For people with physical and/or mental disabilities (except the legally blind)
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: Vocational Rehabilitation
State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies are a major funding source for assistive technology (AT) for working-age individuals with disabilities. Read more.
*Portions of this section have been adapted from the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative funding fact sheet “Vocational Rehabilitation” available at www.dati.org.
State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies are a major funding source for assistive technology (AT) for working-age individuals with disabilities. In Massachusetts, VR services are available through the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (which serves individuals with most physical and mental disabilities) and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (which serves individuals who are legally blind). College-related AT may also be provided if attending classes clearly aligns with the individual’s vocational goals.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services through MRC, an individual must:
- have a physical, psychiatric, or learning disability; require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, obtain, maintain, or regain employment; and there must be a determination that the individual can achieve an employment outcome through vocational rehabilitation services.
Federal law requires state VR agencies to presume that a person with a disability is capable of working, regardless of the severity of their disability, unless a VR counselor can clearly demonstrate otherwise. A counselor must exhaust all available options, including the possibility of AT intervention, before denying eligibility based on a person’s inability to work.
This same law exempts AT purchases from VR agencies’ usual “comparable services and benefits” requirements. This means VR clients do not have to wait while their counselor searches for other funding sources before purchasing AT.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services at MRC, an individual must:
- have a physical, psychiatric, or mental disability; need vocational rehabilitation services in order to prepare for, obtain, retain, or regain employment; and be determined by VR to be capable of benefiting from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of achieving employment.
Federal law mandates that state VR agencies assume an individual with a disability can work, regardless of the severity of their disability, unless the VR counselor clearly demonstrates otherwise. Counselors must exhaust all possible options, including AT interventions, before denying services based on a person’s inability to work.
The same federal law exempts AT purchases from the typical “comparable services and benefits” requirements that VR agencies usually apply. As a result, VR clients do not have to endure delays in getting AT while their counselor searches for alternative funding sources.
Currently, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) employs an “order of selection” system that prioritizes applicants into Priority 1, Priority 2, and Priority 3 groups based on functional limitations. Priority 1 includes individuals with the most significant disabilities. When waiting lists become necessary, services are prioritized according to these categories. At MRC, those with the most severe disabilities fall under “Priority 1” and typically receive services first.
How are Services Provided?
Upon entering MRC’s VR program, an applicant works with a VR counselor to identify the necessary services. After assessing the client’s needs, the counselor develops an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE should clearly document all required AT devices and services. Once documented, the counselor arranges for evaluations for these devices or services through referrals, often through MRC’s Assistive Technology Department. In some cases, VR counselors will combine resources with other public and private agencies (particularly employers) to maximize their ability to obtain AT for clients.
What AT Services are Provided?
At the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), the Vocational Rehabilitation Assistive Technology Department can provide home modifications, adaptive technology services (including evaluating the need for and purchasing devices), and adaptive driving or vehicle modifications to individuals pursuing vocational goals. Common AT solutions provided by VR include adapted computer hardware and software, augmentative communication devices, van modifications, and adaptive equipment needed for workplace or educational settings.
VR may also refer individuals with significant disabilities to MRC’s Statewide Employment Services (SES) department for additional support with job training, job placement, individual supports, and job-related services. Individuals with severe disabilities might also be referred to the Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services (BISSCS) for further assistance.
MRC VR Contacts:
Find your local MRC VR area office. Or call MRC at (800) 245-6543 Voice/TTY, (617) 727-1354 Fax.
MRC’s Statewide Employment Services (SES)
Director James Fratolillo
(617) 204-3854
Brian Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services (BISSCS)
Director Nicky Osborne
Information and Referral:
(617) 204-3852 or (800) 223-2559 ex. 2
SHIPU@MRC.state.ma.us