Vocational Rehabilitation

What is vocational rehabilitation?

Vocational rehabilitation comprises a range of services that aim to facilitate the return to work of those with disabilities or those who have recently been injured or disabled.

Services offered with vocational rehabilitation can include:

  • Training
  • Vocational assessment and evaluation
  • Refresher courses
  • Upgrading of general skills
  • Career counseling
  • On-the-job training
  • Consultations with potential or existing employers regarding job modifications and accommodations
  • Employment searches

There are also specific vocational rehabilitation services, such as the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program for those with disabilities connected to their time in service.

Why is vocational rehabilitation important?

Vocational rehabilitation is an employment program individualized to a person’s specific diagnosis and work needs. Its primary goal is to help individuals return to the workforce or, in general, become more independent. This helps them reach their career and personal goals by supporting them through the challenges that might appear with their disability.

Beyond helping someone prepare for reentering the workforce, vocational rehabilitation also advocates for the individual to ensure that their job provides the accommodations needed for them to successfully complete their work.