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Welcometo the Division of

Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation for Transition.

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In this presentation, you will learn:

What the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation does and how the program works - Who is eligible for services How you applyWhat services are availableHow to make good career choices What happens when you reach your

employment goal

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What is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

- Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide program that helps people with disabilities to prepare for, find and keep jobs.

- VR helps High School students within two years of graduation and adults of all ages, who presently reside in Maine, to find employment.

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The Intake Interview

• A VR person will meet with you and your parent/guardian to have a conversation about your interests regarding work

• Gather information and records• Bring any records you may have

• Sign release forms

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VR Eligibility

The Maine Vocational Rehabilitation Rules state that you are eligible for services if you:have a physical, mental or emotional disability that

keeps you from getting and keeping a job;

andneed Vocational Rehabilitation services to overcome

the barriers that interfere with preparing for, finding and keeping a job .

Eligibility will be determined as quickly as possible.

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Getting Started

Meet with CounselorBegin assessment of disability needsLearn more about strengths, work

skills, capabilities and interestsMake informed choices about

employment.

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Informed Choice

Requires active participationGuides you in the decision-

making processEncourages exploration of

options to make reliable choices

Many factors influence choice.

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Making the Program Work for You

Take responsibility for your choices.Keep scheduled appointments.Ask questions.Record important information.Plan ahead.Keep in touch with your VR Counselor.Get to know yourself.Explore your employment interests.

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Share Your Goals

Invite your VR Counselor to be a part of your school team.

VR can be more helpful when all of the people who support you share your goals.

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Transition Career Exploration Workshop

Discover employment possibilitiesSelf AssessmentsTeam EnvironmentInteractive experience Local employment specialistsBegin developing an employment plan.

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Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)

• Identifies a specific vocational goal

• Outlines steps and time frames

• Includes necessary services, training, and supplies

• Identifies accommodations and modifications

• Is cost effective

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Overview of Services

• Vocational counseling and guidance services are provided throughout the rehabilitation process to help you make informed decisions about how to reach your goals.

• Assessment services to identify your disability needs, and to measure your strengths, capabilities, work skills and interests.

• Assistive technology to help you reach your job goal.

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Overview of Services

Job development – help with carrying out a job search, completing applications, developing a resume and practicing interviewing

Job Shadows – see how a job is done and ask questions about the job

Job Coaching – help with learning the job and new tasks.

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Overview of Services

Self Employment is a service offered to individuals who are seeking to own and operate a business; requires commitment of your time.

Support Services are provided when necessary to achieve the employment goal.

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Overview of ServicesTraining and Education will be explored

when necessary to achieve the employment goal.

Steps to take: Assess academic skills, interests, and abilitiesResearch job market for opportunities Identify training programApply and get accepted to a training programApply for Financial Aid

Training and education assistance is offered as cost effectively as possible.

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Resources

All services need to be pre-approved by your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before purchase of goods and services.

Many resources may be used to help pay for the services identified in the IPE.

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Successful Employment Outcome

Once you have found employment that is consistent with your strengths, interests, and capabilities and have worked for at least 90 days, your case is closed successfully.

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Social Security ProgramsSocial Security Benefits Counseling

provided by a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) to help you understand how your benefits will be affected if you go to work.

Ticket to Work (TTW) is a federal program for Social Security beneficiaries that connects you to service providers who can help you achieve a work goal.

Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) is a federal program for Social Security beneficiaries to set aside money to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal.

www.benefitsandworkinme.org

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Services at the CareerCenter• Maine's Job Bank• Career information and Self-Directed Skills

Assessments• Training and Education resources• Information Center• Computers to access the internet for job search • Job Search Workshops on:

• Resume Writing• Interviewing

• Veteran Services

www.mainecareercenter.com

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What are my next Steps?

If you decide that VR is right for you, a number of application options are available to you -

• Contact your local office for an application packet • Complete and return the signed application and health

checklist.• VR will contact you for an intake interview.

Create a list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors and other healthcare providers to bring to your intake appointment

Participation at your intake appointment demonstrates your interest in obtaining a job.

www.maine.gov/rehab