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It won't be long now until you graduate from high school.
This can be a very exciting time in your life, but it can also be a little scary trying
to figure out what comes next.
Will you get a job right away? Will you go to college or a technical school? Maybe you'd
like to learn a trade?
The good news is there is plenty of help available from something called Vocational Rehabilitation
Services, which is often called "Voc Rehab" or even "VR."
Welcome to "Simply Said: Introducing Vocational Rehabilitation Services."
With good planning, the right kind of assistance, and help from Vocational Rehabilitation Services,
you can be successful in school, at work, and in the community.
A disability can sometimes make it hard to prepare for work and find a job that you want
to keep doing. But the Voc Rehab counselor at your school can help you develop a plan
that's right for you.
This is Victoria. She has mental health challenges and a learning disability. She'll be graduating
from high school next spring and thinks she might like to work in healthcare.
Victoria met with Hector, the Voc Rehab counselor who comes to her high school. Once she qualified
for services, Victoria worked with Hector to learn more about what she's good at and
what careers in the medical field she's interested in.
They looked at many different jobs and talked about the kind of training Victoria would
need.
She decided to pursue a career as a nursing assistant, and Hector is helping her enroll
in a good training program. At some point she might even go on to study nursing.
Meet Andrew, who has autism. He likes to work with his hands and isn't afraid to get a little
dirty. By spending time with his Voc Rehab counselor, Andrew discovered that he could
be good at welding, and he knows the job pays pretty well.
Now VR is helping him get the training he needs at a local technical college. They are
even paying for some of the costs.
Once Andrew has completed his training, they'll help him find a great job with benefits.
This is Alonso. He wants to work in a bank or at a law firm. Alonso uses a wheelchair
and he needs assistive technology to use a computer.
Alonso applied for Voc. Rehab services at his local office, and soon met with his VR
counselor Jennifer. She helped him figure out his strengths, and what accommodations
he might need in the workplace. Together they developed an employment plan.
Jennifer helped Alonso find the right assistive technology and the training to learn how
to use it. Then she helped him put a good resume together and learn how to search for jobs.
Alonso has now completed his training and has the tools he needs to succeed when he
starts working at the law firm next month.
Maybe Vocational Rehabilitation Services can help you, too. They work with teens and young
adults with all disabilities.
They'll tell you if you qualify for services, listen to you talk about your strengths and interests,
help you establish a career goal, and help you get the training you need.
Together, you'll develop an employment plan. Your counselor will even be there for you
after high school to help you find the right job and keep it.
Working with Voc Rehab is voluntary and many of their services are free.
Are you ready to take the next step to prepare for success after high school? VR can help,
and they'll be happy to meet with you at your school, at their local office, at a nearby
Workforce Center, or in the community.
For more information, visit the VR website at www.mn.gov/deed/vrs where you'll find the
name of the VR counselor assigned to your school.
You can also call toll-free at 1-800-328-9095, or stop by your local Workforce Center or
Voc Rehab office to learn more.
It won't be long now until you are out of high school and on to post-secondary education
or work. The time to plan for success is now!
Vocational Rehabilitation Services is here to help. And all you need to do is ask.
This has been "Introducing Vocational Rehabilitation Services,"
Brought to you by PACER Center,
In collaboration with Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services, where assistance
is available to help you achieve your goals.