The Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), help people with disabilities prepare for careers consistent with their interests and abilities. RSC also helps people maintain their current employment, if their disability is threatening continued employment.
Vocational rehabilitation provides direct, personalized services to help people with disabilities get jobs. In the vocational rehabilitation process, a counselor will work with you on a one-to-one basis to plan an individualized program that leads to gainful employment.
You will actively participate in planning your services, and how those services will be delivered. Services may include evaluation, restoration, vocational training, occupational tools and equipment, adaptive technology and job placement assistance. Counseling, the most essential service offered by RSC, is provided throughout the rehabilitation process. The trained counselor will be available to answer questions, help with problems and offer guidance toward achievement of your rehabilitation goals. A successful rehabilitation may take anywhere from several months to several years.
Anyone can make a referral to RSC. You can even refer yourself. Referrals may be made in writing, by telephone or through a visit to the nearest RSC office.
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After referral, an initial interview is set up between you and a professional counselor. If you wish, a friend or family member may accompany you. Your counselor will talk with you about your career plans and the services you feel are necessary to reach an employment goal. The counselor will ask about your work history, education and disability.
RSC is required by law to maintain your confidentiality. All personal information provided by you or any other source is strictly confidential and won't be released to anyone (other than your legal guardian, if applicable) without your written consent.
If possible, bring any reports (medical, psychological, etc.) from people who have previously provided services to you. Also bring your work history. This will help your counselor more quickly determine your eligibility for RSC services.
Eligibility is based on three factors:
- you have a physical or mental impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment;
- you can benefit from services in terms of an employment outcome; and
- you require VR services to retain or gain employment.
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After it’s been determined that you’re eligible for services, the next step is to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) with your counselor. The IPE, which states your rights and responsibilities, is an agreement between you and RSC describing services which will be provided according to your choices. Since a consumer is expected to contribute to the cost of the program to the extent possible, you may be responsible for some costs of your rehabilitation plan, especially pertaining to college tuition.
When you are ready for employment, the counselor and other RSC staff will help you prepare for the job search. Your counselor can offer information on accessing public transportation (if it’s available in your community) or arranging for private transportation. And, if you need some job site modifications for accessibility and efficiency, your counselor can help with that too.
RSC can also provide assistance to help you keep your job if you’re having trouble working because of your disability. The counselor can work with you and your employer to determine the services necessary.
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Counseling and guidance to jointly choose an employment goal based on your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, capabilities and interests. A thorough, objective understanding of your assets and liabilities, and of employment opportunities, is a prerequisite in planning.
Personal and work adjustment training may be purchased by RSC to help you reach your occupational objective by:
- acquiring personal habits, attitudes and skills (including social skills) needed to function effectively on the job;
- increasing your work tolerance;
- developing work habits and orientation to the work world; or
- learning techniques that can compensate for the loss of a bodily or sensory function such as mobility or sight.
Vocational training may be purchased or secured by RSC when needed and available. Training might include vocational school, college, technical or business school, or on-the-job or supported employment training in an industrial or commercial firm.
If supplies such as textbooks or tools are required for vocational training, or licenses and equipment are necessary to begin an occupation, RSC can help with those items.
Physical and mental restoration may be necessary to correct or substantially modify an impairment so that you can attain employment. (Restoration cannot be provided for other reasons, however desirable or beneficial. Written policies and regulations prohibit RSC from conducting a medical care program.)
RSC restoration services may include:
- treatment, including hospitalization and surgery;
- artificial limbs or braces;
- eyeglasses or hearing aids; or
- other services such as occupational and physical therapy.
Placement in an employment setting suitable to your skills and capacities is the ultimate goal. RSC can provide placement assistance to you following training. This may include resume development and practice interviews to get you ready for the job search.
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Appeal Rights
If you disagree with any decisions your counselor makes regarding your services, you can file an appeal. If you need help preparing the appeal, you can call the Ohio Legal Rights Service at (800) 282-9181 voice, (800) 858-3542 TTY, (614) 466-7264 voice, (614) 728-2553 TTY. Its Web site address is http://www.olrs.ohio.gov
Two important thing to remember
- RSC is required by law to maintain your confidentiality. All personal information provided by you or any other source is strictly confidential and won't be released to anyone (other than your legal guardian, if applicable) without your written consent.
- If you are denied services, the counselor will explain the appeals process.
RSC will follow-up on the job to insure that you’re successfully working and that both you and the employer are satisfied. If so, your case will be closed. Further RSC services can be provided at a later date, if needed.
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