Referral: Individuals may be self-referred, or the referral may be made by family members, physicians or medical institutions, educational institutions, or others by calling, writing, or visiting any Vocational Rehabilitation office or facility. To locate the office nearest you, please refer to a map of the VR region and area office locations.
The referred individual must submit a written application requesting vocational rehabilitation services.
Application: The VR counselor gathers and evaluates medical, educational, vocational, and other information to determine eligibility. An applicant is eligible if a determination is made that:
- he or she has a physical or mental impairment;
- the physical or mental impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and
- the individual requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain an employment outcome consistent with his or her abilities, capacities, career interests, and informed choice.
The eligibility determination must be made within 60 days of the date on which the individual applies, unless unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the agency necessitate, and the individual agrees to, an extension of the assessment period for a specified additional period, or an extended evaluation is necessary.