Vocational Rehabilitation - Publications

Client Intake Folder

We are glad you're here!

Your vocational rehabilitation counselor is ready to begin working with you. Whether you are preparing for a job, seeking employment, needing help at work or wanting to advance in your job, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) can help.

Let the Journey Begin
While working with VR, you will move through different steps. Here are some tips to help you be successful along the way.

Step 1: Before We Start

• Do you want to work?
• Do you have a disability that makes it hard to get, keep, or advance in a job?
• Are you ready to start planning the next phase of your employment journey?
• If you answered YES to these questions, let's get started.

Step 2: Application

• Talk with VR staff.
• Complete the application.
• Participate in the application paperwork and interview.

Step 3: Eligibility

• Your VR counselor will determine your eligibility. You can speed up the process by:
  • Helping VR get medical/school records about your disability.
  • Providing proof of Social Security Disability Insurance/Supplemental Security Income.
  • Participating in needed testing or evaluations.
• Keep all appointments with your VR counselor.

Step 4: Plan Development

• Starting at intake, you will work with your VR counselor to complete assessments to identify interests, strengths, abilities, and needs.
• Explore job options, career paths, and decide what is right for you.
• Discuss services you need to address your disability and meet your employment goal.
• Work with your VR counselor to determine timelines and responsibilities.
• Once you agree with your VR counselor on your goal and services, you will sign and date an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
• YOU ARE NOW READY TO START SERVICES!

Step 5: Services

• Your VR counselor can now work with you to start services listed on you plan.
• Maintain communication with your VR counselor to:
  • Celebrate successes.
  • Address problems and concerns.
  • Build skills.
  • Provide updates.
• You and your VR counselor will review your plan at least once a year for progress and discuss any changes that may be needed.

Step 6: Employment

• Check in with your VR counselor.
  • Share your achievements.
  • Discuss any challenges.
• Provide proof of employment.
  • Your VR counselor can help you find your pay stub.

Step 7: Closure

• Once your services are completed and your job is going well, your VR counselor will discuss case closure.
  • Your case will remain open for at least 90 days to ensure you are successful on the job.

Congratulations, you have completed your journey!

Clients Rights and Responsibilities

As a client of VR, you have several rights and responsibilities.

You have the right to be treated with kindness and respect. In return, VR asks that you extend the same kindness and respect to others.

You have the right to services regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other legally protected status. You will be treated equally in any matter related to receiving services, financial assistance, or other assistance under the VR program. We respect your right to privacy. Below are examples of when your information may be shared.

• Your Information is Private:
  • You have the right to keep your personal information private.
  • VR won't share your records with anyone unless you say it is okay.
• Permission for Sharing:
  • If VR needs information such as medical records, they will ask for your permission.
  • If you are 18 or older and want a family member to talk with your VR counselor, you need to sign a form called an Authorization to Disclose Information (ADI).
• Sharing Helpful Information:
  • If you have worked with other programs or agencies, let your VR counselor know.
  • You will be asked to sign an ADI letting VR contact these places to help plan your services.
• Limits to Privacy:
  • If your VR counselor is worried you may hurt yourself or someone else, they may need to tell someone.
  • If you are at risk of any type of abuse or harm, they may need to inform others.
  • If authorities legally request your records, VR might have to share them.

You have both the right and the responsibility to work with VR to explore and select your employment goal and services. It is important to make your wants and needs known and talk with your VR counselor anytime you think your plan needs changing.

You have the right to make informed choices regarding your employment goals and services. You also have the responsibility to discuss the pros and cons of your choices and how they will impact your VR case. You have the right to timely services needed to achieve your employment goal. You have the right to decide how you will meet with your VR counselor. You should discuss the options that work best for you and can change these at any time.

The following are some of the options available:

• In person
• Microsoft Teams
• By phone call or text
• FaceTime
• E-mail
• Mail

To help receive timely services, you should:

• Stay in touch with your VR counselor.
• Keep appointments.
• Follow through on your plan.
• Report any changes to your address, telephone number, medical condition, or other major changes affecting you.

If your VR counselor is out of the office, they will let you know who to contact. If you will be unavailable for an extended time, please let your VR counselor know. If you move, discuss options for your case with your VR counselor. You have the right to remain with your current VR counselor or have your case transferred, if preferred. If you disagree with any decision made by VR, you have the right to request mediation or to appeal that decision.

You have the right to work with the Client Assistance Program (CAP). They can help if you have questions or need help resolving an issue.

• It is your responsibility to contact them. Additional CAP information is included in this packet and available in alternative formats upon request.

You have the right to review the information in your case file.

• If you wish to review your case file, it is your responsibility to contact VR to discuss your request and arrange a time to get the information you need.

You have the right to request a different VR counselor.

• Before requesting a change in VR counselor, you have a responsibility to attempt to work out any differences between you and your VR counselor.
  • If that fails, please talk to the VR counselor's supervisor about the difficulty you are having and your desire to change VR counselors.
• If you feel your VR counselor has acted in an unethical manner, contact their supervisor.

You have the right to be consulted before your VR case is closed.

You have the right to return to VR if you wish to advance in your career or need additional assistance to keep your current job.

Resolving Issues and Concerns

As part of the application process, you are being informed about help available to you through CAP. They are available to assist and advocate if you have questions or concerns with your eligibility or services you would like or are receiving. Contact CAP to receive information, resolve your concerns, or help with the appeal process.

You may contact CAP at:
Bismarck/Mandan: (701) 328-3950
Statewide: (800) 472-2670, 711 (TTY)
Email: panda_intake@nd.gov
Website: www.ndpanda.org

Professional Disclosure Statement

The VR counselor will discuss:

1. The VR counselor's qualifications, credentials, and relevant experience.
2. Purpose, goals, techniques, limitations, and the nature of potential risks and benefits of services.
3. Frequency and length of services.
4. Confidentiality and limitations regarding confidentiality (including how a supervisor and/or other related professionals are consulted).
5. Plan for continuation of services upon the extended leave of absence or VR counselor vacancy.
6. Fees and or payment arrangements for planned services.
7. Record preservation and release policies.
8. Benefits and risks associated with electronic communication.
9. Legal issues affecting services.

VR will not tolerate, condone, or allow any type of harassment to occur within state workplaces or in any other work-related settings. All team members are empowered with the responsibility to prevent harassment in all state work areas and during all state-related business activities.

Electronic/Computer Disclosure

Your VR counselor will discuss the disclosure of technology-specific standards within the Code of Professional Ethics for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and how this may be used throughout your case. Your VR counselor may need to use specific forms of communication depending on the situation.

Some options for communication are text message, phone, e-mail, video meeting, or other forms. Please let your VR counselor know your needs and if they change during your case. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may need to be involved in making these decisions.

You have the right to choose how information is sent and received, to whom it is sent, and what is sent. Your VR counselor will talk to you about how information can be kept safe through e-mail, text messages, and/or video meetings.

Considerations

• Text messages cannot be secured.
• E-mail messages can be secured, and your VR counselor can guide you through this process.
• Who may see your e-mail or text messages and/or overhear phone calls or video meetings?
• You can choose to have some information sent through text/e-mail and limit other information.
• We are limited on what programs or apps we can use for video meetings and communication.
• We are required to document and maintain case records during and after case closure.

Expectations

Working with your VR counselor, you will discuss:

• When and frequency of e-mail, voicemail, and/or text messages are checked.
• Need for alternative and/or emergency contact(s) when unavailable electronically.
• How to respond to technical problems (internet/device concerns).
• When in-person meetings may be needed.
• Need to talk about misunderstandings that happen through e-mails and text messages.
• Options for how we meet your needs to send and receive information. Interactions need to be kept professional and appropriate.
• VR staff will not accept any friend or follow request from current clients on any personal social media accounts.

Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation. Scan the QR code with your phone's camera or visit hhs.nd.gov/vr or call (800) 755-2745, 711 (TTY).

North Dakota Health and Human Services provides more than 150 programs and services that help North Dakotans improve their health and well-being. Visit hhs.nd.gov to learn more.

 Download the Client Intake Folder

It Really Works Brochure

We are the North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and we are the leaders in disability-related solutions. VR assists eligible individuals with disabilities in improving their employment opportunities.

Our counselors work with you to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment that is based on your interests, needs, abilities, and capabilities. You make informed choices based on the goals of your plan.

Quality Workers and Quality Work drive North Dakota s economic engine. At VR, we want to provide the right mix of services that will make you an active participant in our states growing economy.

When it comes to employment, it should always be about your ABILITIES. Your success is our ultimate GOAL!

You benefit from services offered in six broad groups.
1. Evaluation - medical, psychological, educational, vocational
2. Vocational Guidance and Counseling -interest testing, evaluations of strengths and the effects of your disability on your work, planning and implementing corrective strategies, and helping you to adjust to and live with a disability
3. Training - on-the-job, job coaching, job mentoring, academic
4. Employment - develop resume writing skills, develop interview strategies, job referral, placement, follow-up
5. Accommodations - adaptive aids, assistive technology, accessibility and work site evaluations, and ADA issues
6. Restorations - medical, psychological treatment, orthotic and prosthetic devices, and other types of accommodations

VR can help you find out what your interests and abilities are so you can determine a career path.

We can help you figure out what barriers to employment you may have and how to change or minimize these barriers.

Plus, VR can help you determine what services you need for employment.

VR is here for you if:
•    You have a disability that is making it hard for you to get or continue work.
•    You want to work to the best of your ability.
•    You are ready to make some good choices to get your life moving in the right direction.

VR is not the place you are looking for if:
•    You do not have a disability.
•    You do not want to work.
•    You want VR to help you get disability benefits.
•    You just need some emergency help.
•    You came here to get other services such as food stamps.
•    You are being forced to be here and do not want to be here.
•    You are NOT ready to seek services that lead to employment.

For more information contact your regional VR office or call us toll free at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY).

Download It Really Works Brochure
Download Spanish It Really Works Brochure

North Dakota Customized/Supported Employment Tax Credit Program

What is it?

The North Dakota Customized/Supported Employment Tax Credit allows employers to get tax money credited when they hire an employee that has a developmental disability or a severe mental illness.

The tax credit allow employers 25% of wages (up to $6,000 annually) for each qualifying employee. For example, if two qualifying employees are hired, each get paid $5,000 for the tax year, the employer is allowed a credit of $2,500.

Pictorial
Employee 1: Earned $5,000 for the tax year - $5,000 x 25% = $1,250
Employee 2: Earned $5,000 for the tax year - $5,000 x 25% = $1,250
Total from the employees: $1,250 + $1,250 = $2,500

How can the employer apply?

Vocational Rehabilitation staff will complete the necessary application.

Steps to get your credit.

Step 1: Vocational Rehabilitation will review the application to determine eligibility criteria was met.

Step 2: A letter certifying that the individual is a qualifying employee will be sent to the employer.

Step 3: To claim the tax credit, the employer must include a copy of the certification letter with their North Dakota income tax return for the tax year.

Step 4: Repeat for each year the employee remains employed.

Questions?

Contact Vocational Rehabilitation on the certification process, at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY) or the Office of State Tax Commissioner at 1-877-328-7088 or email taxinfo@nd.gov for other questions.

Download the North Dakota Customized/Supported Employment Tax Credit Program Brochure

5 Common Employment Misperceptions Brochure

Misperception 1

Persons with disabilities are unable to meet performance standards.
The reality is that studies show employees with disabilities rate average or better than average in job performance compared to employees without disabilities.

Misperception 2

Employees with disabilities have a higher absentee rate than employees without disabilities.
The reality is that studies show that employees with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities.

Misperception 3

Reasonable accommodations made for employees with disabilities are often expensive and cost prohibitive.
The reality is the average cost of a reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability is below $500.

Misperception 4

Workers Compensation rates increase when hiring employees with disabilities.
The reality is that Workers Compensation rates are based solely on the relative hazards of the operation and the organization’s accident experience, not on whether workers have disabilities.

Misperception 5

It is more difficult to terminate an employee with a disability.
The reality is that labor laws governing the firing of employees are no different for those with disabilities than those without. The basic truth is that, if an employee is not performing their job up to the requirements as stated in the job description, they can be terminated.

As in all cases, specific documentation needs to be kept to support the job termination.

For more information contact your regional VR office or call us toll free at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY).

Download the 5 Common Employment Misperceptions Brochure

Disability Etiquette Brochure

Disability Etiquette: How to Engage with People with Disabilities
General Interaction Tip

1.   When speaking, speak directly to the person, not just the people accompanying them.
2.   Be patient, people with disabilities might require more time to process and express themselves. Listen to them.
3.   Never pretend to understand what a person is saying. Ask the person to repeat or rephrase.
4.   Do not make assumptions about a person’s disability or limitations. Ask questions if you are unsure.
5.   If you think someone may need assistance, offer to assist but wait for them to respond and respect their decision.

Blind or Low Vision

• Greetings - When meeting the person, identify yourself and others who may be present. 
• Departing - Don’t leave without excusing yourself first.
• Guiding - When asked to guide someone, never push or pull them. Offer your arm or elbow and walk slightly ahead of them while pointing out locations of doorways, curbs or stairs. Describe basic layout and be specific.
• Guide Dogs - Don’t pet or distract them while they are working.

Deaf and/or Hearing Loss

• Get the person’s attention before speaking. Maintain eye contact.
• Reduce noise if possible. 
• Speak louder if necessary.
• Face the person when talking and don’t cover your mouth.
• Speak at a reasonable speed.
• Keep communication simple. It may help to simplify your sentences.
• A sign language interpreter may be needed.
• If they have an interpreter, talk to the person, not the interpreter.

Difficulty with Speech

• Pay attention, be patient and wait for the person to finish what they are saying. Do not finish for the person.
• It is ok to ask people to repeat if you do not understand. Tell them what you did understand.
• Be patient and allow a person who uses assistive technology time to communicate.
• Interacting with a Wheelchair User
• Personal space Don’t push, lean on, or hold onto a wheelchair unless you ask. Give them room when you are communicating with them.
• Eye-to-eye contact Try to put yourself at eye level when you interact.
• Don’t assume they need assistance, ask them first.
• Be aware of the distance to accessible restrooms, elevators, curb cuts, and other obstacles such as stairs and hills.

Cognitive Impairments

• Keep communication simple. 
• Speak in concrete terms and short sentences.
• Complete 1-step instructions and focus on one topic at a time.
• Allow the person time to respond, ask questions to clarify.
• Focus on the person and pay attention to body language.

Using Respectful Language

Do say: people with disabilities
Don’t say: the handicapped or disabled
 
Do say: a wheelchair user
Don’t say: wheelchair-bound
 
Do say: congenital disability
Don’t say: birth defect
 
Do say: He/she has Down Syndrome
Don’t say: He/she is a Down’s kid
 
Do say: He/she has an intellectual or developmental disability
Don’t say: mentally retarded, a retard, slow or special
 
Do say: people who have mental illness, person with a mental or emotional disability
Don’t say: the mentally ill, crazy, psycho, mental case
 
Do say: people who are blind or low vision
Don’t say: the blind or blind as a bat
 
Do say: person who is hard of hearing, Deaf, a person who is deaf
Don’t say: hearing-impaired, deaf-mute, deaf and dumb

Don’t refer to a person’s disability unless it is relevant….Remember, people are people first, disability second!

For more information contact your regional VR office or call us toll free at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY).

Download the Disability Etiquette Brochure

On-the-Job Training Brochure

What is On-the-Job Training?

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a structured learning experience designed to reimburse employers for the cost of training Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients to develop the skills required for the position. Each OJT agreement can be individualized to fit a variety of your business needs. This hands-on method of teaching is expected to decrease as the training progresses and the employee develops the required skill set. The expected outcome of an OJT is permanent employment with valuable experience.

It’s Easy to Expand your Workforce with a VR OJT!

1. Hire a VR client who is qualified for the job.
2. Complete the OJT agreement.
3. Place the new employee on your payroll and process their employment as you would with any new employee.
4. VR will pay the employer a training fee that equals the individual’s hourly wage.

Benefits

• A more diversified workforce.
• The opportunity to expand or upgrade your workforce.
• Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain.
• Training promotes job satisfaction. A recent survey indicates that 40 percent of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year.
• Minimal paperwork.

For more information contact your regional VR office or call us toll free at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY).

Download On-the-Job Training Brochure

Recruitment, Retention, Results Brochure

Recruiting the right employee and retaining existing well-trained and productive workers has never been more important to North Dakota business owners and employers than in today’s economy.

To reach the business and organizational success you desire, you need to:

1. Tap into highly reliable and qualified job applicants who can put their diverse abilities to work for you.
2. Build strategies to help ensure that you maintain that critical edge and competitive advantage by holding onto your existing workforce.

What you need is results! We are North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation. We serve businesses and individuals.

Professional Consultation Services

• Assist business owners and employers in developing short and long-term strategies regarding their varying disability-related issues.
• Assist individuals who have permanent injuries, illness or impairments, to maximize their employment opportunities by helping them to develop the skills that today’s businesses are seeking in the workforce of the future.

Featured Services and Benefits

Recruitment

• Pre-screened and qualified applicants
• Employee matches based on your needs
• Soft-skill development
• Customized employee training strategies
• Reliable technical assistance and referrals
• Quality assurance through follow-up

Retention

• Maintenance of current workforce and productivity levels
• Assistance in building assistive technology strategies and referrals
• Professional worksite assessments and options
• Customized continuing education and training strategies
• Job restructuring recommendations and assistance
• Reliable technical assistance and referrals
• Quality assistance through follow-up

Financial Incentives

• Access to On-the-Job training funds Work Opportunity Tax Credits
• Partnerships with Internships and Apprenticeship programs
• Application of Disables Access Tax Credit and Barrier Removal Tax Deductions

Accessibility

• Development of strategies for disability-related solutions
• Beneficial reasonable accommodation outcomes
• Greater access through ADA site assessments and recommendations
• Positive impact on the bottom line through greater market share
• Development of strategies for positive disability-related solutions

Education

• Enhanced ADA knowledge of roles and responsibilities
• Greater understanding of workforce diversity
• Access to professional knowledge and expertise
• Enhanced team building and customer service
• Increased staff morale

Our services build bridges between employers, employees, and the marketplace.

Whether large or small, VR services will prove beneficial to your business or organization. If we don’t have the answers, we will find them!

Through a network of Workforce Development partners, we can assess resources and make appropriate referrals that will have a positive impact on your bottom-line.

Recruitment, Retention, Resources, Referrals
The bottom-line is results!

Maintain a critical edge and gain a competitive advantage through recruiting and retention strategies that produce results.

For more information contact your regional VR office or call us toll free at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY).

Download Recruitment, Retention, Results Brochure

Vocational Rehabilitation Enhances North Dakota's Workforce

Working with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a win-win for employers. Employing people with disabilities opens an untapped labor poor for growing community businesses.

If you are ready to grow your workforce, contact us at (800) 755-2745, 711 (TTY) or dhsvr@nd.gov.

Benefits of Working with Vocational Rehabilitation

VR assists individuals with disabilities find a rewarding job. VR helps people prepare for, find or keep a job, and live a more independent life. Below are some of the successes from Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024).

• ND VR ranked number 2 in the nation in employing individuals with disabilities - 56.5%. (U.S. average is 44.5%) (Source: https://disabilitycompendium.org - See 2024 Online Compendium Employment tab)
• In FFY 2024, 797 individuals gained employment.
  • 93% of the individuals gained employment.
• For every dollar spent by VR, clients earn $10.82.
• For every dollar spent by VR, the clients pay back $2.16 in taxes.
• We worked with 5,107 individuals to gain skills that will help with employment.
• Our staff worked with 77 high schools to assist 2,424 students explore jobs, training, and/or career options after high school.
• Assisted 732 individuals with vision impairments to remain independent in their homes.

For more information visit our website at hhs.nd.gov/vr.

Download the Vocational Rehabilitation Enhances North Dakota's Workforce Brochure

Make the Transition Brochure

What is Transition Planning?

Transition is the term for the “bridge” between school and adult life for students. Transition planning is the process of preparing for life after high school. Vocational Rehabilitation can help you make informed choices during your transition and assist you with future career plans.

Individuals who are typically referred for VR services include those who have a diagnosis of a learning, behavioral, physical, intellectual, or developmental disability.

To be eligible for VR services you must:
1.    Have a documented disability
2.    Require services that lead to employment
3.    Want to work

If you are eligible, VR will help you determine an appropriate employment goal. You and your counselor will work together to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), which identifies what you need to achieve your goal. VR may be able to help you transition from high school to work or from high school to college in preparation for work by providing:

• Professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling & Guidance – evaluations of strengths and how your disability may affect your ability to work, a comprehensive assessment of your rehabilitation needs, planning and implementing strategies to overcome barriers, and helping you adjust to and live with a disability.
• Employment – identification of an employment goal that is consistent with your strengths, resources, abilities, capabilities, priorities, concerns, interests, and informed choice.
• Accommodations – if needed, adaptive aids, assistive technology, accessibility, and work site evaluations to assist you in achieving your employment goal.
• Training – tailored to meet your individual rehabilitation needs and attain your employment goal. This may include on-the-job training, internships, job mentoring, job coaching and/or academic training. This may also include assisting you to advocate for the services you will need to succeed in college. VR may also assist you with school costs if there is a financial need.
• Job Placement – develop resume writing skills and interview strategies, job referral, placement, and follow-up services.

Helpful Resources

• Launch my Life North Dakota - Your journey as you transition from high school to the world of work has begun. You will be making decisions about your education, what kind of a job you will look for, and how to get involved in your community. Launch my Life ND can help you do just that. Whether you have a disability or not, Launch my Life ND gives you the knowledge, tools, resources, and connections to help you achieve your goals. It is located at www.launchmylifend.com/
• Financial Aid for College - FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and you complete it after your parents do their taxes. Take advantage of scholarship opportunities by completing the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. The FAFSA must be completed by April 15. It is located at https://fafsa.ed.gov/.

For more information contact your regional VR office or call us toll free at 1-800-755-2745, 711 (TTY).

Download Make the Transition Brochure

• 2024 VR Annual Report
• 2023 VR Annual Report
• 2022 VR Annual Report

• "Who I Am"  - When we look at someone, do we see all of who they are? Meet nine people whose disabilities are only one part of who they are.
• "Working Works" - Lets people earn a living and contribute their skills and experience for those with a disability. For some, it may also be about pursuing a passion.
• "I Can" - At work, it's what people CAN do that matters. Discover what seven people with disabilities can do at work when when given the opportunity.
• "Because" - Like all young people, youth with disabilities should grow up expecting to work and succeed. Learn how family members, educators and others critically influence the career aspirations of youth with disabilities.
• "Time to Be Bold" - Educates, engages and empowers people who are 55+ who low vision to maintain or regain their independence by utilizing the free or low-cost services provided by the Older Individuals who are Blind program.