IPEs Can Provide Job Support for Neurodiverse Individuals

This post was co-authored by Miranda Melcher.

Source: FrankHH/ Shutterstock

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (read more details about the laws in our previous posts) requires that once deemed eligible, you can receive programs or services you may need to get and keep a job, or for independent living.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services are provided by VR counselors and case managers. These individuals are specialized professionals who assist people with disabilities in creating a Comprehensive Assessment and Development of Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE) to facilitate them in achieving their career goals in the most integrated settings possible. (Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, 2011)

Developing a Comprehensive Assessment and IPE

• In addition to gathering assessment information for eligibility determination purposes, the VR counselor also conducts a comprehensive assessment to identify VR needs. During this phase of the VR process, the VR counselor and consumer work together to:
• Choose an employment goal
• Determine services that the consumer will need to achieve his or her goal

Additional diagnostic information (e.g., learning assessments, vocational evaluations, medical evaluations, psychological evaluations) may be gathered at this point to assist with planning and developing an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

The IPE is “the central document of the VR process and is based on the findings of the assessment and is consistent with the informed choice of the consumer.” (Brabham, Mandeville, &Koch, 1998, p. 42) The IPE includes several mandatory components. (29 U.S.C.§701 et seq.)

First, a specific employment outcome chosen by the VR consumer is identified that is consistent with her or his unique strengths, resources, abilities, and interests. Descriptions of the specific VR services that are needed by the individual to achieve the employment outcome are then described in the IPE. Timelines are delineated for the achievement of the employment outcome and for the initiation of each service identified on the IPE.

The IPE also includes a description of the entity (e.g., service provider) chosen by the VR consumer or, as appropriate, his or her representative (e.g., legal guardian) who will provide each VR service, and the methods to be used to procure services, as well as the VR consumer’s responsibilities in participating in the services designated on the IPE. The IPE must stipulate that all goods and services are provided in the most integrated settings possible and must indicate the extent to which other comparable goods and services are provided.

The specific techniques that VR counselors use to facilitate an individual’s goal achievement differ from state to state but may include: (Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, 2011)

• Vocational counseling, guidance, and referral services—vocational rehabilitation counselors will talk with you to see what your skills and interests are, help you choose your work goals, and help you plan your program of services.
• Assessments to determine your eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs; assessments such as career assessments and functional vocational evaluation will help to find out more about your interests, skills, and abilities.
• Physical and mental rehabilitation services, such as help with getting eyeglasses, visual services, treatment for mental health, or speech therapy.
• Interpreter services for students who are deaf.
• Reader services for students who are blind.
• Transportation-related to other vocational rehabilitation services. In some instances, you will get paid for the cost of transportation while you are taking part in other vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Expenses for additional costs incurred while receiving certain vocational rehabilitation services
• Programs and classes that teach job skills such as vocational and other training, including on-the-job training.
• Supported employment services, including job coach: You will receive these services for as long as you need them to help you keep the job.
• Job placement services: You will get help in job-seeking and job-keeping skills such as job development, job placement assistance, and job maintenance.
• Personal assistant services: You will receive workplace personal assistant services (WPAS), such as a work task-related assistant, a reader, an interpreter, help with lifting or reaching work-related items, a personal care assistant, or a travel assistant. These services include training for managing, supervising, and directing your personal assistance services.
• Rehabilitation technology services and devices: You will receive assistive technology, special devices, or accommodations to do the job, including enlarged print, TDD, or raising a desk for a wheelchair.
• Independent living programs help to assess your independent living needs and identify barriers to employment, to adjust your home to help you better manage tasks and work more efficiently.
• Services to assist students with disabilities transition from school to work.

How Does Vocational Job Development, Placement, and Follow-Up Work?

Koch (2013) explains that once the VR consumer has completed the services outlined on the IPE, job-seeking efforts are initiated. The amount and type of job-seeking assistance that is provided or procured by the VR counselor is dependent on each individual consumer’s needs. Some individuals will be able to conduct their own independent job searches with little assistance from the VR counselor, whereas others will require more intensive and direct assistance from their VR counselor, and/or other designated placement professionals.

When VR consumers have been employed for a minimum of 90 days in competitive employment in an integrated work setting and doing work that is compatible with their abilities, interests, and choices, the case is closed as successfully rehabilitated. (Brabham et al., 1998) However, VR consumers can still be eligible for post-employment services, if these are needed to maintain, regain, or advance in their employment. Furthermore, extended services (ongoing support services) may be provided to individuals with the most significant disabilities in a supported employment context.

Dr. Miranda Melcher is an expert on neurodiverse inclusive education and co-author of the book, NVLD and Developmental Visual-Spatial Disorder in Children.