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

 

BRONX DISTRICT OFFICE Lisa Field Senior VR Counselor, Transition Lisa.Field@nysed.gov (718) 931-3597	BROOKLYN DISTRICT OFFICE Lisa Field Senior VR Counselor, Transition Lisa.Field@nysed.gov (718) 931-3597	MANHATTAN DISTRICT OFFICE Kevin McMullen Senior VR Counselor, Transition Kevin.McMullen@nysed.gov (212) 630-2370	QUEENS DISTRICT OFFICE Michele Delany Senior VR Counselor, Transition Michele.Delany@nysed.gov (347) 510-3112
WHITE PLAINS DISTRICT OFFICE Debra Ehrenberg Senior VR Counselor, Transition Debra.Ehrenberg@nysed.gov (845) 426-5414	GARDEN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE Barbara Weissberg Senior VR Counselor, Transition Barbara.Weissberg@nysed.gov (516) 227-6852	HAUPPAUGE DISTRICT OFFICE Ruth DelRosario Senior VR Counselor, Transition Ruth.DelRosario@nysed.gov (631) 952-6357