VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

1. VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION MISSOURI IN

2. Legislation Workforce Development Act - 1998 Section IV - Vocational Rehabilitation Act Funding State funds must be appropriated Federal funds match state funds (approx. 4-1 ratio) Vocational Rehabilitation

3. Vocational Rehabilitation Congressional IntentCooperation and coordinationamong all adult trainingand employment programs

4. What is Vocational Rehabilitation? • The Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a part of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. • A special program designed to help individuals with physical or mental impairment(s) obtain employment.

5. Where is Vocational Rehabilitation? • There are 27 District Offices located throughout the State of Missouri. • There are 172 counselors serving approximately 19,000 cases on any given day. • Approximately 25,000 individuals are served each year. • Approximately 5,500 individuals are rehabilitated each year.

7. The Purpose of the State Vocational Rehabilitation Program is Designed to . . .  Assess  Plan  Develop  Provide VR Services  For Individuals with Disabilities Consistent with Their . . .  Strengths Resources  Priorities  Concerns  Abilities  Capabilities  So That the Individual May . . .  Prepare For and Engage in Gainful Employment 

8. INDIVIDUALSSelf-Referral HEALTH AGENCIESDoctors, Health Clinics, Hospitals, Insurance Co. OTHERAttorneys, Psychologists, Parents, Friends EMPLOYMENTAGENCIESMO Job Service, Private Rehab Agencies, Supported Employment Agencies Who Refers Individuals to VR for Services?

9. EDUCATIONALINSTITUTIONSHigh Schools, Colleges, Private Trade Schools PUBLICAGENCIESFamily Services, Welfare, Social Security, Disability Determinations, Probation and Parole, Mental Health Agencies Who Refers Individuals to VR for Services?

10. Orthopedic Mental Retardation Mentally Ill Hard of Hearing Deaf Alcoholism Learning Disabled Visual Epilepsy What Types of Disabilities May be Eligible for VR?

11. Digestive Disorders Character Disorders Brain Injury Drug Addiction Heart Disease Speech Impairment Autism All Other Disabilities What Types of Disabilities May be Eligible for VR?

12. Who is Eligible For Vocational Rehabilitation Services? The termIndividual with a Disabilitymeans an individual . . . • Who has a physical or mental impairment; • Whose impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment, and; • Who can benefit in terms of employment outcome from the provision of Vocational Rehabilitation services.

13. Eligibility The termEmployment Outcome means, with respect to an individual, entering or retaining full-time or, if appropriate, part-time competitive employment in the integrated labor market to the greatest extent practical; or supported employment.

14. Eligibility A determination that the applicant requires Vocational Rehabilitation services to: • Prepare for • Enter into • Engage in, or • Retain gainful employment

15. Employment Consistent with the applicant’s: • Strengths • Concerns • Resources • Abilities • Priorities • Capabilities • Informed Choice

16. What Services Can VR Provide? • Assessment to Determine the Extent of Disability • Evaluation • Guidance • Individual Counseling • Medical, Surgical, Psychiatric, or Hospital Care • Assistive Devices

17. What Services Can VR Provide? • Training • Basic Living and Transportation • Assistance in Finding a Job • Job-Related Tools • Job-Seeking Skills

18. What Types of Training Programs Can VR Provide? • College or University • Junior College • Community College • Area Voc-Tech School • Private Trade and Technical School

19. What Types of Training Programs Can VR Provide? • Business College • On-the-Job Training • Supported Employment • Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program

20. Who Pays for VR Services? Services Provided Without Cost to Client . . . • Diagnostic Services • Counseling and Guidance • Referral Services • Job Placement Assistance • On-the-Job Training Fees

21. Who Pays for VR Services? Services Based on Financial Need . . . • Medical Services • Training • Van Modification • Books, Training Materials • Tools, Equipment • Living Costs • Transportation Costs • Other Goods / Services Not Listed Above

22. Other Programs • Centers For Independent Living • Personal Care Assistance

23. What is Independent Living? • Independent living services are provided by Centers for Independent Living (CIL). • Funded through VR grants. • Managed by persons with disabilities who have been successful in establishing their own independent lifestyles. • Provides information and referral, independent living skills training, advocacy, and peer support.

24. What is the Personal Care Assistance Program? • Provides those services required by individuals with severe physical disabilities which enable them to live more independently by hiring individuals to perform routine tasks of daily living. • Typical tasks include: getting out of bed, dressing, undressing, grooming, bathing, eating, meal preparation and clean-up, and other household management duties.

25. ADA QUESTIONS? The answer is a phone call away! 1-800-949-4232 e-mail: adalh@showme.missouri.edu THE ADA PROJECT Serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska since 1991. The Great Plains Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center. WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US!

26. www.dese.state.mo.us

27. www.dese.state.mo.us/divvocrehab

28. James Ankrom District Supervisor Mo Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 310 NW Englewood Rd. Suite 300 Gladstone, MO 64118 Phone: (816) 467-7900 Fax: (816) 467-7924 Email: james.ankrom@vr.dese.mo.gov