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Definition and Importance
Vocational rehabilitation is a process that enables persons with disabilities to maintain or retain employment. The challenges they face may be physical, emotional, mental, etc.
Overcoming barriers to employment is always the main focus. On the one hand, this could mean accessing facilities, such as mental health services, to be able to return to work. However, on the other hand, it could mean ensuring gainful employment is accessible elsewhere.
These services are designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve financial stability. This is why the vocational training and job placement elements are so often very important. Larrimer & Larrimer can also advise on the compensable injury definition.
Note that access to this facility may be a part of workers' compensation claim eligibility after an injury happened during work.
Eligibility and Assessment
To be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, a person must have a physical or mental impairment that is a substantial impediment to employment.
It should also be determined that even those with the most significant disabilities will be able to benefit from the rehabilitative services. In other words, they will likely be able to obtain and retain employment thereafter.
Eligibility is determined through an assessment process, which may require a review of existing data. Following this, there will be a provision of appropriate assessment activities to obtain necessary additional data that may be needed.
The assessment process is designed to identify the individual’s strengths, needs, and career goals. Our team can also assist with subrogation in workers compensation.
The Role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment. This person provides information and support services to assist people in exercising informed choice throughout the rehabilitation process.
One of the most important functions is to help those accessing the services with the development of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to achieve their vocational goals.
The counselor may also facilitate referrals to other organizations or programs that can provide additional support. Bear in mind that VR services may require rehabilitation medicine and other external assistance for independent living.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational rehabilitation services may include assessment, counseling, job coaching, and placement services.
It may also include assistive technologies and devices, such as adaptive equipment or software. In some cases, developing interpersonal skills, alongside other mental and psychological competencies, does not pose a severe challenge. However, the individual cannot function without help due to the kind of physical limitations imposed. Therefore, supported employment becomes the best option through assistive means.
Recall that the aim is for a positive employment outcome to be achieved, which will allow the individual to be their own form of financial support. It is not necessarily meant to be a program that returns persons to their former level of function if this isn't possible.
Ineligibility May Be Appealed
Some persons may find that their job search is very difficult due to work-related disabilities, yet they are not deemed to be eligible for the program. There will usually be a notification of this provided in writing.
If this is to happen, the VR counselor may identify other services and programs that can help the affected party to gain or maintain employment. It is also required that the appeal process be explained. This is in addition to the explanation that will usually be present in the denial letter.
There will typically be a hearing that is arranged, during which the person can be represented by legal counsel if they so desire.
Workplace Accommodations
Workplace accommodations can help individuals with disabilities access employment opportunities. A part of the placement assistance element of VR services will often be the identification of environments that are designed to accommodate those with disabilities well.
Examples of workplace accommodations include modifications to the physical work environment, adaptive equipment, and changes to work policies or procedures. A restroom that is specifically designed for disabled persons is one of the common such modifications. In such a facility, the fixtures will usually be low, and there will be handlebars around the room for accessibility.
Vocational rehabilitation services may assist with navigating workplace accommodations. Bear in mind that persons may initially need guidance using the assistive facilities.
Benefits of Vocational Rehabilitation
What are some of the advantages of vocational rehabilitation services? Consider the following:
These services can help individuals with disabilities achieve employment and financial stability.
There may be situations in which people find that they can no longer maintain a job after a work-related injury occurs. Access to VR services may mean that job retention becomes a possibility again, whether it be in the same or a different line of employment.
Vocational rehabilitation services can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for individuals with disabilities. Such disabilities will often result in a loss of hope and even the will to live. Rehabilitation technology and techniques can often change this.
Informed Choice
VR offerings are not the kind of human services that people are just thrust into. There needs to be a sense of free will throughout the entire thing. If not, it would technically go against the principles of the program. For more information, our workers comp attorneys in Columbus may be able to help.
There is a concept called informed choice that is maintained throughout the entirety of engagements. The affected party is the one who must make the decision to engage and participate in these services, even in a scenario where it is accessible as part of a workers' compensation claim.
During the process, informed choice can always be exercised where there may be discomfort with the methods used, provision of services, priorities, concerns, people, etc.
What to Remember
Here are the key takeaways:
Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve financial stability.
These facilities can help the hopeless overcome barriers to employment, which may sometimes mean entry into new fields.
Those who are making use of these services have the right to informed choice throughout proceedings.
Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Ohio?
Have you been injured while performing your duties at work? You may be entitled to compensation. If so, expenses related to lost wages, medical expenses, and even vocational rehabilitation can be covered for you. This means your sense of independence does not need to be lost.
Let Larrimer & Larrimer fight for you! Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Ohio workers' compensation attorney today!
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