Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation (often abbreviated VR), is a process which enables individuals with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities or impairments or health conditions to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining, or returning to employment or other useful occupation.

Vocational rehabilitation can require input from a range of health professionals and other non-medical disciplines such as disability employment advisers and career counselors.

History

The concept of vocational rehabilitation has been around since the industrial revolution, when it was recognized that workers with disabilities who were injured on the job needed assistance to return to work. The first vocational rehabilitation program in the United States was established in 1918, and the field has continued to evolve and grow since then.

Process

The vocational rehabilitation process begins with an individual assessment, which may include medical, psychological, and vocational evaluations. This is followed by goal setting, which involves the individual and the rehabilitation counselor working together to identify employment objectives and the services needed to achieve these objectives.

Services

Services provided under vocational rehabilitation programs may include vocational and other training services, job search and placement assistance, rehabilitation technology, and other support services such as transportation, personal assistance services, interpreter services, and services to family members.

Outcomes

The ultimate goal of vocational rehabilitation is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals and to live independently. The success of vocational rehabilitation programs is measured by the number of individuals who achieve their employment goals and maintain employment over time.

See also

• Disability
• Rehabilitation counseling
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy

References

Vocational Rehabilitation Resources
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