USA / Adulthood / Vocational Rehabilitation

Employment support

State Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-ETS

VR is a state-run federal program designed to help disabled people prepare for, obtain, retain, advance in or regain employment. For students, it can begin before school ends.

Apply → eligibility → IPE → review

1ApplySubmit an application to the state VR agency

Contact the state VR agency and complete its application/intake process. Share the disability-related barriers to employment, employment interests and existing records that can help establish eligibility.

2EligibilityVR normally decides eligibility within 60 days

The Rehabilitation Act sets a 60-day eligibility period after application, subject to specified exceptions including an agreed extension for exceptional/unforeseen circumstances.

3PlanDevelop the Individualized Plan for Employment

For an eligible person, the IPE should be developed as soon as possible and generally no later than 90 days after eligibility unless a specific extension is agreed.

4If refused/disputedUse VR review rights and the Client Assistance Program

An ineligibility decision should explain the reasons and how to seek a remedy, including impartial-hearing procedures. Ask for the state Client Assistance Program contact as well.

Find your state VR agency

1. VR is an employment program, not a school program

The Rehabilitation Services Administration funds and oversees state VR programs. State agencies provide individualized services intended to improve employment and independence for people with disabilities.

2. General eligibility framework

Federal guidance describes VR eligibility around a physical or mental impairment that creates a substantial impediment to employment and a need for VR services to prepare for, secure, retain, advance in or regain employment. The state agency makes the formal determination.

3. Five required Pre-Employment Transition Services

Job exploration counseling

Learning about interests, occupations and career directions.

Work-based learning

Integrated work experiences, internships or other work exposure.

Postsecondary counseling

Information about college, training and comprehensive transition programs.

Workplace readiness

Skills for employment, social interaction and independent living.

Self-advocacy instruction

Understanding rights, communicating needs, person-centered planning and peer mentoring where appropriate.

Potential eligibility matters. Federal transition guidance explains that Pre-ETS can be available to students with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR, even before a full VR eligibility determination for individualized services.

4. Individualized Plan for Employment

For an eligible person receiving individualized VR services, the IPE is the written plan connecting the employment outcome to the services needed to reach it. Federal guidance says the individual must have informed choice in selecting the employment outcome, services and providers, and the IPE is reviewed at least annually.

5. Individualized VR services can be broad

Assessment of rehabilitation and technology needs.
Counseling and guidance.
Training or education connected to the employment goal where approved.
Assistive technology and rehabilitation technology.
Job search, placement, retention and follow-along services.
Supported employment for eligible people with the most significant disabilities.
Transition services and referrals to other agencies.

6. Do not wait until the final school week

IDEA transition planning and VR can overlap. January 2025 federal guidance specifically addresses coordination between schools and VR agencies. Ask the IEP team who has contacted VR, whether consent is needed for information sharing, and what services should start while the student is still enrolled.

7. Find your state VR agency

RSA maintains a current state VR agency locator. Some states operate one combined agency; others have separate general and blind/visual-impairment agencies.

Find state VR agency