Services (BVIS) Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) FSSA DMHA DDRS BRS VR BVIS DHHS

VR in Indiana Indiana VR has approximately 300 employees (162 VR Counselors statewide) IRIS – VR’s Case Management System Current Initiatives Virtual Office Ticket to Work Project Search Transition

VR Process Referral Eligibility Criteria: Who is eligible for VR? Comprehensive Assessment Individualized Plan for Employment VR Services Closure Questions and Answers

Referral Anyone can apply. Virtual Office – VR coming to you! What to expect?

Eligibility You have a documented physical or mental impairment which is a substantial impediment to employment, and you require VR service in order to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain employment *SSI/SSDI Presumption of Eligibility

Eligibility 2 The VRC determines the appropriate level of service based on the Determination of Severity of the individual’s disability. This determination is based on how many of the following areas an individual is found to have documented substantial functional limitations in: -- Interpersonal Skills -- Work Tolerance -- Communication -- Work Skills -- Self Care -- Motor Skills -- Self Direction -- Mobility -- Cognitive & Learning Skills

Comprehensive Assessment The following information is obtained during the comprehensive assessment in order to assist the counselor and the individual in developing an individualized plan for employment (IPE): - Medical, psychiatric, and psychological factors - Vocational aptitudes - Personality and interpersonal skills - Educational background - Work experiences - Family, social, and other factors - and much more

Individualized Plan for Employment Individualized – Each client has an IPE developed. Unique. Use the Comprehensive Assessment. Plan – Literally a plan. How will we get from point A to point B? Must be approved. Employment – Employment driven. Must have an employment goal. Shows the services needed to get there. I P E

Services – Primary College, University, or Other Training Self-Employment or SBE Job Placement Supported Employment Maintaining Employment

Services - Supplemental Assistive Technology Home and Vehicle Modifications Driver’s Training Therapies (OT/PT/Counseling) Tudors, Note takers, personal aides Physically restorative equipment

Who pays for services? There is no cost to the individual to apply for VR services VR pays for services but will ask if individual can assist in cost Use of comparable benefits

Closure When the vocational goal is met and the client has maintained employment for 60/90 days Unable to locate or contact Disability too significant Refused Services Individual in Institution

QUESTIONS ? 15

E-Mail: Jeffrey.Hughes@fssa.IN.gov Jeffrey W. Hughes Coordinator of Training & Professional Development Vocational Rehabilitation Services 2506 Willowbrook Parkway, Suite 330 Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 Phone: 317-254-6700 Fax: 317-254-6705 E-Mail: Jeffrey.Hughes@fssa.IN.gov 16