[Slide: What is "Informed Choice" when you come to DORS?]
[Visual: A man is signing in ALS. Note: This video has no audio. This transcript is of the captioning that appears at the botton of the screen.]
What is informed choice?
You have to the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) for assistance in finding a job.
Many decisions affecting you and your life will be made as you work with DORS staff, such as:
- What kind of work fits your interests and abilities.
- What you need to get that type of job.
- What help you need to keep the job.
DORS Staff will help you find out:
1. What your options are, and
2. The pros and cons of each option.
Then you will be able to make good decisions leading to employment.
This is "informed choice."
There may be times when, because of policy or finding issues, DORS may not be able to pay for a specific choice you would like to make.
However, your preferences should always be an important part of planning your rehabilitation program.

What you need to fully consider:
You - your strengths, needs, preferences, priorities, concerns, and hopes as they relate to employment.
The job market - accurate information about employment trends and opportunities, employer needs and expectations, and job duties and requirements.
Resources - information regarding community resources and programs which can assist you in reaching your employment goal.
DORS - information about DORS policies and procedures as they relate to your preferences, needs and employment goal.
Your DORS counselor is there to guide and assist you in identifying and considering all of these factors.
You are welcome to invite a support person or persons to meetings with DORS staff.

Important Opportunities to make informed choice:
The Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 emphasize your right to fully participate from the beginning to the end of your vociational rehabilitation process, including when you:
- Plan for types of assessments and evaluations.
- Develop employment options and select an employment goal.
- Decide what steps are needed in order to reach your employment goal.
- Choose who will provide rehabilitation services, goods, and assessments.
- Develop your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
- Plan how your financial contribution, if any, will be applied to your services.
- Identify types of jobs to consider and select from available job offers.

[Slide: Contact Hank Passi, Staff Specialist, Deaf and Heard of Hearing Services, Statewide Coordinator for the Deaf, Office of Field Services - Headquarters, MSDE Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Mail: 2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 212218-1696
Email: hpassi@dors.state.md.us
Videophone: 866-371-3614 national; 443-453-5981 state
Fax: 410-554-9412
website www.dors.maryland.gov
Voice Phone: 410-554-9404 / Toll free: 888-554-0334
TDD: 410-554-9411]