Client Assistance Program

VR and Maximization of Employment Potential

To maximize the employment potential of persons with disabilities, recent federal policy requires state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies to approve vocational goals and services.

This is part of the congressional intent that state VR agencies provide assistance, which will enable individuals with disabilities to "maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society."

The recent policy directive recognizes that state VR programs are not intended solely for the employment of individuals in entry-level jobs, but rather to assist eligible individuals to obtain employment that reflects individuals' unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, and capabilities.

The cost or extent of VR services to achieve a particular vocational goal should not be considered in identifying the goal in the Individual Written Rehabilitation Program (IWRP).

Given the Rehabilitation Act's emphasis on informed choice, VR agencies must ensure that the identified employment objective reflects the individual's interests and informed choice consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities. For example, an individuals who has the capability and interest to become an accountant may be sponsored by VR to pursure that goal, regardless of whether it will require extensive training or services.

Also, a person currently employed may be eligible for VR services to allow for "career advancement." This could allow, for example, an individual with a disability employed in a low-paying, entry-level job answering the telephone to pursue the education needed to advance to a better position, such as teacher or rehabilitation counselor, if within their interest and aptitude.

See U.S. Code Sec. 701(b)(1) and Senate Report No. 388, 99th Cong. 2d Sess. (1986).