Vocational Rehabilitation Services

last updated: Oct 2024

Most individuals will work-some right out of high school, and some after further education and training. If a person with a disability wants to work or return to work, Vocational Rehabilitative Services may be able to help. A job can reduce dependence on public assistance programs and help individuals with disabilities achieve greater self-direction.

What is vocational rehabilitation?

Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services (or VR) provides eligible individuals with disabilities assistance to achieve greater independence through employment.

Who is eligible for VR?

If an individual with a disability (intellectual/developmental, physical, mental health, vision and/or hearing impairment, etc.) wants to find a job, they may be eligible for VR. An individual is eligible for VR if they 1) have a physical or mental condition which creates a substantial impediment to employment and 2) demonstrate that VR services could benefit the individual in helping to prepare for, find, advance in, or keep a job.

What are the steps in the VR process?

Referral: The process begins when an individual, family member, teacher, etc. contacts VR. Anyone can make a referral at any point, but a good time to start is junior or senior year of high school. Referrals can be made in-person in a local office, by phone, or online. Click this link for a statewide map https://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/files/VRS_Area_Offices.pdf
Application: A meeting with a VR counselor will take place to complete an application. At this appointment, the counselor will gather medical, psychological, academic, and employment history information. The individual applying for VR services will need to sign release forms so that the counselor may request additional information as needed. If necessary, new diagnostic tests/evaluations will be scheduled.
Eligibility Determination: The applicant will be notified about eligibility, in most cases, within 60 days of the application appointment.
Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE): If an individual is found eligible, they will complete an assessment to explore interests, strengths, limitations, resources, etc., as related to the job goals. The individual and counselor will work together to develop the IPE-a signed agreement including a timeline and what services VR will provide to help achieve employment goals.
Service Implementation: VR will deliver services based on the IPE. See below for a list of possible services.
Employment: VR places those with the most significant disabilities in competitive jobs or jobs leading to competitive employment. Qualified job coaches provide training at the job site and follow-up services are provided to help the individual maintain employment.
Case Closure: A case may be closed if: vocational goals are reached, an individual is determined ineligible, an individual requests case closure, if an individual becomes ineligible, if the VR counselor cannot make contact with an individual after multiple attempts, and/or if the individual fails to cooperate.

If I am eligible, what services could VR provide?

VR services may include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

Assessment to determine eligibility and VR needs
Vocational guidance and counseling
Physical and mental restoration services necessary to become employed
Assistive technology, including devices like speech-to-text software, telecommunications, etc.
On-the- job training or other training to improve job skills, including assistance with post-secondary training
Rehabilitation Technology services and devices
Assistance with obtaining equipment and/or licenses for a job
Reimbursement for additional basic living and/or transportation costs resulting from program participation
School to work transition planning
Job placement and follow-up on the job to assure success
Supported employment services
Post-employment services

What are my responsibilities in the process?

Individuals will work closely with a VR counselor and are expected to become a full partner in the process. Individuals will be responsible to make informed choices about their vocational (job) goals, select appropriate services, and follow through on work-related preparation and tasks—all with the ongoing support of your VR counselor. Individuals have the right to seek support from family members, friends, and other advocates during the process. Individuals have the right to reapply to the VR program at a future date upon case closure.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge. However, some services require VR to explore other funding options. For some postsecondary expenses, for example, students and their parents are first required to file a FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students will use any federal student aid they may be eligible for to help pay for certain costs (e.g., tuition and books).

What if I don’t know what job I want?

Feeling uncertain about entering the workforce? Not sure which job is right for you? VR now provides a service called Discovery that can assist you with exploring employment options. For further assistance, contact VR at 1-800-545- 7763 or visit https://secure.in.gov/fssa/ddars/brs/vocational-rehabilitation-employment/ to submit a referral.

Select language

Watch video

Print page

Programs and systems change often. It is important to ensure that you are using the most current information. Please check https://www.inf2f.org/fact-sheets.html for the most recent edition.

This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.