Who Is Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Programs?

This post was co-authored by Dr. Miranda Melcher.

U.S. law (read more details about the laws in our previous blogs), as mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its amendments, states that a person is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services if they:

1. Have a physical or mental impairment which for such individual constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment
2. Can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from vocational rehabilitation services provided pursuant to title I, III, or VI (29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.)

If determined eligible, you can receive free programs or services that could help you to get and keep a job or to live independently. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services are provided by VR counselors and case managers. These individuals are specialized professionals who assist people with disabilities in achieving their career goals in the most integrated settings possible through the application of the counseling process (Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, 2011).

How is eligibility determined?

The Vocational Rehabilitation process is individualized and tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each person with a disability. It aims to empower individuals, maximize their potential, and facilitate their successful integration into the workforce. Eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by conducting a preliminary assessment that includes an initial interview, medical evaluation, and review of existing records documenting disability (e.g., school records, previous professional assessments, medical records).

The initial interview is conducted by a VR counselor or technician, who gathers information from the VR applicant about their reasons for applying for VR services, disability and health status, socioeconomic background, functional limitations, educational history, work experiences, career goals, and VR expectations (Koch & Rumrill, 2005; Rubin &Roessler, 2008). Other evaluations (e.g., psychological evaluation) may also be arranged if needed to facilitate eligibility determination. An eligibility decision must be made within 60 days after the initial application for services (29 U.S.C. §701 et seq.).

For VR applicants who are neurodiverse or have a LD, eligibility determination and rehabilitation need assessments involving a “comprehensive understanding of the individual’s vocational strengths and functional deficits so that employment goals and remedial services can be planned accordingly” (Telzrow & Koch, 2003, p. 14). In referring such students for VR services, school psychologists can assist in expediting eligibility determination and identification of VR service needs by providing information about the students’:

• Functional deficits and how these may interfere with job performance
• Functional strengths that could facilitate job performance
• Compensatory strategies that could be targeted in VR planning to improve the individual’s employability
• Recommendations for specific services that may assist the individual in achieving his or her employment goal (Hartlage & Telzrow, 1984; Telzrow & Koch, 2003)

If any gaps in this information are present, the VR counselor may arrange for a neuropsychological evaluation to “formulate diagnostic hypotheses and recommend rehabilitation interventions or further assessment based on these tentative diagnoses” (Telzrow & Koch, 2003, p. 14).

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility criteria for vocational rehabilitation programs may vary depending on the country and specific program guidelines. However, in general, the following factors are considered when determining eligibility:

1. Disability: Vocational Rehabilitation programs primarily cater to individuals with disabilities. The definition of disability may vary, but it typically includes physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental health impairments that substantially limit a person’s ability to engage in employment or career-related activities.
2. Employment goal: Eligibility often requires having a goal of obtaining or maintaining employment. The individual should demonstrate a desire and commitment to work or pursue a specific vocational outcome.
3. Impact on employment: The disability should have a significant impact on the person’s ability to perform essential job functions or participate in employment-related activities. This is assessed through evaluations and documentation provided by medical professionals or other qualified individuals.
4. Rehabilitation potential: Vocational Rehabilitation programs assess an individual’s potential for rehabilitation and determine if the available services can reasonably help them achieve their employment goals. This evaluation considers factors such as medical conditions, functional limitations, skills, abilities, and personal circumstances.
5. Supportive services: Some programs consider an individual’s need for Vocational Rehabilitation services and support. This includes factors such as counseling, job placement assistance, training, assistive technology, accommodations, and ongoing support.

It is, however, important to note that in some cases, state VR agencies may be unable to serve all persons who apply for services, and when this occurs, they are required to have a state plan which specifies the order in which individuals are to be served, with the requirement that individuals with the most severe disabilities be served first.

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