Vocational Evaluation and Assistive Technology Services Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services and Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services: Vocational Evaluation Services Mission/Purpose of Program: In partnership with people with disabilities and their families, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. Referral Source(s): For Vocational Evaluation services, the referrals come from the Rehabilitation Counselors in the offices. Primary Population(s) Served: All adults with disabilities and transition age students.

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services: Vocational Evaluation Services Staffing: Each office handles VE staffing processes differently. However, each referral is staffed between the Rehabilitation Counselor and Evaluator to discuss the needs for the evaluation. Other staff such as Job Coaches, Rehabilitation Engineers and so on may be present if necessary. VE Technician/Support Staff: Each evaluator provides services independently with each client. Assessments Tools Used: Aptitude, academic and interest assessments and work samples. Other computer assessments such as PreVisor may be administered as well. Length of Assessment(s): One to two day assessments. Service Delivery Locations: DRS offices Types of AT Support Available (include both staff/department resources and examples of technologies): Rehabilitation Engineers and staff within Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center are available for staff consultations as needed. Typically, if an assistive technology assessment is required, the VE would refer to WWRC, Rehabilitation Engineers or Occupational Therapists for AT assessments and/or needs.

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services: Rehabilitation Engineering Services Mission/Purpose of Program: In partnership with people with disabilities and their families, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society. Referral Source(s): For Assistive Technology services, they come from Rehabilitation Counselors, but often originate from a job coach or teacher. Primary Population(s) Served: Assistive Technology Services are provided to adults interested in employment, or students in transition from school to work. VE Professionals: Some consultations may be made between the VE and Rehab Engineer as necessary.

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services: Rehabilitation Engineering Services AT Practitioner/Technology Specialist: Direct Services are provided by the Rehabilitation Engineer and Rehab Engineering Fabricator. Computer Accommodation Evaluations are provided by an Occupational Therapist and supported by a computer technician/engineer. The availability of services is dependent upon location in the state. In some areas, follow along and training services for computer accommodations are provided by private contractors referred to as “technology tutors”. Service Delivery Locations: Services can be provided in the DRS office, home, school or work place. Extensive computer evaluations are completed in a computer accommodations lab. Funding Source(s): VR Services provide for the assessments. Actual equipment purchase is dependent on the consumer’s financial responsibility. The other resources such as disability specific equipment loan closets or grants are also pursued. Types of AT Support Available (include both staff/department resources and examples of technologies): Rehabilitation Engineers are available in each region and Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center is available for DRS Counselors to make referrals for more extensive evaluations.

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services: Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Mission/Purpose of Program: In partnership with persons with disabilities and rehabilitation professionals, the Assistive Technology Services program provides comprehensive interdisciplinary technology assessments and customized technology services, which may include special and individualized computer technology, customized rehabilitation engineering and fabrication, augmentative alternative communication, mobility enhancement, and adaptive devices for daily living and recreation, in order to improve employment potential, foster independence, and promote full inclusion in society through the use of assistive technology. Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center offers the following AT Programs and Services: Assistive Listening and Alerting Devices (ALAD) Center, Assistive Computer Technology (ACT) Program, Adaptive Driving Program, Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Program, Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL), Home, School and Work Site Modifications, Seating and Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering.

Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services: Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Services offered by WWRC: Assistive Listening and Alerting Devices (ALAD) Center Assistive Computer Technology (ACT) Program Adaptive Driving Program Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Program Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADL) Home, School and Work Site Modifications Seating and Mobility Rehabilitation Engineering

Case Study To be continued….