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
Up to $15,000 for a single student

Eligibility

In order to receive services, you must work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VCR) 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 16 years old to apply (no age cut off)

You may still 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. They 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:
- Work site 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

MANHATTAN 116 W 32nd Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10001 (212) 630-2300; TTY (212) 630-2314	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
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

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