What Can I Expect?

​If you are eligible for DORS employment or student services, your counselor will work with you to help figure out your employment goals and what services you will need to reach these goals.

DORS also provides independent living services to individuals who are 55 or older and who are blind or have a vision impairment. For more information go to the Independent Living Older Blind page.

What will happen next?

You will hear from your DORS counselor within 60 days letting you know if you are eligible for DORS services and what your category of eligibility is (e.g., "significant" or "most significant" disability).

DORS staff will help you figure out your options and the pros and cons of each option to help you make decisions about how best to reach your goals. This is called "Informed Choice" and it is your right under federal law.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring medical records about your disability, school records (including most recent psychological testing, Individual Education Program, etc.), or job training records, and a list of the places and dates of the jobs you have had.

Employment Services can include:

  • Career counseling
  • Career assessment
  • College or career training
  • Work-readiness training
  • Assistive technology
  • Job placement
  • Job coaching
  • Other support services

Who pays for DORS services?

DORS employment services, such as career counseling, skills assessments, career training and job placement, are provided at no cost to you. However, due to funding limitations, DORS can only pay for the least expensive services or goods that will meet your needs. If you decide you want more expensive services or goods that cost more than DORS is allowed to pay, you will need to pay the difference.

There is no cost to you or your family for Pre-Employment Transition Services for students.
 
If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), your DORS services will be provided at no cost to you, unless you choose a more costly service than DORS can provide.

What happens after I find a job? 

Your DORS counselor follows up to make sure you are successful on your job.

If you like, DORS can also work with you and your employer to help you to adjust to any changes in the workplace.

When you have been at work successfully for 90 days, DORS will close your case.
 
If you think that you might need some things after your case has been closed, you can contact your DORS counselor to see what we can do. These are called "post-employment services."
 
If there is any change in your disability or your job, and you think you need DORS services again, you may re-apply.

​DORS services are different for every consumer and are based on a person's disability and employment goals. Therefore, each consumer's experience with DORS will be unique.

A DORS office sign with the suite number: 400.

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