Are you experiencing a denial or delay of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services?

March 20, 2014 / Vocational Rehabilitation

Are you experiencing a denial or delay of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services (example: being told to wait for services, being told to take a break from a work placement, or similar situations)? Have you been told that this is due to a funding restriction or other problem? If so, please contact Disability Rights Ohio, we would like to hear your story.

Last year the federal government was worried that Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) had not been following the rules when it was working with private providers to deliver services. These private providers included programs such as the Bridges to Transition (“Bridges”) Program. Sometimes they are called “VRP3” programs. OOD agreed to change the way it worked with the private providers. But, there is a possibility that services offered through private providers could be delayed or denied. Examples of services provided by private providers include job coaches, training programs, tuition assistance, interpreting services or other services that help people with disabilities find or maintain employment. If this happens to you, you should ask your counselor or coordinator to explain why this is happening and what you can do about it. You should also ask what your appeal rights are.

Disability Rights Ohio wants to make sure that individuals are able to receive the VR services that they need. If you experience a denial of services or a slow-down of services, please call Disability Rights Ohio at 800-282-9181 (TTY 800-858-3542) and dial “2” for our intake department. If you contact us, and your problem is because of VRP3 funding, we have the ability to contact OOD and resolve the issue. We want to hear from you.