1. Voc Rehab
Presented by
Jeffrey Hughes 1

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. QUESTIONS ? 15

16. 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:
Fax: 16