Vocational Rehabilitation
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Overview:
The Office for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to eligible individuals with
disabilities to assist with entry into employment and productivity in the workplace and community. Vocational rehabilitation
counselors in offices around the state determine eligibility, provide vocational guidance and counseling, and offer a variety
of services to prepare individuals for employment. Assistive technology can be included in these services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a physical or mental impairment
- Your impairment must result in a substantial impediment to employment.
- You must require vocational rehabilitation services.
- If you meet the criteria above, you will be determined eligible unless there is clear and convincing evidence that
you cannot benefit from vocational rehabilitation services.
- If you receive Social Security disability benefits, you are considered to be an individual with a significant
disability and are presumed to be eligible for services.
AT Services Provided/Covered:
- Evaluation/Assessment
- Purchasing/Acquisition
- Selection/Design
- Coordination
- Training/Technical Assistance
AT Devices Provided/Covered:
- Vision/Hearing Equipment
- Speech Communication
- Learning, Cognition and Developmental
- Mobility, Seating and Positioning
- Daily Living
- Environmental Adaptations
- Vehicle Modifications
- Computers and Related
- Recreation, Sports and Leisure Equipment
Application Process:
Contact the nearest VR Office (see Appendix B) to speak with a VR counselor.
Contact Information:
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
209 St. Clair
Frankfort, KY 40601
Local: (502) 564-4440
Toll Free: (800) 372-7172
TTY: (888) 420-9874
Fax: (502) 564-6745
Website: http://ovr.ky.gov
Bridges & Potholes:
Bridges
- Once a decision has been made to supply an eligible client with assistive technology, it may be possible to provide
a wide range of devices if they are vocationally relevant.
Potholes
- Vocational Rehabilitation is an eligibility program, not an entitlement, program. If the evaluation process
determines that a person is not eligible for services, there is no possibility of receiving funding from this source.
- The primary purpose of assistive technology purchased under the regular VR program is to enable a person to obtain
and maintain gainful employment.
- When the counselor makes the decision for an individual to purchase assistive technology, the equipment or device
remains the property of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. If, for whatever reason, the person loses the
job and cannot find another one, the agency may take the equipment back.