Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind
How to Request Services
Florida VR helps eligible individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind find, get or keep a better job. If you are eligible for VR services, you will meet with a VR counselor with special training in working with people who have hearing loss. Some VR counselors are also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).
The VR process is a series of steps for customers with hearing loss
Find a VR Office Near You
Find an office near you by by choosing "Where to Find Us" from the "About Us" tab or call 800-451-4327. If you call, tell the operator where you live and they will transfer you to the VR office that serves your area.
Apply for Services
Complete the Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation Form and let us know how you need to communicate with VR staff, which includes the need for a sign language interpreter, assistive-listening devices, real-time captioning and any other accommodation.
Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation and Referido de Rehabilitación Vocacional
Mail or Bring Referral Form
Mail or bring your Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation form to the nearest VR Office.
Go to VR Orientation
You will attend a meeting at VR to learn about how VR helps individuals find, get or keep a better job
Talk with a VR Counselor
Your VR counselor will help you see if you qualify for VR services. Your VR counselor will ask you many questions about yourself and what you want to do for work. Your VR counselor may also ask you to bring medical records and other important documents.
Work with Your VR Counselor
If you qualify for VR services, you will talk with your VR counselor. Together you create a work plan
called an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE explains what VR will do for you and what
you need to do for VR. Follow the work plan and keep in touch with your VR counselor.
Helping People with Hearing Loss (PDF)
Helping People with Hearing Loss Large Print (Word)
Ayudando a las Personas con Perdida de Audición (PDF)
Ayudando a las Personas con Perdida de Audición Letra Grande (Word)
Ede Moun Ki Gen Pwoblèm Pou Tande (PDF)
Ede Moun Ki Gen Pwoblèm Pou Tande Ekriti Gran Karakte (Word)
Deafblind Services
VR and the Division of Blind Services (DBS) work together to help people who have both hearing and vision loss. For those who are Deafblind, both VR and DBS will need to meet with the individual. They will work together to decide who will take the lead in providing services. A person who is Deafblind may receive services from both agencies at the same time.
Learn more about the Division of Blind Services.