State of Oregon Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

The Mission of the Vocational Rehabilitation is to assist Oregonians with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independence.

How Do I Qualify? You must have one or more physical, mental, or emotional impairments. The functional limitations from your disability must result in a substantial barrier to getting hired or keeping a job. You must be able to benefit from available, substantial Vocational Rehabilitation services (in terms of competitive employment results). If you are determined eligible for disability benefits through SSI or SSDI, OVRS presumes you are eligible for our program if you intend to go to work. (Supporting medical or psychological documentation must be provided to clarify your current functional limitations and ensure appropriate goal selection and VR services are included in your plan). You are also required to provide written verification of your SSI/SSDI eligibility (Social Security Award Letter). Note: The Commission for the Blind is the primary provider of VR services for people with legal blindness, or who have rapidly progressive vision deterioration leading to blindness. Note: The Commission for the Blind is the primary provider of VR services for people with legal blindness, or who have rapidly progressive vision deterioration leading to blindness.

Preparing for your Intake Appointment Complete the Service Questionnaire. Be sure to complete all the information requested, including your medical history, education, training and job experience. Bring these completed forms to your intake appointment. You must bring proof of identification and proof that you are authorized to work in the United States. Without these documents you cannot sign an Application for Services.

VR Intake and Application Process Intake Interview with your VR Counselor – Be prepared to answer questions about: Your disability and how it limits your ability to do past jobs. Your paid and unpaid work experience(s) and skills for at least the last 10 years. Your past training and education. You will be asked to sign permission (authorization) for VR to obtain medical or psychological, education or other records that document your disability. Sign the formal Application to request VR services.

Eligibility Evaluation – 60 Days VR gathers and reviews documented evidence of disability(ies) from licensed clinical treatment provider(s). VR may ask you to participate in additional evaluations, or tests, or possibly a community-based work assessment. VR counselor assesses your transferable skills and impact of your disability(ies) on work for which you would otherwise qualify and your ability to return to former work. Eligibility decisions are made and you are notified in writing. NOTE: If VR is unable to document or determine your disability in 60 days, we may ask you if you want to extend the time, or close your file.

If I Am Found Eligible, What Services Can I Receive from VR? Vocational counseling and guidance to assist in selecting a job goal Evaluations, if necessary, to determine your job skills and interests Training or education, if needed, to help you find employment Special equipment or technology that can aid in helping you to hold a job Assistance with transportation to training or job sites On-the-job training, job search assistance, or job interview skills to help get and keep your job Business Employment Specialist on-site, computers and fax machine for job search activities

Vocational Goal Selection Process You will participate in a process to make a rational informed choice of your specific, appropriate job goal. We build on your unique abilities, interests, concerns, priorities and labor market information to narrow down the goal that will best works for you – and how to get there. Your Goal How to Get There Labor Market Research Concerns Priorities Interests Abilities All Jobs

Employment! Follow Plan Sign Plan Write your Plan Meet with VRC to begin Vocational Planning Eligibility Assessment Intake and Application Orientation

VR Plan Services Plans are individually designed in partnership with you to resolve problems and reach your goal: Accommodations to remove or reduce barriers to work. Counseling and career guidance. Training/education requirements of the job goal. Comparable benefits to help pay for services.

Writing your VR Plan Plan is to be written within 180 days from eligibility. Outline and document each step needed to achieve your work goal. Identify required services to support each step. Document and outline costs. Financial Aid and other resources. Project the time needed to complete steps and reach your goal. Write and sign a formal agreement.

Following your Plan Once agreed upon, you are expected to follow through with your plan and complete each step to reach successful employment. Do not quit your job or make changes to your plan without contacting your counselor – FIRST. Follow all medical/mental health advice and treatment plan(s).

Job Retention Services – 90 Days Monitor placement for 90 days after your hire date. Services to ensure continued employment. Advocacy for disability-related and ADA issues. Continued counseling and guidance to aid work adjustment.

Post Employment Services Short-Term-Limited intervention to ensure job retention: Advocacy for disability-related issues. Services to you or your employer to help you keep your job. Counseling and guidance (short-term). NOTE: Long-term and/or high-cost services will require a new application for VR services, new eligibility and new plan.

The Oregon Youth transition program

Transition In Oregon “Adult” life Education Individualized Education Programs: Specially designed instruction Related services Program modifications Classroom accommodations Supplementary aids and services Postsecondary education Vocational education Integrated employment (including supported employment) Accessing adult services Independent living Community participation “Adult” life Education

YTP Overview YTP is a Partnership including: Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Public schools statewide Oregon Department of Education University of Oregon College of Education Over the last 22 years, YTP has provided direct services and improved outcomes for over 22,000 students with disabilities YTP is in 55 districts and in 115 schools

Youth Transition Program Goals Prepare high school youth with disabilities for employment or career related post secondary education (service delivery) Create a new pattern of service within schools and communities (systems change) Dual goals to serve youth -- Build new types of programs in high schools and create long term systems change within schools and communities

Transition Partnership Goals IEP YTP (IPE) Employment Education Training Transition This sets the stage for the following slides that discusses the similarities in the two Laws: IDEA of 1997 and the Rehab Act.

YTP Specific Transition Services Screening and referral to VR Transition planning & Instruction Job shadows, and career exploration activities Provide job coaching Develop paid employment consistent with the vocational goal (IPE) of the student. Post school placement Follow-up support

N = 1415 YTP Database, Students Served, 7/1/2009 through 6/30/2011 Multiple barriers at entry to program – many at risk of dropping out of school, this biennium indicates that roughly 27% have secondary disability N = 1415 YTP Database, Students Served, 7/1/2009 through 6/30/2011

YTP Student Outcomes

2009-2011 YTP Student Outcomes N = 1415 A High School Completion Certificate includes Regular Diploma, Extended Diploma, Modified Diploma, and an Alternative Certificate. Avg. Hourly Wage is the weighted wage means of students who are employed at Exit (401 at $8.96), 6 Months (382 at $9.20), and 12 months (417 at $9.52). Engagement is the percentage of students who are competitively employed, in training, or in school at a given time point after their exit from the program. N = 1415 YTP Database, Students Served, 7/1/2009 through 6/30/2011

VR Website – Office Locations VR Web Site: http://www. oregon VR Website – Office Locations VR Web Site: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/vr/index.shtml OR You may ask for local office locations by contacting our office at 971-673-6130