Rehabilitation Services’ mission is to help those we serve get high quality jobs with room for growth and advancement. We partner with employers and focus on jobs in growing industries. We provide individualized services and will train you, so you have industry-specific skill sets. We focus on preparing you for the workforce.
Are you ready to start on your career path? Complete the online form and a counselor in your area will get back to you.
Rehabilitation Services is a core program of the workforce system which is made up of a network of federal, state, and local government-funded agencies and a proud partner of the American Job Center.
Adults with a significant disability that creates challenges in gaining, keeping, or advancing in work are able to take advantage of the services offered by Rehabilitation Services.
If you are a student with disabilities between the ages of 16-22, who receives special education or related services, and are looking for help, we offer the Level Up program just for you.
BRS has offices and counselors throughout the state to help you get to work.
Am I Eligible?
- I have a physical or mental disability
- My disability causes issues at work
- My disability makes it difficult for me to get or keep a job
- I think some of the benefits BRS offers might help me prepare for, get a job and keep it
If you are eligible for VR services, you will work with a BRS counselor to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Your Employment Plan is an outline of the services that BRS will provide to you and includes important information about how we will work together to get you on the career path you want.
Connect with one of our counselors by completing the online form. A counselor in your area will get back to you soon.
You may be eligible for the Level Up Program if you are:
- an enrolled student who is Age 16-22
- you are eligible for special education or related services or
- you are an individual with a disability, for purposes of section 504
To speak to a Level Up counselor and learn more, complete the online form and a Level Up counselor will get back to you.
If you are legally blind, you can obtain VR services from the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB). Visit the ADS contact page or call 860-602-4000.
How do I get Started?
Contact the Rehabilitation Services office nearest to your home to apply for services. See all our office locations.
You can also fill out this online form with your information and a counselor in your area will get back to you.
A Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor will explain how our process works and answer any questions you may have. Once you make the decision to apply for services the counselor has up to 60 days to determine if you are eligible.
Please note: You will be asked to provide information about your disability, your education and any work or volunteer opportunities you may have had. When necessary, you may be asked to participate in medical, psychiatric, psychological or other evaluations that will be paid for by BRS.
If you are younger than 18 years old, your parent or guardian will have to be involved in the process.
Career Pathways
The world of work is evolving. The Career Pathways approach prepares job seekers for in demand positions through education, training, and industry recognized credentials. We partner with employers and use Labor Market data to help identify rapid growth industries and realistic goals for those we serve.
You and your counselor will work together to develop your individual career plan
- Exploring your skills
- Planning and Preparing
- Education and training
- Placement and Advancement
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Rehabilitation Services?
A: Rehabilitation Services help to enable individuals with significant disabilities to work competitively and live independently through the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program.
Q: What is vocational rehabilitation?
A: Every state has a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program, funded by Federal and State dollars. Through the program, Rehabilitation Services works with eligible applicants to develop an individualized plan and provides a wide array of services including vocational and benefits counseling, job search assistance as well as training or education to help the individual get, keep or advance at a job.
Q: What are the benefits of working with Rehabilitation Services?
A: Rehabilitation Services specializes in working with people with disabilities to prepare, find and grow in a job. If eligible for services, you will work 1 on 1 with a counselor to set up your path towards a job and/or a career. Our counselors are trained to understand how your disability impacts your ability to get and keep a job and they can coordinate services to help you achieve your goals.
Q: What kind of jobs do you have available?
A: We partner with small and large companies, with a variety of job opportunities at all different skill levels. Everyone that works with Rehabilitation Services has a unique and individualized plan for employment and we can explore helping you get the job of your dreams.
Q: How do I know if my disability qualifies me for services?
A: People who have physical and/or mental conditions that causes a substantial impact on their ability to enter or maintain employment and who can benefit from VR services to achieve employment and maximize career goals. The VR program serves persons with all disabilities except legal blindness, who are served by another division of ADS called the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB).
Q: How much are services? Will I have to pay back the money?
A: Working with Rehabilitation Services is free. We always explore free or other resources that support you in your work journey, payment is not required for services
Q: Will Rehabilitation Services pay for college?
A: Yes, if you’re eligible for services and you and your BRS counselor agree it is needed as part of your employment plan. Sometimes training could mean college, trade school, apprenticeship programs, or on-the-job training opportunities!
Q: Will receiving Rehabilitation Services affect my medical or social security benefits?
A: Rehabilitation Services has a team of counselors called Community Work Incentive Coordinators who can help you understand myths, facts and any changes to your benefits once you return to work. We also offer services through the Social Security Ticket to Work Program to help you try work and to receive services through an Employment Network if needed, after your services with Rehabilitation Services end.
Q: Do you provide transportation?
A: Sometimes we can provide transportation when it is paired with another service, we are providing to you. In general, transportation to and from work is your responsibility.
Q: Do you help with housing and childcare?
A: No. Our VR Counselors are trained specialists that help you overcome disability related barriers to employment. Our VR Counselors often know about other resources in the community and may refer you for help with these matters.
Q: What is the best way to get started with Rehab Services?
A: Fill out of contact form or view our office locations to find and call the office nearest you to express your interest in applying for Rehabilitation Services.