Build your career path with help from the ADS Rehabilitation Services. As an adult or student with a disability, you may qualify for free training and counseling to prepare for and find your dream job.
How to work with Rehab Services
Once you qualify for services, you’ll speak with a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program counselor to create an individual plan of employment (IPE). The IPE maps out your goals, skills, and how to prepare for success in the workforce. Your counselor supports your progress along the way to help you:
- Find high quality jobs with room for growth and advancement.
- Connect with employers and jobs in growing industries.
- Get personalized services and training to build your skills.
Contact us to submit an interest form and speak with a counselor.
Discover your career pathways
Your VR counselor partners with employers and reviews labor market data to identify career pathways for you. Through education, counseling, and exploration, you develop skills and prepare to compete for great jobs. Using your IPE as a guide, you can:
- Explore your skills: Identify your strengths, interests, and goals through career counseling and job exploration.
- Plan and prepare: Review labor market data to develop an employment plan for in-demand roles along your career pathways.
- Complete training: Access training programs and earn credentials to help you achieve your goals.
- Advance your career: Review your resume, build interviewing skills, and find opportunities.
See if you are eligible
As an adult with a disability, you may qualify for VR support if:
- You have a significant physical or mental disability
- Your disability causes issues at work
- Your disability makes it difficult for you to get, keep, or advance in your job
Students with a disability age 16 to 22 in special education can explore the Level Up program for pre-employee guidance.
If you are legally blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, reach out to the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind for job assistance.
Contact us to get started
Connect with Rehabilitation Services to submit an interest form and speak with a VR counselor near you.
Vocational Rehabilitation Program FAQs
What are Rehabilitation Services?
ADS Rehabilitation Services help people with significant disabilities work competitively and live independently through the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program.
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Every state has a VR program, funded by federal and state dollars, to help people with disabilities find and keep good jobs. In Connecticut, our VR counselors connect participants with job training, benefits planning, and resources to help them find jobs and grow their career.
What are the benefits of working with Rehabilitation Services?
Once you qualify for services, VR counselors help you build an employment plan, set goals, and find good jobs. You will work 1 on 1 to understand how your disability affects your career path and access the services you need to get and keep the job you want.
What kind of jobs can I find?
Your VR counselor will connect you with a variety of job opportunities at different skill levels and companies. Work with your counselor to create a plan of employment and find the job of your dreams.
How do I know if my disability qualifies me for services?
Having a physical and/or mental disability that makes it hard to get or keep a job may qualify for VR services. You can work with VR counselors to create an individualized plan of employment and meet your career goals.
If you are legally blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, reach out to the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind for job assistance.
Do I pay for VR services?
No. Working with Rehabilitation Services is free. You don’t pay for VR counseling services or resources you receive through Rehabilitation Services.
Will Rehabilitation Services pay for college?
Yes. If you’re eligible for services and your VR counselor agrees you need training as part of your employment plan, then Rehab Services covers the cost. Training could mean college, trade school, apprenticeship programs, or on-the-job training opportunities.
Will receiving Rehabilitation Services affect my medical or social security benefits?
After you return to work, Community Work Incentive Coordinators advise you on any changes to your benefits. Our Social Security Ticket to Work Program helps you try work and receive services through an Employment Network after your Rehab Services end. Contact us to speak with a counselor and learn more.
Do you provide transportation?
You arrange your own transportation to and from work. Sometimes we can provide transportation when paired with another service we provide.
Do you help with housing and childcare?
No. Rehab Services doesn't provide support for housing or childcare, but our VR counselors can refer you to other helpful resources.
What is the best way to get started with Rehab Services?
Contact us to submit an interest form and find office locations near you.