Welcome to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation for Transition. Facilitator Notes: Welcome to the orientation for Vocational Rehabilitation services. The purpose of this orientation is to help you understand the Vocational Rehabilitation program , known as VR, and how it could work for you. VR services are offered through the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The goal of the program is to assist individuals with significant disabilities to prepare for, find and keep jobs. 1 1

In this presentation, you will learn: What the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation does and how the program works - Who is eligible for services How you apply What services are available How to make good career choices What happens when you reach your employment goal Facilitator Notes: Today, you are going to hear about how you could benefit from VR services. This presentation will give you an overview of the Vocational Rehabilitation program, including: who is eligible for services - how to apply to the program what services are available how to make informed decisions around employment choices and the benefits that come with a successful employment goal 2 2

What is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)? Vocational Rehabilitation is a statewide program that helps people with disabilities to prepare for, find and keep jobs. VR helps High School students within two years of graduation and adults of all ages, who presently reside in Maine, to find employment. Facilitator Notes: The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, also known as DVR or VR, is a public vocational rehabilitation program resulting from a federal law, the Rehabilitation Act. This law is founded on the belief that all individuals with disabilities can work. Under this law, each state operates a program in partnership with the federal government. The goal of the program is to assist individuals with significant disabilities prepare for, find, and keep jobs. You may contact the program directly or be referred to the program by your school or another source. There are offices throughout the state to serve you in your local community. 3 3

The Intake Interview A VR person will meet with you and your parent/guardian to have a conversation about your interests regarding work Gather information and records Bring any records you may have Sign release forms Facilitator Notes: After a signed application has been received, you will be scheduled for an Intake Interview. During the intake, a VR person will: talk with you and your parent/guardian about your disability and any jobs you may have had; will gather information about your history and request records to document your disability; and ask you about school records, psychological and medical evaluations. Due to strict confidentiality laws, you and your parent/guardian will be asked to sign release forms to obtain records that will help us understand you. If there is not enough documentation of your disability, VR may arrange for additional assessments. 4 4

VR Eligibility The Maine Vocational Rehabilitation Rules state that you are eligible for services if you: have a physical, mental or emotional disability that keeps you from getting and keeping a job; and need Vocational Rehabilitation services to overcome the barriers that interfere with preparing for, finding and keeping a job . Eligibility will be determined as quickly as possible. Facilitator Notes: Once the necessary documents have been received, eligibility will be determined. 5 5

Getting Started Meet with Counselor Begin assessment of disability needs Learn more about strengths, work skills, capabilities and interests Make informed choices about employment.

Informed Choice Requires active participation Guides you in the decision-making process Encourages exploration of options to make reliable choices Many factors influence choice. Facilitator Notes: You are expected to be an active participant throughout your experience with VR. Informed choice will guide all decision-making that occurs. Informed choice means that you are made aware of information and options that will help you make decisions. With choice comes responsibility. It is important for you to work with your VR Counselor and others who are assisting you to explore realistic options that lead to a meaningful job. Informed choice is the cornerstone of your experience with VR. Many Factors influence choice: - abilities, capabilities, strengths, job market, cost effectiveness, legal and safety issues, available financial resources 7 7

Making the Program Work for You Take responsibility for your choices. Keep scheduled appointments. Ask questions. Record important information. Plan ahead. Keep in touch with your VR Counselor. Get to know yourself. Explore your employment interests. Facilitator Notes: Being a partner in the decisions that are made means taking responsibility for your choices. This includes keeping scheduled appointments, asking questions, maintaining records and planning ahead. It’s important to stay in touch with your VR office if your phone number, email or street address changes. By maintaining contact with your VR Counselor, you will have access to activities that will help you explore your career interests - matching your values, skills, capabilities and personality with the demands of the world of work. Each person’s vocational needs are different; therefore, every person’s rehabilitation plan is different. To begin this process, you may be offered an opportunity to participate in a Transition Career Exploration Workshop, or TCEW, to help you learn more about your career interests and aptitudes. 8 8

Share Your Goals Invite your VR Counselor to be a part of your school team. VR can be more helpful when all of the people who support you share your goals. Facilitator Notes: After you have completed the Transition CEW workshop or other career exploration opportunities and probably know more about your interests and yourself, it is a good time to meet with your VR Counselor and invite them to talk with your parents and school guidance team, who are all part of your support network, to set goals and make plans. When you share your goals with your counselor, you have one more person to help you to reach those goals.

Transition Career Exploration Workshop Discover employment possibilities Self Assessments Team Environment Interactive experience Local employment specialists Begin developing an employment plan. Facilitator Notes: During the TCEW, you will discover employment possibilities and begin to plan a course of action focused on your employment goal. During the workshop, a variety of self assessments will be offered for you to learn more about your interests and abilities. You will be participating in a team environment as you interact within small and large groups. The essentials to employment success will be discussed by local employment specialists, and you will be encouraged to do computer-based research for jobs in the local economy. Participants will develop a portfolio, putting together what they have learned about themselves and their goals. This information will assist in the development of the Individualized Plan for Employment, also known as the IPE. 10 10

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) Identifies a specific vocational goal Outlines steps and time frames Includes necessary services, training, and supplies Identifies accommodations and modifications Is cost effective Facilitator Notes: The Individualized Plan for Employment is a written document that you, your parent/guardian and your VR Counselor create together. While creating this plan, it is important to think about: the information you learned about yourself, your disability and your work skills during the Transition Career Exploration process; your previous work experience, labor market conditions; and how your disability impacts your capacity to work. The finalized plan begins with a specific work goal and includes: detailed steps and time frames for reaching that goal; outlines your responsibilities and how progress will be measured; includes necessary agreed upon services, training and supplies; and identifies accommodations and modifications to meet employment needs. All services will be provided as cost effectively as possible. 11 11

Overview of Services Vocational counseling and guidance services are provided throughout the rehabilitation process to help you make informed decisions about how to reach your goals. Assessment services to identify your disability needs, and to measure your strengths, capabilities, work skills and interests. Assistive technology to help you reach your job goal. Facilitator Notes: The vocational rehabilitation program offers a range of services to individuals who are eligible. The plan for services is developed based on the individual needs of each person VR serves. The services provided to one person may be very different than those provided to another. As a general rule, in order for VR to provide a service: you must require the service(s) in order for you to succeed in achieving your job goal; and the service(s) must be provided as cost effectively as possible. The services will include: Vocational counseling and guidance, which is provided throughout the rehabilitation process to help you to make informed decisions about how to reach your goals. Assessments Services to help identify strengths, capabilities, work skills, and interests, as well as disability related accommodations. - Assistive technology to help you be successful in performing day-to-day work tasks and employment-related activities and to help you perform in academic settings. 12 12

Overview of Services Job development – help with carrying out a job search, completing applications, developing a resume and practicing interviewing Job Shadows – see how a job is done and ask questions about the job Job Coaching – help with learning the job and new tasks. Job development services help you carry out your job search and may include assistance with completing application forms, writing a resume, and practice with interviewing. Job shadows are opportunities to visit a company and watch a person doing their job. You may have an opportunity to ask questions. Job coaching is intended to help you learn and keep your job. This service may be temporary or ongoing. 13 13

Overview of Services Self Employment is a service offered to individuals who are seeking to own and operate a business; requires commitment of your time. Support Services are provided when necessary to achieve the employment goal. Facilitator Notes: Other services you may find available through VR: Self employment assistance is a service offered to individuals who are seeking to own and operate their own business. Setting up a small business will require a significant commitment of your time and resources to be successful. You will be asked to develop a business plan that will be approved by a business consultant as being a viable proposal. Other Support services may be available during the implementation of the IPE. 14 14

Overview of Services Training and Education will be explored when necessary to achieve the employment goal. Steps to take: Assess academic skills, interests, and abilities Research job market for opportunities Identify training program Apply and get accepted to a training program Apply for Financial Aid Training and education assistance is offered as cost effectively as possible. Facilitator Notes: What if I need more training and education? Training and Education services may be explored with your VR Counselor to provide you with the skills you need to achieve your employment goal. The training or education options VR will support depends on your skills, interests and abilities, information about the job market, and research on how most people get into the kind of work you want to do. If training or education is necessary to achieve your employment goal, you, your parents/guardian and VR counselor will work together to identify a training or education program that meets your needs, as well as disability-related accommodations you may require. If a training program has been agreed upon, the next step is to apply to a program; Then immediately apply for financial aid. As with all services, training and education must be provided as cost effectively as possible, according to the Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Rules. 15 15

Resources All services need to be pre-approved by your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before purchase of goods and services. Many resources may be used to help pay for the services identified in the IPE. Facilitator Notes: All IPE services provided by VR will need to be pre-approved by your VR Counselor and be part of your IPE prior to the purchase of any goods and services. Many resources may be used to cover the cost of services under the Individualized Plan for Employment. Before VR funds can be used, all possible funding and material resources will need to be explored – including your families’ resources, your resources, your insurance or other benefits and public programs. It is important for you to know what the costs are and who is paying for the goods and services outlined in your IPE. The knowledge will help you to make better decisions about the services you receive. 16 16

Successful Employment Outcome Once you have found employment that is consistent with your strengths, interests, and capabilities and have worked for at least 90 days, your case is closed successfully. Facilitator Notes: Once you have found employment that is consistent with your strengths, interests, and capabilities and have worked for at least 90 days, your case is closed successfully. When your case is closed successfully, you could be eligible for Post Employment Services, which are in place to help individuals maintain their employment status. These are limited to one or two core services accomplished over a short period of time. Now that you have learned about VR services, we would like you to know about two other resources that might be helpful to you. One can help you understand how working would affect your present situation, and the other can help you in your job search. 17 17

Social Security Programs Social Security Benefits Counseling provided by a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) to help you understand how your benefits will be affected if you go to work. Ticket to Work (TTW) is a federal program for Social Security beneficiaries that connects you to service providers who can help you achieve a work goal. Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) is a federal program for Social Security beneficiaries to set aside money to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal. www.benefitsandworkinme.org Facilitator Notes: Social Security Benefits counseling done by a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) helps you to understand how your benefits will be affected if you go to work and can explain the different incentives for which you may qualify under the Social Security Administration rules. The two incentives offered by the Social Security Administration are: The Ticket To Work (TTW) program, a federal program to connect recipients with employment service providers; and The Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) program to help recipients set aside money to pay for items and services needed to go to work. Each person’s benefits are unique. The rules and work incentives apply to each person based on their individual circumstances. One of the best ways to get accurate information is to contact a Certified Work Incentives Coordinator, or (CWIC). Benefits counseling is a free service offered through Maine Medical Center’s Vocational Services department. The contact information is: Tel: 1-888-208-8700 Email: www.benefitsandworkinme.org TTY: 622-4900 18 18

Services at the CareerCenter Maine's Job Bank Career information and Self-Directed Skills Assessments Training and Education resources Information Center Computers to access the internet for job search Job Search Workshops on: Resume Writing Interviewing Veteran Services www.mainecareercenter.com Facilitator Notes: At any time during your efforts to find employment, VR encourages you to take advantage of the assistance offered at the Career Center. The Career Center offers a wide range of services that could benefit you. Be sure to get to know your local office and the services they can provide you in preparing for a job and your job search. For more information, visit their website at: www.mainecareercenter.com 19 19

What are my next Steps? If you decide that VR is right for you, a number of application options are available to you - Contact your local office for an application packet Complete and return the signed application and health checklist. VR will contact you for an intake interview. Create a list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors and other healthcare providers to bring to your intake appointment Participation at your intake appointment demonstrates your interest in obtaining a job. www.maine.gov/rehab Facilitator Notes: Now that you have gathered more information about VR services and have decided that you may benefit from Vocational Rehabilitation services, contact your local office for an application packet. After receiving your packet, you and your parent/guardian will complete and sign the application and health checklist, then mail them to your local office. Once this information has been received by the VR office, you will be contacted for an intake appointment. It would be helpful for you and your parent/guardian to make a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of your doctors and other healthcare providers, including a list of any medications you are taking to bring to your appointment. Participation at your intake appointment demonstrates your interest in obtaining a job. For more information, visit our website at: www.maine.gov/rehab See you then . . . 20 20