Education & Training
Depending on the person's approved employment plan, assistance may be available for college, vocational education, certifications, occupational training, books, supplies, or other necessary training.
Mellie Talks Career Resource
A disability or health condition could unlock career support you didn't know was available.
Every state has a Vocational Rehabilitation program designed to help eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, advance in, or return to employment.
Find Your State's Program
Official U.S. Department of Education resource
Could This Include You?
You don't have to "look disabled" to explore Voc Rehab.
Vocational Rehabilitation isn't limited to visible physical disabilities. Physical, mental health, developmental, neurological, and learning conditions may qualify when they substantially affect employment and the person needs VR services to reach an employment goal.
- ADHD
- Autism
- Dyslexia
- Learning Disabilities
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Hearing Disabilities
- Vision Disabilities
- Mobility Disabilities
- Neurological Conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
- Chronic Health Conditions
- Other Physical or Mental Impairments
Having a diagnosis does not automatically make someone eligible. Eligibility is determined by the state Vocational Rehabilitation agency based on the individual's disability, employment barriers, and need for VR services.
What Can Voc Rehab Help With?
Support built around your employment goal.
Career Support
Career counseling, vocational assessments, resume assistance, interview preparation, job search assistance, and job placement.
Assistive Technology
Software, adaptive equipment, communication devices, or other technology necessary because of a disability.
Workplace Support
Job coaching, supported employment, accommodations, interpreters, and other services needed to obtain or maintain employment.
Employment-Related Support
Certain transportation or other services necessary to participate in an approved employment plan may also be available.
Yes, Voc Rehab may help pay for college or training.
If education or training is necessary to reach the employment goal established in your Vocational Rehabilitation plan, your state agency may be able to help with approved education or training expenses.
Important
Apply and speak with Vocational Rehabilitation BEFORE enrolling or paying for a program expecting reimbursement. Services and expenses generally need to be evaluated and approved as part of your rehabilitation plan.
Funding, financial participation requirements, eligible expenses, and available services vary by state.
How To Get Started
Five steps, in order.
- 01
Find Your State
Locate your state's Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
- 02
Apply
Submit an application for VR services.
- 03
Complete Your Intake
Discuss your disability, how it affects employment, documentation you have, and your career goals.
- 04
Develop Your Employment Plan
If eligible, work with your VR counselor to establish an employment goal and determine which services may help you achieve it.
- 05
Ask About Funding
Ask specifically about education, certifications, technology, accommodations, transportation, training, or other support related to your employment goal.
Don't count yourself out before you apply.
You don't have to determine whether your disability is "serious enough" before contacting Vocational Rehabilitation. Let the state agency evaluate your circumstances and determine whether you're eligible.
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Mellie Talks provides this information for educational and career-resource purposes only. Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility, services, funding, financial participation requirements, and availability vary by state and individual circumstances. Mellie Talks does not determine eligibility or guarantee that any service, education, training, equipment, or expense will be approved or funded.