Vocational Rehabilitation in Georgia
https://gvs.georgia.gov/vocational-rehabilitation-can-work-you#field_related_links-106-3
GVRA operates five programs that share a primary goal — to help people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment. The largest of the programs is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Disability Adjudication Services and the Roosevelt Warm Springs. Two other unique divisions serve consumers with visual impairments — the Business Enterprise Program and Georgia Industries for the Blind.
To qualify for vocational rehabilitation services, your disability must be permanent and affect your ability to work in at least two ways. Each person’s situation is considered individually. So, contact your local office to find out for sure.
Contact the office nearest your new home. Staff from our local office will take your application and determine if you qualify.
Trained counselors will consider your disability and its effects on your ability to work.
If a person is not a U.S. citizen, they must have a valid permit to work in addition to having a disability which is permanent and affects his or her ability.
The following is the VR process:
- The client meets with a VR Counselor to complete an application.
- The counselor and the client talk about how the disability affects the client’s ability to work, and if he/she will benefit from VR services.
- If the client qualifies for VR services, the counselor and client will talk about his/her employment goal.
- Assessments are used to determine the services necessary to reach that employment goal.
- A work plan is created, outlining the responsibilities of the client and the services to be provided by GVRA to help him/her reach their employment goal.
NOTE: Financial eligibility requirements need to be met to receive some purchased services.
The services available are based on what is needed to go to work. They may include, but are not limited to:
- Vocational assessment
- Vocational counseling and guidance
- Physical and mental restoration services
- Vocational training
- School-to-work transition
- Rehabilitation technology
- Supported employment
- Job search and job placement
- Referral to other agencies for needed services
Once the necessary vocational rehabilitation services are received and employment is achieved, a 90-day follow-up is provided to the individual and the employer to ensure that there are no problems and the job is a good fit.
After the 90-day follow-up period, the case is closed but GVRA staff will continue to check on the client to make sure everything is going well and they don’t need additonal supports.
Transition from School to Work
https://gvs.georgia.gov/transition-school-work
Autism After 16
This covers topics related to issues facing adults on the spectrum. Columns focus on transition, community living, postsecondary education, employment, and more.
National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth
This is a national center offering a wealth of info about many aspects of achieving employment for youth with disabilities.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
This provides news, research and materials on topics including transition planning, family involvement, and youth development and leadership.
School Days to Pay Days
This is an employment guide for families
NSTTAC
These provide tools and resources to assist with transition assessment.
Youthhood
An interactive site designed for young adults to plan for life after high school. The Job Center component addresses “learning about work,” and “knowing it’s important.”
