Wyoming Department of Workforce ServicesDivision of Vocational Rehabilitation

Clients’ Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation Services

i

Clients Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation Services is prepared and distributed by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).

DVR is an equal opportunity employer with equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabili-ties.

ii

Table of Contents

The Road to Success Begins Here Mission .......................................................................................................................... 1 What DVR Can Do................................................................................................. 1Applying for Services How to Apply............................................................................................................ 2 Assessment Process ................................................................................................ 2 Eligibility........................................................................................................................ 3 Level of Significance of Disability...................................................................... 3Employment Plans Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) .................................................... 5 IPE Development ..................................................................................................... 5 Employment Services............................................................................................. 6Responsibilities Client Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 7 Counselor Responsibilities.................................................................................... 7Closing a Case Case Closure .............................................................................................................. 8 Reasons for Closing a Case ................................................................................. 8Administrative Policies Client Assistance Program (CAP)...................................................................... 9 Administrative Review and Mediation........................................................... 10 Fair Hearing................................................................................................................ 10 Confidentiality............................................................................................................ 11 Right to Access.......................................................................................................... 11 Disclosure .................................................................................................................... 11 Hearing Process ....................................................................................................... 12Contacts ................................................................................................................................ 13Field Offices ......................................................................................................................... 14Area Consultants .............................................................................................................. 16

1

The Road to Success Begins HereMissionThe Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Division of Vocational Reha-bilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities.

What DVR Can DoThe Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is here to assist you to fulfill your employment goals and achieve independence. This booklet will serve as a guide to DVR and the services we provide.

As a client of DVR, your rehabilitation program will be tailored to your particular goals, and will be developed by you and your counselor consistent with your unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice.

The most important person in the process is you. You have the lead role in making your plan for employment a reality. Your counselor works with you toward your goal, informs you of the services DVR can provide and directs you to other agencies for additional services you may need.

If you can’t find the answers to your questions in this booklet, please talk to your counselor.

Who should apply? Do you have a disability? Are you having trouble getting or keeping a job because of your disability? Do you believe vocational rehabili-tation services would help you obtain or retain a job? Do you want to work?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, you may be eligible for DVR services. If you want to learn more about DVR, a counselor at your local DVR office can answer your questions.

2

Applying for Services

How to ApplyRequesting services from your local DVR office is simple: Visit your local DVR office in person and complete a Client Application Worksheet, or Call us and request a Client Application Worksheet be mailed to you

After you give us the necessary information to start the assessment process, an appointment will be made with a counselor for an interview.

Assessment ProcessYour application is considered officially submitted when you have: Requested services Provided information that helps us start an assessment process to determine your eligibility and priority for services (you may be asked to share information about your disability), and Set a date to complete the assessment

You and your counselor will learn more about your disability and your vocational needs through the assessment process. How your disability affects your capacity to function in employment will be reviewed.

You and your counselor work together to decide what you will need to become employed. You will be given information and encouraged to make choices throughout the vocational rehabilitation process. At your request, information will be given to you in your preferred appropriate alternative format, if needed, so that you can fully understand the process. The program moves more quickly if you stay involved and provide the information we need as soon as you can.

How can you help with the assessment process? 1. When you come to your first interview, bring with you: Any documents you have about your disability Records or copies of checks from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if you receive benefits A list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, professionals and organizations you have consulted regarding your disability An outline of your previous work history

3

2. Find out all you can about the rehabilitation process: Read the literature provided on the program If you don’t understand something, ask your counselor to explain

3. Keep your appointments and arrive on time. Call our office if you cannot keep an appointment. Let us know if you move or change your phone number.

4. Follow through and complete your part of any action you and your counselor agree upon.

EligibilityAfter you have submitted your application, your counselor will determine if you are eligible for DVR services within 60 days. You will be notified of your eligibility determination in writing. To extend that time period, you and your counselor would need to discuss and agree on a specific extension date.

If you are a SSI recipient or SSDI beneficiary and want to work, you are presumed to be eligible for DVR services (unless your disability is so severe that our services would not be helpful to you).

If you do not receive SSI or SSDI, your eligibility is based on the following factors: 1. You have a physical or mental impairment; 2. Your impairment constitutes or results in an impediment to employ- ment for you; and 3. You require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare you to secure, retain or regain employment.

4

In other words, you must have a disability that affects you so greatly that you need DVR assistance to get and keep a job.

If there is evidence that you might not be able to benefit from our services, you and your counselor will assess your ability to work. You will be given a chance to try working in a realistic work experience. If there is clear and convincing evidence that our services would not benefit you, your case will be closed.

Level of Significance of DisabilityBased on your application and assessment, your counselor will determine how much your work life is affected by your impairment. You will be placed into one of three categories: 1. Disabled, 2. Significantly disabled, or 3. Most significantly disabled.

These are called “priority categories.” If you receive SSI or SSDI, you are consid-ered to be at least significantly disabled. These category assignments are neces-sary for DVR to serve clients through an order of selection process if needed.

5

Employment Plans

Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)If you have applied for services, completed the assessment process, are found eligible for services and are placed in a priority category we are serving, the next step is developing your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

The IPE is your written plan to find and keep employment. Your counselor will give you information throughout the IPE process so you can make meaningful choices about your plan. You and your counselor will discuss your unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests as you develop the plan.

You are the lead partner in developing your plan. You will have the opportu-nity to choose your employment goal and setting. You will also have the opportunity to choose the specific vocational rehabilitation services, providers and settings you need to reach your goal. You and your counselor will discuss methods you can use to obtain the needed services.

IPE DevelopmentBy law, your IPE must have the following components: A description of your employment goal; A timeline to achieve your employment goal; A description of the services & service providers you will need; A timeline to begin services; A description of the methods used to get services; The responsibilities of your counselor, you, and others involved with your IPE; An outline of your participation in paying for part of the plan, if applicable; and Options for developing the identification of comparable benefits you may apply for and secure.

You have other options for developing your IPE with: 1. Assistance from your DVR counselor; 2. Other assistance, including technical assistance from outside resources; and 3. Developing your own IPE.

6

Your counselor will: 1. Explain the IPE components and DVR guidelines; 2. Give you information on financial commitments and other topics; and 3. Help you complete DVR forms.

Employment ServicesYour counselor must approve the IPE in writing before you can begin receiving any services or make any purchases as part of the plan. DVR offers services which are necessary for you to reach your employment goal. Some of the services may include, but are not limited to: Counseling and guidance; Vocational and other training services; Referrals and assistance to get services from other agencies; Job search and placement assistance; Diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental impairments; Maintenance for additional costs while participating in the IPE; Transportation, if needed; On-the-job or personal assistance services; Interpreter services; Rehabilitation and orientation/mobility services for individuals who are blind; Occupational licenses, tools, equipment, initial stocks & supplies; Technical assistance for self-employment; Rehabilitation assistive technology; Supported Employment services; and Services for your family.

7

Responsibilities

Client ResponsibilitiesAfter your IPE has been developed, you and your counselor have certain responsibilities. At minimum, it is your responsibility to: 1. Talk with your counselor if you are having a problem that affects your plan (such as changes in your address, medical or financial status); 2. Discuss any changes that might be needed in your plan; 3. Apply for and secure available, comparable services and benefits (such as financial aid, grants or services through non-DVR agencies); 4. If necessary, participate financially in your plan; 5. Attend and fully participate in training programs and classes; 6. Provide your progress reports and grades to your counselor; 7. Fully participate in your job search and job placement activities; 8. Be sure that you have prior written approval before purchasing any goods and services that you want DVR to pay for; and 9. Reach an agreement with your counselor and sign a written amend- ment if there are substantive changes in your plan.

Counselor ResponsibilitiesAt a minimum, it is your counselor’s responsibility to: 1. Offer vocational counseling and guidance; 2. Adhere to established confidentiality of information standards; 3. Inform you of resources available to you and give you specific referrals as appropriate; 4. Give you information on your rights and remedies, including your right to appeal and your right to file a discrimination complaint; 5. Give you information on the Client Assistance Program (CAP) and how to contact CAP; 6. Assist in the coordination of services needed for your plan; 7. Review your progress on an agreed-upon schedule, at least annually; 8. Reach an agreement with you and provide a written amendment for your signature if there are substantive changes in your plan; and 9. Keep you fully informed throughout the process, including the opportunity for a full consultation when your case is closed.

8

Closing a Case

Case ClosureYou will have the opportunity for a full consultation of your case file, which may be closed for a variety of reasons. The best reason for closure, of course, is because you have been satisfactorily employed for at least 90 days.

Reasons for Closing a Case You are successfully employed for 90 days; You are not eligible for services; You are no longer eligible for services; You are not available to complete the assessment for determining eligibility and/or priority for services; We cannot locate or contact you; You have moved out of state or you decline to accept, participate in, or use DVR services; You fail to cooperate in the rehabilitation process.

You will have the opportunity for a full consultation with your counselor before case closure.

9

Administrative PoliciesClient Assistance Program (CAP)If questions or problems arise while you are involved with DVR, please talk first with your counselor. If you are still dissatisfied, the next step is to contact your counselor’s supervisor. You may bring a family member or representative with you at any time to meet with DVR staff.

If you are dissatisfied with any action or decision of DVR and have tried to work with your counselor and the counselor’s supervisor, you should contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP), which is designed to help you understand your rights and responsibilities and assist you in presenting your concerns to DVR. CAP advocates are not employees of DVR. They serve as independent advocates. If you cannot achieve resolution to your concern at the local level, CAP may help you request and prepare for mediation, an administrative review or fair hearing.

Client Assistance Program (CAP) 320 W. 25th Street, 2nd Floor Cheyenne, WY 82001

Statewide Referrals: 1-800-821-3091 (Voice) Local DVR Phone #’s: (see Contacts Section)

10

Administrative Review and MediationWhen your concerns are not resolved through your counselor or the supervi-sor at the local level, you can request an administrative review by the Assistant Administrator for Field Services. Again, CAP can assist you with this request. Mediation is another option for resolving disputes with DVR. Mediation is a voluntary problem solving process, assisted by qualified, impartial mediators from outside DVR.

The goals of mediation are to fully describe both sides of the conflict, explore options for resolving the problem and reach mutually satisfying solutions. This service is free to applicants, eligible individuals and clients. You are welcome to bring a representative for support during mediation. Mediation is voluntary on the part of all parties.

For information on requesting mediation, please see the Contacts Section for the DVR Area Consultant in your local DVR office.

Fair HearingAt any time, you can request a Fair Hearing. This is your opportunity to present your case to an Administrative Law Judge. However, it may be to your benefit to work through the local level first before coming to the courts. Many problems can be resolved informally and more quickly.

At the hearing, you have the right to present information explaining why you feel DVR should change a decision it has made. DVR is also allowed to provide information. After the hearing, a written, final decision will be made. Requests for Fair Hearing forms are available from DVR staff or CAP and should be mailed to: Department of Workforce Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Attn: Administrator Herschler Building, 1st Floor-East 122 W. 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002

The Fair Hearing will be scheduled within 60 days unless you agree to a delay. You have the option of appearing in person, sending a representative or presenting only written information. If you are not satisfied with the decision at the Fair Hearing, you have the right to file a civil action with respect to the matter in dispute.

11

ConfidentialityDVR is committed to keeping any information you provide confidential.

DVR shall promptly let you or your chosen representative inspect, or shall provide you copies of, any document or item of information in our case record for you.

You have the right to request an amendment to your records. You can seek correction of any misinformation in your records by making a request to your counselor. The request should be in writing and as specific as possible. If the DVR Area Consultant does not agree with your amendment to the record, you may request an Administrative Review or a Fair Hearing.

Right to AccessYou may request access to any of your records that are maintained by DVR. If the results of the review or hearing do not agree with your amendment to your record, you may submit a written statement of reasonable length with your views of the disputed information. This statement will be put in your records.

DisclosureAll requests for client information that do not come directly from the client must be accompanied by a release form supplied by DVR. This form must be signed by you before we can release information to anyone, such as a family member.

All persons allowed access to your records are prohibited from disclosing this information to anyone else without your specific, informed, written consent.

There are rare instances where information may be released without your informed written consent. If personal information has been obtained from another agency or organization, it may be released only by, or under the condi-tions established by, the other agency or organization.

NOTE: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 gives the Division the authority and duty to obtain information relevant and necessary to provide services which will allow you to achieve your career goals. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated differently based on the person’s disability, age, sex, race or other status protected by law.

It is Division policy to provide services to qualified persons with disabilities, without discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability, age, sex, color, ethnic group, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, medical condition, sexual orientation or marital status.

12

Disagreements between you and your counselor about your services are not considered discriminatory unless the disagreement is based upon your protected status, as listed above.

If your disagreement about your vocational rehabilitation services is not based on one of the protected statuses, you may seek help through the Client Assistance Program, Administrative Review or the Fair Hearing Process.

Hearing ProcessIf your disagreement about your services is based on your protected status, you have the right to initiate an informal or formal discrimination complaint within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. You may initiate the complaint process in two ways: 1. You may contact the DVR Area Consultant verbally or in writing to discuss your concern and provide a suggested remedy to resolve your concern. If the Area Consultant is unable to resolve your concerns to your satisfaction, the Area Consultant will forward a written summary of the complaint to the Department or Workforce Services, Office of Civil Rights for review and appropriate action.

2. You may directly contact the Department of Workforce Services, Office of Civil Rights to discuss and resolve your concern or to file a formal complaint.

13

Contacts

Administration Jim McIntosh, Administrator Herschler Building, 1st Floor-East 122 W. 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7389

Field Services Kirk McKinney, Assistant Administrator Herschler Building, 1st Floor-East 122 W. 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7386

Planning, Wyoming Relay, Business Enterprise Program Steve Miedziak, Assistant Administrator Herschler Building, 1st Floor-East 122 W. 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7771

Accounting Services Kymbryle Freeman, Assistant Administrator Herschler Building, 1st Floor-East 122 W. 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-6844

Social Security Disability Determination Services Jeff Graham, Assistant Administrator 821 West Pershing Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-6551

Independent Living Woody Absher, Program Consultant Herschler Building, 1st Floor-East 122 W. 25th Street Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7191

14

Field Offices

Casper Vocational Rehabilitation Office (307) 261-2172851 Werner Court, #120, 82601

Cheyenne Vocational Rehabilitation Office (307) 777-73641510 E. Pershing Boulevard, 82002

Cody Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-877-432-7207*1026 Blackburn, #3, 82414 (307) 527-7174

Douglas Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-866-217-1401*135 South 3rd Street, 82633 (307) 358-4688

Evanston Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-877-473-7208*350 City View Drive, #205, 82930 (307) 789-2766

Gillette Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-877-474-4086*1901 Energy Court, #140, 82718 (307) 682-2672

Jackson Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-866-293-3742* P.O. Box 2873, 83001 (307) 733-6150155 West Gill, 83001

Kemmerer Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-866-367-6143P. O. Box 87, 83101 (307) 877-933420 Adaville Road, Diamondville, 83116

Lander Vocational Rehabilitation Office (307) 332-4465259 Main Street, 82520

Laramie Vocational Rehabilitation Office (307) 745-3160710 Garfield, #110, 82070

Rawlins Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-877-473-7209*212 West Buffalo, #312, 82301 (307) 324-2238

*Toll Free numbers confined to use by Wyoming callers.

15

Riverton Vocational Rehabilitation Office (307) 856-2393609 East Madison, #3, 82501

Rock Springs Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-866-858-4125*2451 Foothills Boulevard., Suite 100, 82901 (307) 362-2770

Sheridan Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-866-423-5989*61 South Gould, 82801 (307) 674-7529

Torrington Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-877-474-7493*1618 East “M” Street, 82240 (307) 532-4431

Worland Vocational Rehabilitation Office 1-866-448-4703*1702 Robertson, 82401 (307) 347-3396

*Toll Free numbers confined to use by Wyoming callers.

16

Area Consultants

Area 01 - Norma WhitneyAlbany, Laramie, Goshen & Platte Counties(307) 777-7364

Area 02 - Naomi ParkinCampbell, Converse, Crook, Johnson,Niobrara, Sheridan & Weston Counties(307) 674-7529

Area 03 - Schuyler HinckleyBig Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Park& Washakie Counties, Boy’s School& Yellowstone National Park(307) 527-7174

Area 04 - Christi WhileLincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton,Uinta Counties and Wyoming State Hospital(307) 362-2770

Area 05 - Kristine BachertCarbon & Natrona CountiesState Penitentiary, Wamsutter, Medicine Bow,Hanna & Elk Mountain(307) 261-2172

Wyoming Department of Workforce ServicesDivision of Vocational RehabilitationHerschler Building, 1st Floor-East122 W. 25th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002Voice or TTY: 307-777-7386www.wyomingworkforce.org