ASL Videos: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I eligible for DORS services?
2. How long does it take to complete the eligibility process?
3. How long can DORS services provide support for Deaf consumers?
4. I need a hearing aid and can’t afford one. Where can I get help?
5. Are people who are deaf and under 18 years old eligible for DORS services?
6. What if I need a sign language interpreter for a job interview?
7. I want to go to Gallaudet. Does DORS pay for college and graduate school?
8. What services does DORS provide?
9. Will DORS help me look for a job?
10. Will DORS help pay for a computer or other assistive technology?
11. I am Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing, but I also have another disability (mental illness, vision impairment, etc.); can DORS help me?
12. Do I need to tell an employer that I am deaf when I fill out a job application?
13. What is the Workforce & Technology Center (WTC)?
14. What are DORS Policies?

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Am I eligible for DORS services?

You can look at the Am I Eligible? page on our website to learn more about eligibility for DORS services.

How long does it take to complete the eligibility process?

 

This varies, but in general, 60 days. This policy outlines the details.

How long can DORS services provide support for Deaf consumers?

 

Each case and consumer is unique, but when working with DORS, the goal is employment, so most cases are closed after a consumer has been successfully employed for 90 days. Each consumer will receive an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and there is no standard time period for providing services.

I need a hearing aid and can’t afford one. Where can I get help?

 

If you are eligible for DORS services and you need a hearing aid to become employed, your DORS counselor will talk with you about the best way to obtain a hearing aid.

If you are not eligible for DORS services or if working is not your goal, here are some resources that may help you find out more about getting low or no-cost hearing services: Financial Assistance for the Purchase of Hearing Aids (pdf).

Are people who are deaf and under 18 years old eligible for DORS services?

 

DORS serves consumers as young as 14 years old in either the Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) or Vocational Rehabilitation employment (VR) programs.

DORS begins to serve students while they are still in high school at age 14 by providing Pre-employment Transition Services. These services prepare students for future employment, training, or college opportunities.

Your child may also request additional individualized DORS vocational rehabilitation (VR) services so they can move into higher education, vocational training and employment.

What if I need a sign language interpreter for a job interview?

 

DORS will work with the employer and you to get you the accommodations that you need for the interview process.

I want to go to Gallaudet. Does DORS pay for college and graduate school?

 

DORS is not a primary funding source for any post-secondary education, but may assist with certain costs once an undergraduate student has applied for scholarships and grants. DORS only assists with graduate school under very limited circumstances.

What services does DORS provide?

 

DORS has various services that can include:

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

Check the What Can I Expect?, Specialized Services, and How Can DORS Help Me? pages for more information about DORS services.

Will DORS help me look for a job?

 

DORS will help you get the skills and training you need to look for a job.

Will DORS help pay for a computer or other assistive technology?

 

When you meet with a DORS counselor, you will develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE); DORS may help pay for assistive technology when it is part of the IPE.

I am Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing, but I also have another disability (mental illness, vision impairment, etc.); can DORS help me?

 

Yes. DORS works with many consumers who have more than one disability.

Do I need to tell an employer that I am deaf when I fill out a job application?

 

Each situation is different, so discuss this with your DORS counselor. However, in general, ask yourself if you can do the job; if the answer is yes, then you may not need to disclose your disability on the application.

What is the Workforce & Technology Center (WTC)?

 

The Workforce & Technology Center (WTC) is a DORS facility that offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities get ready for work.

What are DORS Policies?

 

All DORS Policies are on the Policy & Procedures Manual page.