Apply for Services
There are several ways to apply for VR services. Although our primary offices are located in Downtown Buffalo, VR counselors provide service in local sites in all eight WNY Counties. In most of our service sites throughout WNY, we offer "FAST TRACK" Group Orientation /Application Sessions.
During the orientation part of the group sessions we present an overview about working with ACCES-VR to remove employment barriers imposed by disabilities. The second part of the group sessions is devoted to completion of the application for VR services. ACCES-VR staff is on hand to provide individual assistance in this process and answer any questions you may have.
When making an application for VR services it is important
to bring current documentation about your disabling condition such as a
doctor's report or medical records or school records. The availability
of this information will insure that your application can be processed
quickly and that we can begin to determine your eligibility for our services.
Once the federal eligibility process is completed your case will be assigned
to a vocational rehabilitation counselor who will assist you in developing
and completing your employment goals though training and/or other services.
To schedule and appointment for a group Orientation/ Application session in
the location nearest you, call our:
Central
Number (716) 848-8001 or
Toll Free at 1-888-652-7062
TTY (716) 848-8105
Or
Contact your local Workforce Investment "One Stop" center
What You Can Expect When You Apply for VR Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services are based upon eligibility. Eligibility
is based upon the specific barriers to employment resulting from your disability.
Some VR services are contingent upon financial need which means that one's
current financial situation is taken into account.
If you are eligible for VR services you will be assigned to a vocational
rehabilitation counselor who has special training and expertise to assist you
toward employment through the rehabilitation process.
Your VR counselor will assist you in developing a reachable employment goal
that is based upon your interests, aptitudes and abilities.
The next step in the process toward employment is to develop a plan to get
you to your employment goal. To develop this plan you may work by yourself,
with your VR counselor or with other professionals, advocates of your choosing.
Once your employment plan has been defined, ACCES-VR will help you to identify
the kinds of training, education or other special services to reach that
goal.
When your plan has been completed and you are ready to get a job, ACCES-VR
can help in providing job leads and direct placement services through a
variety of programs and vendors. ACCES-VR also provides employers with
tax credits and other financial incentives to hire persons with disabilities.
Every year ACCES-VR helps thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities to
become successfully employed.