Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is VR?
A: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
Q: How do I apply for VR services?
A: You should contact your local VR office to apply for services. A VR counselor will work with you to determine if you are eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services.
Q: I have a disability. Can VR help me get a job?
A: In order to receive VR services, you will need to apply at your local VR office. A counselor will work with you to determine if you are eligible to receive VR services. If you are eligible, your counselor will help you reach your employment goal.
Q: Am I Eligible for VR Services?
A: You may be eligible for VR services if your goal is to become employed and:
- Your physical or mental disability interferes with your ability to become employed, and
- You need VR’s help to find or keep a job
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for your disability, you are presumed eligible for VR services if you plan to become employed.
Q: How long does it take for my eligibility to be determined?
A: VR must make an eligibility decision within 60 days following the submission of a completed application. If VR cannot make an eligibility determination within 60 days due to exceptional and/or unforeseen circumstances, the individual and counselor must agree to a specific extension of time.
Q: What is Financial Participation and will I have to pay for any of my services?
A: VR will look at the income of eligible individuals to determine if they will be required to share the cost of vocational rehabilitation services. Some individuals or services may be exempt, and you will not be required to pay for those services.
Q: What is Order of Selection?
A: All eligible individuals are assigned to a category of service based upon their significance of disability. Under order of selection, all eligible individuals who are in a closed category are placed on a prioritized waiting list. Federal law requires that individuals with the most significant disabilities be served first.
Q: What types of services can VR provide me?
A: A variety of services may be provided, depending on your needs, such as:
- Medical and Psychological Assessment
- Vocational Evaluation and Planning
- Career Counseling and Guidance
- Work Experience While in High School
- Training and Education After High School
- Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
- Job Placement
- Job Coaching
- On-the-Job Training
- Supported Employment
- Assistive Technology and Devices
- Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment
Haven't found what you're looking for? Please call toll-free (800) 451-4327 or (866) 515-3692 or email ombudsman@vr.fldoe.org. TTY users dial 711 to connect with the telecommunications relay service (TRS). Video phone users can call through the video relay service (VRS). Please include your phone number and the best way to contact you in your email.
Florida Department of Education
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
(800) 451-4327
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Mission: To help people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence.
The Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is an equal opportunity employer. It is against the law for VR as a recipient of Federal financial assistance to discriminate against any individual in the United States on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief. The application process used by VR to determine eligibility for services, any subsequent services and the entire VR process are subject to these non-discrimination requirements. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. VR program receives 78.7 percent of its funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For the 2021 Federal fiscal year, the total amount of grant funds awarded were $176,836,896. The remaining 21.3 percent of the costs ($47,860,557) were funded by Florida State Appropriations.
Revised October 2021.