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What we will be discussing! Hear about how IVRS assists people in obtaining work: oOverview of services, purpose of program/working together oLabor market & employer needs oApplication/intake/eligibility/services process oAnswer questions you might have oLet you decide if we’re the right fit for your needs oSchedule appointment for initial intake appointment oProvide application packet

Our Purpose To work with individuals who have disabilities to reach their employment goals.

Who We Serve: To be eligible for IVRS services: o The individual must have a disability o The disability must affect the individual’s ability to be employed o The individual must need rehabilitation services in order to work

Employment oEmployment is the objective for each individual served by the VR program. oEligible individuals receive counseling and guidance in choosing a vocational objective. oVocational Rehabilitation counselors provide support, encouragement, and guidance & counseling to facilitate your employment efforts oIt’s an active partnership and you are part of the team. You will get out of the program what you put into it.

Eligibility Vocational Rehabilitation does not use age in deciding eligibility. You must be able to actively participate in vocational planning and must want to work.

Eligibility If testing or other medical exams are necessary to determine eligibility, your counselor will help arrange and pay for those exams.

Vocational Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services Bureau o 13 Area Offices, located throughout the State o 32 Service Units across Iowa

Area Service Offices

Program Facts IVRS provides time-limited services directed toward a final goal for employment VOLUNTARY participation Not an entitlement program Federal and state dollars fund IVRS o Federal share is 78.7% o State share is 21.3% Counselors and IVRS team partner with you and will be as active as you’re willing to be in working toward an employment goal You have rights as well as responsibilities for participation

IVRS Can Help We work together to get you employed It’s a partnership PROCESS, not a “hand out a job” program! It takes time to: o Determine eligibility o Gain increased insight and understanding into limitations to meet employer demands o Participate in career counseling to Identify vocational interests and aptitudes o Select a feasible vocational goal, consistent with the labor market o Develop action plan to achieve the goal (IPE) o Implement the plan (IPE) o Obtain and maintain satisfactory, IPE-planned employment 90 days

EMPLOYMENT Here is what Employers Expect: Communication skills Work Ethic—attendance, punctuality, ability to complete projects, etc. Job skills that match their openings Decision making skills Team players Willingness to LEARN

Eligibility Eligibility: Having a disability, which results in difficulties for you in finding and/or keeping a job and needing IVRS services to be successful. If placed on waiting list, you can receive information and referral information services from IVRS. The three categories : Most Significantly Disabled Significantly Disabled Others Eligible

Plan Development Vocational Rehabilitation can provide a variety of services once you are eligible and able to be served.

What We Do: Typical Services: o Career Counseling o Skill/Academic Training o Assistive Technology o Job Placement

What We Do: o Specialized Services o Tools/Work Equipment o Consultation to employers regarding accommodations

What We Provide: VR is a highly individualized process whereby the counselor and the client work together as partners to: o Identify vocational interest and aptitudes o Determine a vocational goal o Develop an employment plan to achieve the goal

Employment To make your vocational goal a reality, your counselor will help you develop an “Individual Plan for Employment” or an “IPE” The IPE is a written document that identifies your job goal and lists all of the services and resources necessary to reach your vocational goal

Work to Date { { Work Remaining This Has Been a Lot of Work

Individual Plan of Employment The plan focuses on those services you need to find and keep a job It will identify responsibilities and time frames It will help identify comparable benefits and services It will provide a framework for your journey to success

General Guidance VR does not pay for services for which someone else has responsibility to pay Some services are based on financial need or your ability to pay VR has limits on how much it can pay for some services VR has requirements to determine services needed

Do’s and Don’t’s Do: oListen carefully oShow up for appointments oBring relevant information with you oNotify and get approval from your counselor on any change in your program oStay in communication with all your resources, network oTalk to us/Stay active oManage your disability

Do’s and Don’t’s Don’t: oDon’t quit your job oDon’t enroll in school or a training program until you have discussed with your counselor oDon’t buy anything until you have discussed with your counselor and received authorization

You also have Rights & Responsibilities

Next Steps Complete the application paperwork, review the attached packet of information and meet with an IVRS staff member to complete an intake. Call for the office nearest you. IVRS staff will review your paperwork and help clarify any outstanding issues or questions you might have. Focus is always on employment, but initially information is gathered to help gain insight into your situation and help begin the eligibility and plan development process IVRS LOOKS FORWARD TO BEING A PARTNER WITH YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT!