	Search this site:

Vocational Rehabilitation

by Janel Muyesseroglu

Do you want to apply for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services? Has your counselor asked for regular updates and it is time to send one? Do you need to inform VR about institution fees? Do you want to schedule an appointment with your counselor? Do you want to close your case?

This section will help you effectively communicate with VR.

Applying for VR:

Check your local blue pages for the nearest VR office near you. You can check under the following headings "Vocational Rehabilitation" or "Social Services Commission".
Then you can call or send a letter requesting an application or an interview. When applying, include your name, address, phone number, and the reason you are applying for VR services.

Sending an update:

Some vocational rehabilitation agencies give you ready made forms to fill out and send back to them at a determined time. Whether or not it is required for you to send an update, it may be a good idea to send one at the end of each semester, or every three or four months (or whenever there is a change in your vocational status.)
When sending an update via email or by letter, include your name, address, phone number, and date, as well as the name and address of your counselor if you are sending a letter. (See section on "Writing Letters: Format".) If you are sending an email, this may not be necessary. However, you may want to include a phone number or address where you can be reached.
If you are in school and are sending an update, include:

A list of courses you have completed.
State if you have withdrawn from any courses.
List your grades or include a copy of your grade report.
State if you are finished with your program of study. If so, indicate if you are looking for a job.
Include any other information you need to talk to your counselor about.

If you are working and sending an update, include:

Your job title and where you are working. Indicate if there are any changes related to your job.
Indicate if VR services are still needed.

Informing VR about institution fees:

If you are in school or plan to go to school, you are responsible for informing VR about costs for tuition, room and board, insurance, and other fees. Some schools have a ready-made list and you can simply send VR a copy of the list of fees.

This list should be mailed or faxed. If you fax it, make sure you include a cover letter that states your name, date, fax number, whom the fax is for, and what is included in the fax.
Make sure you know what kind of fees VR will be paying for. Some only pay part of the institution fees.

Scheduling an appointment:

If you need to schedule an appointment with your VR counselor, it is better to schedule through phone or email.
Make sure you check your calendar and inform the secretary or your counselor which days and times you are available to meet.
Indicate where you will meet. Some counselors make house calls if the client does not have adequate transportation to the office.
Thank the secretary or counselor for scheduling the meeting. A few days before the appointment follow up with a letter or email stating that you are looking forward to the appointment.

Closing your case:

You may need to schedule a meeting with your counselor if you want to close your case. When scheduling your appointment, indicate the reason for the appointment.
When you meet your counselor, inform him or her that you would like to close your case. The counselor may ask you for reasons why you want to close your case. If the reason is private, you do not have to state your reason. You may be required to sign some forms.
Along with the appointment with you VR counselor, you may want to type a letter stating that you want to close your case. It would be courteous to include a thank you for the services your VR has given you. Your letter can be simply declared. An example:

To whom it may concern:

This is a letter stating that I would like to close my case with the Ohio Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. I no longer have need for vocational services. I would like to thank you for your many years of service. Without your services, I may not be where I am today.

Sincerely,

----------

Helpful phrases you can use:

When applying for VR:

I would like to apply for vocational services from your office. What do I need to do?
What kind of information do you need?

When sending an update:

This letter is an update from the past semester. It includes_______.

Informing VR about institution fees:

Here is a list stating the costs for tuition, room and board, insurance and other fees. If you need more financial information, you can contact the student accounts office.

Scheduling an appointment:

Hello, my name is________ and I would like to schedule an appointment with ______. I prefer to meet in the morning/ afternoon on any of the following dates _______, if my counselor is free as well. (When calling for an appointment.)
Hello Mr./ Ms. /Mrs. __________, I would like to schedule an appointment with you. I am free on the following dates and times ________. If you are not available on any of those dates or times, please let me know when you are free. Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Asking for something:

There is something (there are a few things) that I need. I need new hearing aids since my current ones are old and are not working properly. Can you help me with this?
I need a TTY. I currently have no way to communicate with potential employers and I can not afford a new TTY. Can you help me?
I need a computer. As a Computer Information Systems major, I am required to have my own computer. Can you help me?
I would like to take a driving course so that I can get my driver’s license. Can you pay for the course fee? It costs $---.
I would appreciate your assistance in financing new hearings aids (or other object.)
I appreciate your assistance in getting me new hearings aids (or other object.)
Now that I have new hearing aids (or other object), I am able to function much better and more independently. Thank you again for your help.