What will happen next?
After you complete the form to Request DORS Services, you will be contacted to set up an application/intake meeting and given specific information about the needed materials for the meeting with a DORS staff member.
At the application/intake meeting, the DORS staff member will gather information about you that will help find out if you are eligible for DORS services. You are welcome have a support person, such as a family member, friend or advocate, to this and to any other meeting with DORS staff.
In order to be eligible for DORS employment or employment student services, you must have a physical or mental disability that seriously affects your ability to work, and you must need employment rehabilitation services in order to get or keep a job.
You will receive a letter 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).
If you are eligible for DORS employment or student services, your case will either be transferred to your local DORS Office or you may be placed on a waiting list.
If
you are assigned a counselor, you and your counselor will work together
to figure out your employment goals and what services you will need to
reach these goals and come up with your Individualized Plan for
Employment (IPE).
DORS staff will also work with you to figure out your options and
the pros and cons of each option, so you can 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 have available for 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.
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.
