The vocational rehabilitation program is a public program administered by a State VR agency in each State or U.S. territory to help persons with physical or mental handicaps to become gainfully employed. In some States there is a separate agency for the blind.

When an individual is being considered for services by a VR agency, an evaluation of the person's vocational handicap, based on medical and vocational findings, is made by a rehabilitation counselor to determine eligibility for services. If the individual is eligible for services, the counselor and the client will work out a plan or program of rehabilitation.

People who file applications for determinations of disability and blindness under title II and XVI of the Social Security Act are referred to the appropriate State VR agency for VR services (see DI 13501.010).

During the rehabilitation processing individuals may receive any of a number of services. Among them are:

1. 1. 

   Evaluation of rehabilitation potential, including diagnostic services to learn the nature and degree of disability, incidental to determinations of eligibility for the nature of services to be provided;

2. 2. 

   Counseling and guidance on an individualized basis to work out a program of services designed to help the client achieve the most favorable vocational objective. The program may include a plan for achieving self-support (see SI 00870.001);

3. 3. 

   Medical, surgical, and related services to correct or reduce the disability;

4. 4. 

   Prosthetic devices, including artificial limbs, braces and other aids to increase the individual's ability to work;

5. 5. 

   Training in trade or business schools, in colleges, or on-the-job; this includes prevocational and adjusting training-all designed to enhance the individual's employability;

6. 6. 

   Services in comprehensive or specialized rehabilitation facilities, including sheltered workshops or evaluation center;

7. 7. 

   Maintenance and transportation during rehabilitation if necessary;

8. 8. 

   Reader services for the blind, interpreter services for deaf;

9. 9. 

   Occupational tools, licenses, equipment, initial stocks and supplies for employment or self-employment:

10. 10. 

    Other goods and services necessary to render a handicapped individual fit to engage in a gainful occupation;

11. 11. 

    Special assistance in the establishment and management of a small business enterprise, including a vending stand; and

12. 12. 

    Placement in suitable employment, followup until the mutual satisfaction of worker and employer is assured, and postemployer services necessary to maintain employment; and

13. 13. 

    Referral to other agencies for needed services not available under the Rehabilitation Act.