Office of Rehabilitation (OVR) Tips and Hints

• The Office of Rehabilitation (OVR) provides vocational rehabilitations services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain employment.
• Prior to receiving work related services through the Office of Mental Health/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (MH/IDD), an individual would first be referred to OVR.
• OVR is an eligibility program. The eligibility is based on the individual having a substantial disability that affects their ability to get or keep a job. The individual must also be able to benefit from OVR services to become competitively employed in a community integrated setting (min of 20 hours a week).
• OVR offers a wide range of services. Services will be arranged to meet individual need. They include, but are not limited to:
     • Diagnostic Services
     • Vocational Evaluation
     • Counseling
     • Training
     • Restoration Services
     • Placement Assistance
     • Assistive Technology
     • Support Services
• OVR services are time limited. A case is typically closed 90 days after the individual gains employment. If you have a waiver there is NOT a 90 time limit.
• If necessary, OVR post-employment services are available after the case is closed.
• If ongoing supports are needed, funding may be available through Mental Health or Intellectual Developmental Disability Services.
• In some counties OVR and Mental Health/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities use many of the same job support providers. Contact your Supports Coordinator to discuss need.
• It is best to apply 1-2 years BEFORE high school graduation.
• It is possible to have a representative from OVR attend an IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting.
•  In some cases OVR will pay for portion of continuing education such as college or technical school.
• There are other programs offered by OVR. 
     o Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (specialized children services, orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching)
     o  Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (information and referral, advocacy, interpreter database)
     o Hiram G. Andrews Center (comprehensive vocational training program)