Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services

Iowa's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services helps people with disabilities prepare for and find work. They can help you get the training or other services that you need to return to work, change the type of work you do, keep working, or get a job for the first time.

These services are based on your strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests. A VR counselor works with you to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to help you reach your work goals.

To be eligible for services from VR, you must have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult for you to find and keep a job. If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on your disability, you probably qualify for VR.

VR can be your service provider for the Ticket to Work program, or you may be eligible for VR services without being in the Ticket program.

You can apply for VR services:

• Using the online form
• By downloading and completing a paper application and delivering it to your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office, or
• Getting help completing an application at your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) office.

Learn more about VR.

Note: If you are blind or vidually impaired, you can get these vocational rehabilitation services through the Iowa Department of the Blind.

VR Transition Services for Students

Iowa students with disabilities who are 14 to 21 years old can get Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) from VR to help them prepare for work, college or university, or other options after high school. The Iowa Department of Education's Transition Iowa website provides detailed information about the transition process.

VR's Pre-ETS services can include:

• Job exploration counseling that lets you learn about career options and needed work skills
• Real-life work activities
• Guidance on education and training options
• Workplace readiness training focused on job, social, and independent living skills
• Self-advocacy training

VR works with Iowa school districts to provide services to high school students through the Transition Alliance Program (TAP). To learn more or ask for services, contact the TAP representative for your school district.

You may also be eligible for services after getting a high school diploma or certificate. Learn more about support for post-secondary education and the difference in services offered in high school and college.