Chapter 11: Rehabilitation and Independent Living
Section 7: Rehabilitation Agencies in Other States
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services is a state agency that is unique in the nation for providing services to children and adults with disabilities through a seamless system of service delivery. Through their continuum of services, ADRS provides assistance throughout a lifetime. With individualized services provided in homes, schools, the workplace, and the community, ADRS assists every person in achieving his or her maximum potential.
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Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Division of Vocatonal Rehabilitation (DVR) helps hundreds of Alaskans with disabilities prepare for, get and keep good jobs. It is part of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development and provides services throughout Alaska.
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Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration
Contact Information for VR services in Arizona.
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Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and Adult Education, under the Division of Workforce Services, and the Office of Skills Development Division, under the Department of Commerce, are focused on delivering industry-focused, demand-driven education and training.
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California Department of Rehabilitation
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.
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Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
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Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
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Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind
The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is the state’s lead Bureau for the coordination and provision of services to all Connecticut residents who are legally blind, or have significant visual impairments. These services include training and devices that help people who are blind function in the home and in the community independently; teaching children how to adapt to and learn in an environment - in and outside of school - that is designed for those with sight and; providing services that help people who are blind find work or keep their job after blindness has developed.
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DC Rehabilitation Services Administration
Email: [email protected]
The Department on Disability Services (DDS) is composed of two Administrations that oversee and coordinate services for residents with disabilities through a network of private and non-profit providers: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
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Delaware Department of Labor
They provide people who want to work with access to the the best resources for training, support and career placement services.
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Florida Division of Blind Services
Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired Floridians achieve their goals and live productive and independent lives. Their services cover all ages from babies to senior citizens. They also offer Employer Services, the Braille and Talking Books Library, and the Business Enterprise Program.
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Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. Vocational Rehabilitation is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
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Georgia Department of Labor Rehabilitation Services
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency operates five programs with one goal: To help people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment.
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Hawaii Department of Human Services
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Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s program goal is to place Idahoans with disabilities into the workforce by securing and maintaining productive employment. IDVR can provide the services required to assist people to go to work and can assist in locating suitable employment.
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Illinois Department of Human Services
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Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services has two overarching responsibilities: to facilitate partnerships that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities; and to provide them with continuous, life-long support.
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Iowa Department for the Blind
Email: [email protected]
The Iowa Department for the Blind believes all Iowans can lead productive, fulfilling lives – including those who happen to be blind or low vision. The Department supports and encourages independent living and full participation in life – at home, at work and in communities.
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Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Iowa VR is an employment program for individuals who experience a disability. They focus on service delivery that assists individuals to prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment.
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Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation Services offers a variety of programs to meet the diverse needs of Kansans with disabilities.
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Kentucky Office for the Blind
The mission of the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation / Blind Services Division is to provide opportunities for employment and independence to individuals with visual disabilities. They serve Kentuckians who are visually impaired or blind and assist individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment, economic self-sufficiency and independence with complete integration into society.
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Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence. They recognize and respect the contribution of all individuals as a necessary and vital part of a productive society.
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Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) assists persons with disabilities in their desire to obtain or maintain employment and/or achieve independence in their communities by providing rehabilitation services and working cooperatively with business and other community resources.
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Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people with disabilities.
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Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides many services to persons with severe visual impairments.
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Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services
Email: [email protected]
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) programs and services help people with disabilities go to work.
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Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Email: [email protected]
MCB is the point of entry for vocational and social rehabilitation services for residents of the Commonwealth who are declared to be legally blind by an eye professional. Under a newly created category, MCB will expand service to qualifying individuals who have low vision with a progressive visual impairment. These services help individuals to work toward independence and full community participation.
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Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) promotes equality, empowerment and independence of individuals with disabilities.
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Michigan Commission for the Blind
The Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) believes in the capacity of people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve employment and independence. BSBP provides training and other services that empower people to achieve their individual goals.
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Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Email: [email protected].
The mission of Michigan Rehabilitation Services is to develop customized workforce solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities.
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Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Email: [email protected]
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is Minnesota's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.
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Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is a state agency that provides resources to help Mississippians with disabilities find new careers, live more independently, overcome obstacles, and face new challenges.
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Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Email: [email protected]
Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation specializes in employment and training services that can assist in becoming employed.
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Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
Email: [email protected]
Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind helps eligible blind and visually impaired persons achieve personal and employment success.
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Montana Vocational Rehabilitation
Email: [email protected]
The mission of Montana Vocational Rehabilitation is to maximize access to in-demand and high-quality careers by Montanans with disabilities seeking dignity through choice, integration, and self-reliance.
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Nebraska Department of Education
Email: [email protected]
Link to Nebraska VR:
http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/
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Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation
The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation consists of divisions that offer assistance in job training and placement, vocational rehabilitation, workplace discrimination, and in collecting and analyzing workforce and economic data.
New Hampshire Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The New Hampshire Department of Education is committed to helping students, parents, and educators (including teachers, principals, superintendents, and school communities) meet the educational needs of each student.
VR Link: https://www.education.nh.gov/partners/vocational-rehabilitation
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New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation
Email: [email protected]
The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation assists eligible New Hampshire citizens with disabilities secure suitable employment and financial and personal independence by providing rehabilitation services.
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New Jersey Department of Human Services
Email: [email protected]
This agency’s mission is to promote and provide services in the areas of education, employment, independent living and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families and the community.
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New Jersey Department of Labor
The mission of the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) is to enable eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve an employment outcome consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities and capabilities.
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New Mexico Commission for the Blind
The Commission for the Blind provides vocational rehabilitation and independent living services designed to enable persons who are blind to become more participating and contributing members of society.
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New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
The mission of the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR) is to encourage and assist the efforts of New Mexicans with disabilities to reach their goals for working and living in their communities.
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New York Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
The mission of the New York State Commission for the Blind is to enhance employability, to maximize independence and to assist in the development of the capacities and strengths of people who are legally blind.
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New York Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Through NYS Education Department, the New York State Office of VESID offers thousands of New Yorkers with disabilities an opportunity to become independent through education, training, and employment. VESID also provides vocational rehabilitation services to eligible individuals to prepare them for suitable jobs. These jobs might be in the competitive workforce, in self-owned businesses, in supported employment on employer sites, or in sheltered workshops.
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North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
The Division of Services for the Blind provides services to people who are visually impaired, blind and deaf-blind to help them reach their goals of independence and employment.
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North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) helps people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence.
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North Dakota Disability Services Division
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North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind (NDVS/SB)
North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind (NDVS/SB) provides statewide leadership, center based programming, and regionalized outreach services ensuring that the specialized needs of persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired are met.
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Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
Email: [email protected]
The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) expands opportunities for employment, independent life and economic self-sufficiency by helping Oklahomans with disabilities bridge barriers to success in the workplace, school and at home.
To connect to the DRS office in your area call 800-487-4042.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Employment services for people with any disability, except blindness.
- Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Employment and independent living services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Disability Determination Services: Determines medical eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.
- Oklahoma School for the Deaf: Educational programs for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Oklahoma School for the Blind: Educational programs for children who are blind or visually impaired.
Counselors and technology specialists provide assistive technology evaluations, devices and services to agency clients based on individual needs related to achievement of employment goals. They also help employers locate appropriate adaptive equipment for employees with disabilities. Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation or Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired counselor for information. See DRS Offices Statewide, Rehabilitation section for contact information.
DRS provides vocational rehabilitation, employment and limited independent living services to eligible individuals with disabilities. Medical equipment, assistive technology and related services may be provided if they are part of the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) developed with a vocational rehabilitation client. In some cases assistive technology devices and services may be provided for independent living purposes.
Assistive technology services which may be available based on a person's eligibility and plan of service include evaluation for assistive technology needs, recommendations for suitable equipment, worksite evaluation for adaptive equipment needs and training in use of specialized equipment.
Current DRS clients should discuss assistive technology needs with their DRS counselors. Applications for DRS services can be made by contacting local DRS offices. See also Apply for Services on the home webpage.