The Smith-Fess Act of 1920 was the beginning of the public rehabilitation program for persons with disabilities. Funds were provided for vocational guidance, training, prostheses, and placement services. There have been many laws enacted to enhance the life of persons with disabilities. The 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 outlined the intent of Congress to ensure consumer choice in career opportunities.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mission Statement To provide services to eligible individuals with physical and/or mental impairments that will enable an individual to achieve an employment goal and/or enhance their independence.
Vision The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides the services that are required for eligible customers to achieve an employment goal, with priority placed on serving the customers with the most significant disabilities. Employers throughout Florida recognize the value of including individuals with disabilities in the workforce and provide equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in meeting the demand for a well trained and skilled workforce.
Organizational Structure The Division has 1016 employees with staff in a Tallahassee headquarters office, six Area offices, and 111 field offices located throughout the state.
The program is administered through the Office of the Director and three Bureaus: the Bureau of Field Services, the Bureau of Compliance and Oversight, and the Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services.
General VR Program An employment program assisting individuals with disabilities, including Floridians with the most severe disabilities, to pursue meaningful careers commensurate with their abilities and capabilities.
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services Technology (FAAST) FAAST envisions a seamless supportive partnership between Florida business and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation from birth to death. For more information on assistive technology, please visit the FAAST website.
Independent Living Program This program provides services through a statewide network of private non-profit, non-residential, locally based and consumer controlled Centers for Independent Living. For further information, please visit the Independent Living Program.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program The purpose of this program is to fund projects that demonstrate and provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities who are migrant or seasonal farm workers, and to the family members who are residing with such individuals, including maintenance and transportation of such individuals and members of their families.
Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services for Injured Workers The Bureau of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Services (BRRS) is a program within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that provides injured workers with the necessary reemployment services to help them return to suitable gainful employment.
Adults with Disabilities Grant Program The goal of the Adults with Disabilities Grant is to provide school districts and community colleges funding that enables adults with disabilities and senior citizens the opportunity for enhancement of skills that is consistent with their abilities and needs.
Florida Rehabilitation Council The Florida Rehabilitation Council is committed to increasing employment, enhancing independence, and improving the quality of life for Floridians with disabilities by evaluation, planning, and coordination.
