Vocational Rehabilitation

Every state has a federally funded agency that administers vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, and independent living services.

VR assists those individuals to secure gainful employment commensurate with their abilities and capabilities through local job searches and awareness of self-employment and telecommuting opportunities.

Services vary widely depending upon the state. Services typically include medical, psychological and vocational assessments; counseling and guidance; referral to services from other agencies; vocational and other types of training; interpreter and reader services; services to family members; rehabilitation technology services; placement in suitable employment; post-employment services; and/or other goods and services necessary to achieve rehabilitation objectives.

The Rehabilitation Services Administration is the federal agency that oversees programs that help individuals with disabilities to obtain employment through the provision of counseling, medical and psychological services, job training, and other service. RSA funds the state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide employment-related services for individuals with disabilities.

The National Center on Workforce and Disability/AdultProvides training and technical assistance to improve access in the workforce.

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for YouthBegins vocational support at the earliest stage possible by focusing on the youth.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative ServicesThe Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages.

The Rehabilitation Services AdministrationThe Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) administers and supports a comprehensive array grant programs and projects that serve and assist individuals with disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Offices by StateBy contacting your local vocational rehabilitation office, you will tap into a wealth of resources related to employment options for people with disabilities.

Quality of Life Grants DatabaseFind resources within the PRC Quality of Life Grants Database. Search by Zip Code, State or an Entire Category.

Library Books and VideosFind resources within the PRC library catalog.

FREE: a comprehensive information tool for people affected by paralysis and for those who care for them. In English and Spanish. Request your copy. Read the online version.

Check out programs in your area on our one-of-a kind online searchable Quality of Life program database. You can search by location or topic. GO

The information provided in the Paralysis Resource Center was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number 1U59DD000338 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.