TIP SHEET
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
ACCES-VR, which is part of the New York State Education Department,
provides job search, educational, and independent living services and supports that help adults with disabilities find employment. ACCES-VR may provide:
- Money for college programs, job training programs, and supported employment programs
- Funds for accommodations and assistive technology related to job
- Assistance with college payments and accommodations
- Employment opportunities/placement
Eligibility
In order to receive services, you must work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to determine eligibility based on the following criteria:
- Have a disability that interferes with getting or keeping a job
- Be able to benefit from VR services: can align abilities, interests, and career choice
- Require vocational rehabilitation to prepare for and secure employment Be able to travel
- Be 14 years old to apply (no age cut off)
You may be eligible for services regardless of whether or not you receive benefits
(SSI/SSDI).
Presumed Eligibility: If you provide proof that you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because of your disability, ACCES-VR will assume you are eligible for services.
Services Available
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will work with ACCES-VR to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE will outline your work goal, the steps involved, and the services you will need to achieve that goal. ACCES-VR can pay for certain services, particularly those that are job training and college/vocational school-related. These may include:
- A physical and/or psychological examination to determine how your disability affects your employment potential
- Career counseling, guidance, planning, and referral
- Assistance with the job search process, such as:
- Application forms
- Resumes
- Interviews
- On-the-job training at a community college or vocational school
- Services and supports that will help with training or assessment, such as:
- Special transportation
- Attendants, note-takers, and interpreters
- Books, tools, and equipment
- Rehabilitative and assistive technology
- Assistance with service costs related to employment, such as:
- Worksite modification
- Home, van, or other vehicle modification
- Job placement and retention
- Follow-up by ACCES-VR counselor to assess job satisfaction or additional needs
- Supplemental support in college: book vouchers, assistive technology, and other resources
- Short-term medical intervention not covered by other insurance
Application Process
- If possible, start the process when student is two years away from leaving high school
- Every school should have an ACCES-VR liaison
- Persistence and self-advocacy are key. Student must verbally acknowledge that they have a disability
- Process for being placed in a job training program:
- Compile documents and fill out application
- Attend an information session
- Interview with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) Take Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation (between 5 - 12 days) Program placement
- Program interview
- Begin!
Documents Needed to Apply
- State identification (ID)
- Medical insurance card
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Evaluations (psychological, psycho-social)
- Medical documentation
- Copy of high school diploma/credential (if relevant)
- High school transcript
- Resume (if one has been made)
- Copy of social security card
- Proof of address (preferably a bill)
- Proof of income (pay stub, W2)
New York City Offices
| THE BRONX 1215 Zerega Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 718-931-3500 |
BROOKLYN 55 Hanson Place, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 722-6701; TTY (718) 722-6736 |
MANHATTAN 116 W 32nd Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10001 (212) 630-2300 TTY (212) 630-2314 |
| HARLEM 163 W 125th Street Room 713 New York, NY 10027 (212) 961-4420 |
STATEN ISLAND 2071 Clove Road, Suite 302 Staten Island, NY 10304 (718) 816-4800 TTY (718) 556-1752 |
QUEENS 11-15 47th Avenue Long Island City, NY, 11101 (347) 510-3100 |