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The California State Department of Rehabilitation
is a state agency. It provides services to assist
persons with disabilities to obtain employment.
When you become a client, you have a plan that
specifies an approved goal, the services you can
expect to receive and your responsibilities. It
is important to maintain good communications with
your counselor and be clear about what you need
to do and the plan’s timelines. Procedures
may take a long time, and you may not always receive
everything you seek.
In general, you can expect a smoother experience
by following these suggestions:
1. Know what your goal is and be sure it
is attainable for you and will provide a realistic
opportunity for entry-level employment. If you
don’t know your goal, tell your counselor
so that vocational testing can be arranged.
2. Be reasonable in terms of what you want.
Funding is usually limited and must be tied to
your training and employment goals.
3. Be patient. Often your counselor does
not have control over how fast things happen.
It’s fine to be persistent and check with
your counselor regularly; however don’t take
out your frustrations on your counselor.
4. You will be expected to participate
in the least costly training program to meet your
vocational objective.
5. Only programs that lead specifically
to employment are sponsored. Make sure you know
about the job market in your chose field.
6. Everyone is treated individually. Don’t
expect to receive something just because someone
else did.
7. Be sure to observe the requirements
of your plan, including keeping your counselor
updated on your progress.
8. Your counselor is often your best advocate
and may need your help to justify the services.
Provide as much information as you can to help
him/her build your case.
9. If you have a serious disagreement with
DR, make a good faith effort to resolve it, including
speaking to the supervisor. If you are unable
to do so, you may then contact the Client Assistance
Program (CAP) which helps clients clarify rights
and responsibilities and investigates complaints,
when necessary.
Your counselor or advisor can provide you with
the contact information.
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