Vocational Rehabilitation, the flagship program of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, is a one-stop career development program that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of services designed to provide them with the skills, resources, attitudes, and expectations needed to compete in the interview process, get the job, keep the job, and develop a lifetime career.

LRS' Vocational Rehabilitation Program provides comprehensive rehabilitation services that go far beyond those found in routine job training programs. This frequently includes work evaluation and job readiness services; assessment for and provision of assistive technology, such as customized computer interfaces for persons with physical or sensory disabilities; job counseling services, and medical and therapeutic services.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program increases revenues for all levels of government and decreases the burden of income maintenance programs. As persons with disabilities achieve gainful employment and independence, they become taxpaying citizens and more than "payback" the costs of the program.

How do I qualify for services?
Eligibility is predicated upon an individual with a disability benefiting from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of achieving employment, including supported employment. Therefore, applications for services are accepted at the time an individual with a disability reaches or nears the minimum age of legal employability.

To be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, the individual must:

• Have a physical or mental disability which for the individual constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and
• Be able to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of employment; and
• Require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.
• Since 1988, Louisiana Rehabilitation Services has been providing vocational rehabilitation services under an Order of Selection. This has resulted in priority for services to citizens in Louisiana with the most significant disabilities.

Where do I apply for services?
Contact the nearest LRS Regional Office. You can locate this information through the Regional Office Directory.

What services are available?
Vocational rehabilitation services are delivered on the basis of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that must be developed by both the professional Rehabilitation Counselor and the client. This IPE combines the Counselor’s professional expertise with the needs and choices of the client. It is developed after a thorough assessment and evaluation of the individual’s rehabilitation potential. It is within the scope of federal regulations for LRS to provide the following services:

• Vocational guidance and career counseling
• Evaluation of rehabilitation potential
• Restoration (physical/mental)
• Vocational and other training services
• Rehabilitation technology, including assistive technology services, assistive technology devices, and rehabilitation engineering
• Occupational tools and equipment
• Job Placement into suitable employment
• Maintenance to cover additional costs incurred during the period of vocational rehabilitation
• Personal Assistance services, such as personal care attendant, scribe, reader, and interpreter
• Transition from School to Work
• Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise

Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Vocational Rehabilitation
• View additional program details on the Louisiana Workforce Commission website

For additional information, please contact the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services State Office using the information provided below.