Getting to WORK with Vocational Rehabilitation Services TBI Conference April 2014
Housekeeping Cell phones muted Hold questions for the end Parking lot Alternate format
VRS Mission Empower Minnesotans with disabilities to achieve their goals for employment, independent living, and community integration.
Who VRS Serves: Individuals who have a substantial impediment to employment due to disability Individuals who are pursuing independent, community jobs, earning the same wages as coworkers without a disability Students in high school to 65+ years old
VRS and Transition Students There is a VR counselor assigned to every high school in MN. “Simply Said” video
Eligibility and Priority Social Security recipients (SSI,SSDI) Ability to benefit Priority for services o Communication o Self Care o Self Direction o Interpersonal Skills o Work Tolerance o Work Skills o Mobility
Community Partnerships Independent Living Centers Community Rehabilitation Partners WorkForce Center Partners – Job Service, WIA providers Area training sites – apprenticeships, community and technical colleges, universities, Adult Basic Education Businesses
Potential Services Vocational Evaluation Job Try Out Driver’s Assessment/Training Assistive Technology Assessment/Training Skills based training Job Shadow Resume Development Job Seeking Skills Training Job Placement On the Job Supports * Supported Employment
IDEA vs. ADA
Examples of Accommodations Areas of Accommodation Physical Limitations Visual Problems Maintaining Stamina During the Workday Maintaining Concentration Difficulty Staying Organized and Meeting Deadlines Memory Deficits Problem Solving Deficits Working Effectively with Supervisors Difficulty Handling Stress and Emotions
Success Stories: Add client first names here
VRS Statewide Offices in WFCs Most VRS offices are located within Minnesota’s statewide network of WorkForce Centers. In addition to the WFC offices, there are four stand-alone VRS offices.
Questions: Annette Sobek, MS, CRC Rebecca Johnson, MS, CRC Kendra Grunig, MS, CRC