Missouri Department of Elementary And Secondary Education: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

I'm interested in working. Can VR help me?

If you want to work but have a disability that keeps you from finding, keeping or advancing in a job, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) may be able to help you. VR specializes in employment and training services that can assist you in becoming employed. A VR counselor will determine your eligibility for services. To be eligible, you need to have a physical or mental impairment that causes problems with working and need VR services to be successfully employed. Once eligible, you will work with a counselor who will help you develop a plan for your rehabilitation. We will give you vocational information and guidance allowing you to make informed choices about your vocational plan.

VR offers a wide range of services that are individualized for your needs. You and your counselor decide which services will help you become employed. Some of the services that may be available are:

• Guidance and Counseling

• Job-Seeking Skills and Job Placement

• Vocational Training

VR also provides assistance with Transition Services, Supported Employment Services, Rehabilitation Technology Services, and the Ticket to Work Program.

What should I bring to the first meeting?

To help you, we have provided the Questionnaire for VR Services and Health Assessment forms below that you can print and fill out before or during your first meeting with your counselor. You may be asked to complete a Release for Information form so that your counselor can review your medical information when determining your eligibility.

What additional information would assist me at the meeting?

To speed up the decision process, your counselor may ask for any of the following forms:

• medical and/or behavioral health records

• psychological/educational testing records

• education transcripts

• and/or Individual Education Plan (IEP)

• or Social Security Disability and/or SSI allowance letter

How do I get started?

For more information or to apply for services, contact one of VR’s 25 district offices in Missouri, or call 1-877-222-8963 toll free to find the office in your area. You can either set up an appointment or just walk in. Due to restricted funding, Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation is unable to provide services to all individuals with disabilities at this time. A statewide Order of Selection has been implemented, and individuals will be served on the basis of the severity of their disability.