How can vocational rehabilitation help me?

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs can help identify a suitable career path, and provide funding and services to reach a career goal. VR services are determined based on the person’s needs and goals, but can include the following:

• Assessments to evaluate career interests and readiness for eligibility and services.
• Assistive Technologies to support communication (e.g., hearing aids, flashing/vibrating alarm clocks, captioned telephones, personal amplifiers, screen braille communicators and more).
• Accommodations to participate in training or work (e.g., interpreting and speech-to-text services).
• Training for future vocational or educational goals (e.g. resources for on-the-job training, funds for tuition, books, supplies and tutoring).
• Transportation to training or work (e.g. monthly public transportation or mileage).
• Equipment and clothing to participate in training or employment.
• Other Services to support an individual to obtain, maintain and retain employment.

Many VR offices remain open and continue to work with people remotely. Not yet a client with VR? Contact your local VR office to apply. NDC has created the following outline and checklist, Plan Your Future: A Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation for Deaf Youth that you may use to prepare for your VR appointment to help you secure services.