California Department of Rehabilitation

DOR 50Year Logo

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is a state agency within the California Health and Human Services Agency that provides services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. The DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the United States, assisting Californians with disabilities to obtain and retain meaningful employment and maximize their ability to live independently in their communities.

History

The California Department of Rehabilitation was established in 1963. It was created to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities, helping them to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. Over the years, the DOR has expanded its services to include independent living services, advocacy, and support for individuals with disabilities.

Services

The DOR offers a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities, including:

• Vocational rehabilitation: Services that help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and retain employment.
• Independent living services: Assistance that helps individuals with disabilities live independently in their communities.
• Assistive technology: Devices and services that help individuals with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
• Advocacy: Support and representation for individuals with disabilities to ensure their rights are protected and their needs are met.

Programs

The DOR administers several programs designed to support individuals with disabilities, including:

• The Vocational Rehabilitation Program: Provides services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and retain employment.
• The Independent Living Program: Offers services and support to help individuals with disabilities live independently in their communities.
• The Assistive Technology Program: Provides devices and services to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.
• The Client Assistance Program: Offers advocacy and support to individuals with disabilities to ensure their rights are protected and their needs are met.

Eligibility

To be eligible for services from the DOR, individuals must have a physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment, and they must require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.

Partnerships

The DOR collaborates with various organizations and agencies to provide comprehensive services to individuals with disabilities. These partnerships include:

• California Department of Education
• California Employment Development Department
• California Department of Social Services
• California Workforce Development Board

See also

• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Disability rights movement
• Vocational rehabilitation