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FACT SHEET GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SEVICES DIVISION OF DISABILITIES AND REHABILITATION SERVICES Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended through P.L. 114-95, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), States receive federal grants to operate comprehensive Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs. This State-operated program is designed to assess, plan, develop and provide VR services to eligible individuals with disabilities consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice. By providing services in this way, the VR program enables individuals with disabilities to prepare for and engage in sustainable employment. Eligibility: Individuals must meet the following eligibility standards: e Must have a physical, intellectual, sensory, or mental impairment; e Impairment must result in a substantial barrier to employment; © Need VR services to gain, retain, or regain employment; and e Can benefit from VR services to achieve an employment outcome. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); as well as, students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are considered eligible, unless they are too significantly disabled to benefit for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Each case is reviewed individually and treated on a case- by-case basis. Application Process: e Individuals must submit a written application. e The VR agency assigns a VR counselor to each applicant. e Assessments are conducted and once an individual is determined eligible to receive VR services, notification will be issued in writing. e =An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) will be developed; in which the individual must be given the opportunity to make an informed choice in selecting his/her employment outcome, required VR services, and service providers. e Individuals who are job ready are provided job search assistance to identify available job openings until employment is achieved for at least 90 days. Vocational Rehabilitation Services: VR services are those services that an eligible individual may need in order to achieve his/her employment outcome. These include, but are not limited to, the following: e Anassessment for determining eligibility and VR needs; e Vocational counseling, guidance, and referral services; e Physical and mental restoration services; e Vocational and other training, including on-the-job training; e Maintenance for additional costs incurred while the individual is receiving certain VR services; e Transportation related to other VR services; e Interpreter services for individuals who are hearing impaired; e Reader services for individuals who are blind; e Services to assist students with disabilities to transition from school to work; e Personal assistance services (including training in managing, supervising, and directing personal assistance services) while an individual is receiving VR services; e Rehabilitation technology services and devices; e Supported employment services; and e Job placement services. Transition Services For Youths Who Are In School: e Job exploration Counseling e Work-based learning experiences e Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary services e Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living e Instruction in self-advocacy The VR agency must provide the individual with information in writing and in the best appropriate mode of communication. Knud Hansen Complex — Ste. 1, 1303 Hospital Ground, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802 . Telephone: 340-774-0930 3011 Estate Golden Rock, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00820-4355 . Telephone: 340-643-8145