Has anyone use Office of Vocational Rehab in there city or state?

[Chuck-PA]

My son, who is 20, has Cystic Fibrosis. He just finished school for Massage Therapy. Now, he needs to find a job.

We just received a letter from someone in the Office of Vocational Rehab (OVR).
We met with her last year while he was in high school. At that time, we didn't think we needed to use her. Besides, she told me there is a fee for her serivces based on our annual income. She only looks at our W-2's and yeah, it looks like we make decent money based on gross wages. We tried telling her about all of our medical expenses (out of pocket - in the thousands that is) and bills it sort of just goes out the window. She told us that her fee would probably be between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars. Definitely, which we can not afford, but if it will help him. He really needs to keep health insurance, he is on about 18-20 medications a day. We have applied for social security and were denied saying he was too healthy. His FEV1 is 82
which is his lung functions, a CF lawyer told me it would have to be in 50's or 60's to get it.

1) Does OVR really work and help him get a job or just train him?
2) Did you like working with them, were they helpful?

Anything else you can tell us would be appreciated?

 

[dclfun]

I've used VR in the past and my case is now open again as I need a new van to get to/from work and VR pays for the adaptations ( if I can ever actually afford the van itself). I've never heard of someone having to pay for services though. I'm surprised they aren't looking at only your son's income anyway- perhaps when he's 21 it will be a different story. In that case it might be best to wait a year and have him try applying for positions in the meantime. If for some reason he still needs training or help with job placement once he's reached age 21 then I can't see them looking at parental income if your state looks at income and charges sliding scale fees. Also, with VR in the state of Florida at least, assistance depends on your disability- perhaps since your son was able to complete his schooling and is independent other than of course for having a devastating disease, he's not qualifying for some reason. I'm not sure- but the issue of payment definitely warrants some more investigation.---Kathy

 

[LMC]

I thought these were services provided thru school systems and tied into IEP's. If your son was ever on an IEP, then I would contact the special education coordinator of your school district to see if they can help. As previously posted, your son is an adult now so I would think they would look at his income only. If he is still considered part of your household then I think it would fall back under the IEP (up until age 21) if that was applicable in the first place.

 

[dclfun]

VR itself isn't always tied into an IEP but one must qualify first to receive services. I remember when I first applied I was still ambulatory but since I had a letter from my physician with my diagnosis and needs I qualified instantly for assistance including getting my first power wheelchair. VR pays for home modifications, adaptive equipment, van modifications, and schooling if necessary for someone to remain in the workforce or enter the workforce. They can also help with job placement and training. Funds in Florida have been severely cut and according to my counselor are now need-based with only those with an extremely severe disability receiving assistance. I'm not sure how people will now qualify or if those already receiving services that aren't severely disabled will be cut but things are changing all over due to the economy, esp. anything federally or state funded. It always seems like services for the disabled are the first to be cut. I do know there's a VR transition program for those in high school who are disabled and wanting to enter the workforce to try and find a suitable job, training, or higher education and that is likely tied to someone's IEP.---Kathy

 

[Chuck-PA]

Thanks for the input. I had my son call to schedule an appointment with his counselor. He left a voicemail so we are awaiting a phone call back.

We did meet with her while he was in school, so his file is still open. She never told us about all of the other features of OVR (such as modifications and such, not that we need it now but maybe in the future depending on the pregression of his disease). She only told us about job training and placement.

You all have been quite helpful.

 

[LauraVV]

Can you keep your son on your insurance as a disabled dependent until he is able to find a job? We were able to do that for our 19 year old. I was also able to get medicaid for him as a disabled adult. It was quicker than disability has been. It only took about 6 months for the medicaid.

Can they charge your child based on your child's income instead of yours?

 

[Chuck-PA]

We are in the process of applying for disabled dependent on my insurance now and are waiting for an answer.

In regards to his income versus our income, last year when we met with them they told us as long as he was dependent on us it was our income, he was 18 at the time (right before 19th birthday). Maybe now that he is older it will be based on his. Currently, he has no income.
He does get medical assistance but they have him under Healthy Horizon Category, which does not pay much.

We do appreciate everything you all have mentioned.
My son, has now called 2x to OVR and left a message for his contact to call back.