Community Resources - Rehabilitation: Vocational

Rehabilitation / Vocational

Rehabilitation: Vocational

Introduction

Individuals may lose certain work skills and abilities after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Learning or relearning skills and abilities is often necessary to resume employment. Some questions to consider before returning to work include:

1. If the individual chooses, is s/he healthy enough to consider returning to work?

2. Would the individual be able to achieve his/her goal of returning to work if the hours were reduced from what they were previously?

3. Would the individual be able to achieve his/her goal of returning to work if special equipment or supervision were provided?

4. Would a redesign of duties and responsibilities enable the individual to return to work?
Individuals with TBI may not only need help finding a job, but keeping it. A variety of job supports may be necessary, such as: assistive technology, mentoring, coaching, job site adaptations and scheduling accommodations.

The Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) believes that every person who wants to work can, and that working helps people become independent and successful. Each DVR office throughout the state is committed to offering a welcoming environment and providing the information and support necessary for people with disabilities to direct and receive the goods and services in a way that makes the most sense for them.

In Washington, there are a growing number of people requesting vocational rehabilitation services and the agency is trying to serve the greatest number of people possible. Unfortunately, because of declining resources and rising costs, DVR does not have enough resources to serve every eligible person immediately and there is a waiting list for services. DVR is working hard to keep the waiting time to a minimum and to help people begin their journey to employment as quickly as possible.

You are eligible for DVR services if a DVR counselor determines that you meet all of the following conditions:

1. You have a physical or mental disability. DVR must verify the disability by getting copies of medical records or by having you complete the tests, examinations, or evaluations necessary to verify the disability.

2. Your disability prevents you from getting or keeping a job.

3. You require vocational rehabilitation services to get or keep a job that matches your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and choices.

Sources: Michigan Resource Guide for Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury and Their Families; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/index.htm

For more information on traumatic brain injury, please contact your doctor or refer to the TBI Toolkit, produced by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Library/tbitoolkit.pdf

WESTERN WASHINGTON

NEW FEDERAL GRANT ALLOWS FOR NO-FEE PLACEMENT SERVICES FOR QUALIFIED PERSONS

Neurological Vocational Services
Department of Neurology
Harborview Medical Center, Box359744
Seattle,WA 98194
(206) 744-9130

We are pleased to announce that NVS has just been awarded a Project With Industry (PWI) grant by federal government. This allows us to provide no-fee job Development services for qualified persons.

CRITERIA for PWI no-fee job placement assistance

A. A neurological condition (such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, stroke, neuromuscular disorders, brain tumor, Asperger’s syndrome, and similar conditions)

B. Job Ready (identified job goal with applicable skills, education, or work experience that supports the viability of a placement effort).

C. Preference consideration given to those unemployed six months or more.

D. Both Part-time and Full-time jobs can be developed for PWI clients.

Vocational evaluations, community-based assessments, selective placements with intensive job coaching will continue to be offered for those who are “not job ready.” These are often funded by state vocational rehabilitation, school districts, insurance and other external agencies.

Referral Process

Call (206) 744-9130, or e-mail: dkhmc@u.washington.edu.

Or just walk in…

New referrals to the Project With Industry (PWI) can also apply in person, without a formal appointment, every Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM.

Our address is 401 Broadway, Suite 2088 (corner of Jefferson at Broadway).

Neurology Vocational Services Unit (NVSU) At Harborview in Seattle
Phone 206-744-9130
Web Site: www.nvsrehab.org
Description: NVSU has a target population of clients with neurological disabilities such as TBI, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and stroke. NVSU helps find meaningful and financially viable work for the unemployed and underemployed with neurological disabilities at no cost to the client through RSA ProjectWith Industry support. Work at our center suggests that two-thirds of clients with severe TBI can returned to work with specialized interventions. Clients attend twice weekly job club, receive job leads screened to match their needs and abilities, and have on going vocational advisement and follow-up.
Areas Served: King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish.
Eligibility: 16 years + with Neurological Impairment.
How to Apply: New client referrals are welcome to meet one of our experienced vocational counselors any Tuesday morning at 10:30 for an individual intake meeting to consider entering the program. Individuals with TBI and seeking work are encouraged to come to the Pat Steel Building, 401 Broadway (corner of Broadway and Jefferson) Suite 2088.
Fees: Clients with viable goal, placement services are at no cost, Vocational Evaluations, situational work assessments, job coaching and other worksite supports are funded by DVR and other sources (school districts, VA, Private companies, etc.)

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Regional Offices Statewide
Phone: Toll-free 1-800-754-5960 Voice/TTY
Web site: http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/
Description: Helps people become independent and successful. Assists people with disabilities to gain, maintain, and advance in employment. Each DVR office throughout the state is committed to offering a welcoming environment and providing the information and support necessary for people with disabilities to direct and receive the goods and services in a way that makes the most sense for them.
Can also provide information about Ticket to Work vouchers (learn more at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/aboutdvr/ticket-to-work.htm )
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: Adults with disabilities
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance

Olympic WorkSource Development - Return to Work Supports
Web site: http://www.wa.gov/esd/wsdirectory_local.htm#olympicwda
To find the location of a WorkSource Center or Affiliate Office in your area, call toll free at Phone: 1-877-872-JOBS (1-877-872-5627).

Worksource Centers are located throughout the state and provide all the information, technology and services businesses need to thrive; and job seekers need to achieve successful careers. They represent a unique concept in the labor market. Job seekers can access the following services:

• Free use of computers, copiers, phones, faxes and other career resources
• Internet access to jobs
• Job referral and placement
• Classes on how to get and keep a job
• Information on the fastest growing jobs and wages
• Referral to training and other community services
• Access to Unemployment Insurance
• Translation services

Areas served: Statewide
Eligibility & Fees: Call 1-877-872-5627 for more information

DVR/Rainier WorkSource Affiliate - Supported Employment
2531 Rainier Ave South - Seattle, WA 98144
Phone: 1-800-622-1375 Voice/TTY - Voice: (206) 721-7300 - TTY: (206) 721-7304 FAX: (206) 721-7308
Description: Support services for person with disabilities who wants to be more independent. Services include personal care assistance, affordable, accessible housing and case management. Areas Served: King County
Eligibility: Adults with disabilities who want to be more independent
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance

Guide to Disability and the Workplace
Web site: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/library/subjectGuides/disabilityAndTheWorkplace.html Description: An on-line comprehensive guide to disability employment information covering many issues including the Americans with Disabilities Act, return to work laws and workers' compensation

School Transition Program
State coordinator
Phone: 425-861-37631 or toll-free 800-637-5627 (V/TTY)
Web site: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/aboutdvr/school-transition.htm
Description: Transition is a team effort that provides support and guidance to students with disabilities as they move from high school to the work place. Transition is a team effort to assist students identify career interests, and learn what skills and training are needed to prepare for careers in those fields.
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: Students with disabilities
How to apply: Contact your teacher, school counselor of the nearest DVR office for services Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance

Office of State Coordinator of Vocational Education
for Students with Disabilities Career and Technical Education
P.O. Box 47200 - Olympia, WA 98504-7200
Phone: (360) 725-6242; (360) 664-3631 (TTY)
Email: rfieldman@ospi.wednet.edu
Web site: http://www.k12.wa.us/careerteched/
Description: Career and Technical Education is a planned program of courses and learning experiences that begins with exploration of career options, supports basic academic and life skills, and enables achievement of high academic standards, leadership, preparation for industry-defined work, and advanced and continuing education.
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: Students with disabilities and their families
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Most services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance

Disabilityinfo.gov
Web site: http://www.disability.gov/
Description: Web site supported by the federal government that contains many topics of interest to people with disabilities; extensive links. Has a Children and Youth section.
Areas Served: Nationwide
Eligibility: People with disabilities
How to apply: Visit website for services
Fees: Access to web site free of charge

The Work Site - Social Security Administration
Phone: (800) 772-1213 - TTY: (800) 325-0778
Web site: http://www.ssa.gov/
Description: Employment Support for beneficiaries with disabilities. Includes programs and services that facilitate entry into the workforce.
Areas Served: Statewide
Eligibility: Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities
How to apply: Call for services at an office near you
Fees: Call for updated information

HEATH Resource Center - Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
2134 G St. NW – Washington, D.C. 20052-0001
Phone: Voice/TTY: 202.973.0904 - Fax: 202.994.3365
Email: askheath@gwu.edu
Web site: http://www.heath.gwu.edu/
Description: Resource guide to help individuals with disabilities seek and obtain financial assistance for postsecondary education. The guide describes federal financial aid programs, state vocational rehabilitation services, and regional and local sources. A listing of nationally awarded grants and a pre-college checklist to organize the search for funds complete the guide.
Areas Served: Nationwide
Eligibility: Student with intellectual disabilities
How to apply: Call for services
Fees: Call of visit web site for free copy