Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Eligibility

To be eligible for VR services, a consumer must:

• Have a substantial impediment to employment due to their legal blindness.

• Require the services to obtain or maintain competitive integrated employment.
• Be able to benefit from the services in terms of an employment outcome.

The Process

• Once determined eligible, a consumer will meet with a VR counselor to discuss their skills, interests, and goals.
• The consumer and the counselor will develop an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) outlining the services to be delivered.
• The services will be provided until the goal of employment is reached.

Services

Services are highly individualized based on each consumer’s needs and goals, but may include: 

Information and Referral

• Assistance completing applications for benefits relating to legal blindness (Certificate of Blindness, MCB Identification Card, RMV disability plates and placards, MBTA Blind Access CharlieCard, and more.)
• Assistance in connecting with various agencies such as the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), MassHealth, and other community resources.

Vocational Counseling and Guidance

• Explaining and discussing interests, career paths, and options regarding work. This may also include practical skill building, including resume writing and assistance completing job applications.

Low Vision Assessment & Treatment of Impairment

• Referring a consumer in certain cases to a low vision eyecare provider to assess functional vision. MCB may be able to pay for eligible devices.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M)

• Training in travel and navigating new environments, such as workplaces and public transportation. This often also includes training in use of a white cane.

Rehabilitation Teaching (RT)

• Learning to perform basic daily living tasks again or in a new way. This can include food preparation, cooking, organizing, labeling, and cleaning. This may also include evaluation of magnification and other low-tech devices.

Assistive Technology Devices & Training

• Evaluating, providing, and training in various equipment, tools, and devices that allow access to print and/or electronic materials needed for education and/or employment.

Funding for College/University

• Funding per semester based on FAFSA eligibility and determination of unmet need. Funding for books and supplies is also available.  

Job Readiness Training (including adjustment to vision loss)

• Making a referral to a provider for intensive adjustment to blindness skills in preparation for returning to work.
• Offering internship opportunities
• Providing Soft Skills Training
• Learning interpersonal and communication skills in pursuit of new employment, specifically as a person who is blind or visually impaired.

Job Placement Services

• Providing either one-on-one guidance with an Employment Services Specialist or referral to a community agency. This may include a trial work experience or initial job coaching.

Benefits Counseling

• Making a referral to a benefits specialist to outline how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits would be affected once employed.