The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services is committed to helping people with disabilities establish and reach vocational goals that help them become productive working citizens.
During any given year, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Division actively works with more than 4,000 of Wyoming’s citizens with disabilities, and, on average, approximately 700 of those citizens successfully complete a rehabilitation program and enter the workforce. For every dollar spent on Vocational Rehabilitation services, a consumer earns, on average, $11 in increased taxable income.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Division can provide only those services which are necessary for eligible individuals to reach the employment goal agreed to in the Individualized Plan for Employment. These services may include, but are not limited to:
- Counseling and Guidance
- Deaf and Blind Interpretive Services
- Eligibility Assessment
- Facilitation of Diagnosis and Treatment of Physical and Mental Impairments
- Job Retention and Career Follow-Up
- Job Search and Placement Assistance
- Occupational Licenses, Tools and Equipment
- Personal Assistance Services
- Rehabilitation Teaching Services
- Rehabilitation Technology Services
- Self-Employment Opportunities
- Supported Employment Services
- Transition Services (from school-to-work)
- Transportation Services
- Vocational and Other Training Services
The criteria for determining eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation Services are as follows:
- The individual has a physical or mental impairment;
- The impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment;
- The individual shall be presumed to be able to benefit in terms of an employment outcome from the provision of Vocational Rehabilitation services unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the applicant is incapable of benefiting in terms of an employment outcome from Vocational Rehabilitation services; and
- The applicant requires services to prepare for, enter into, engage in, regain or retain gainful employment consistent with the applicant’s strengths, concerns, abilities, capabilities and informed choice
As a client of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Division, you have the right to:
- Apply and/or re-apply for vocational rehabilitation services
- Receive comprehensive assessment of rehabilitation needs to help determine eligibility
- Make informed choices during the planning of the vocational goal and services you will receive, as a part of the individualized plan for employment
- Have the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor involved throughout the rehabilitation process
- Have confidential service records
- Consult with the Counselor before the case file is closed for reasons of ineligibility
- Know the reason if your case file is closed
- Appeal the Counselor’s decisions through an informal review or a formal hearing