Disabilities

VocRehab counselors want you to be successful, whether that means getting a job, going to school to train for a new career, or receiving supports to help you improve in your current job. Together, you and your counselor will explore different options to help you achieve success. The services you receive will be determined by you and your counselor and will depend on your needs, interests and goals. Since we try to tailor our services to the needs of each person, the services and supports you receive may be different from other job seekers.

You are eligible for VocRehab services if you're a Vermonter with a disability. Your disability can be physical or mental, visible, such as a condition requiring the use of a wheelchair, or invisible, like bipolar disorder.

What are your career goals?  At VocRehab, we don’t just want to help you get a job, we want to also help you plan and achieve a satisfying career path. Every job seeker has unique needs, skills and challenges, so we adapt our services to meet those needs, build out skills and address challenges. Services can include assessment, helping you to figure out what you really want to do, talking about your goals and barriers to finding employment, and assistance for purchasing items related to work.

The Federal government’s Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two programs that pay disability benefits: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI). Here’s how they compare:

The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people receiving SSI and SSDI with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations.

Employment Services

A wide range of services for Vermonters who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or late-deafened are available from the Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RCD's):

This program assists Vermonters who are receiving Social Security Benefits (SSI or SSDI). If you are interested in returning to work but you are concerned about what will happen to your benefits and health care if you do work, VR Benefits Counselors can help. In most cases, people on Social Security Disability benefits are financially better off if they work – as long as they understand the work incentives. Our Benefits Counselors can help you:

What is Assistive Technology?

Definition taken from the Assistive Technology Act of 2004:

“Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”.

The Vermont Assistive Technology’s definition of Assistive Technology:

A term for creative tools and strategies that help people accomplish tasks at home, school, work, and in the community!

What is Progressive Employment?

What if you’re interested in trying a job in a new industry but you have no experience? What if you’re not sure whether a different work environment will be a good match with your disability? Progressive employment may be the answer.