The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a Government of Guam agency whose primary goal is:

• To enable eligible individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with significant disabilities, to achieve employment and community independence through the provision of quality vocational rehabilitation services.

This Consumer Handbook will introduce and familiarize you with the vocational rehabilitation (VR) eligibility criteria, scope of services, the VR process, and your rights and responsibilities.

How Can I Apply For Services?

To apply for services, simply complete and sign an Application for Services form.  You may come to our office to complete the form or we can send a form to you.  Call us at 642-0022/23 for more information on the application process.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria?

You are eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services if you:

• Have a physical or mental impairment which results in a substantial impediment to employment, and

• You require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.

How Long Will It Take To Determine If I Am Eligible?

An eligibility decision will be made within 60 days of the date of your application unless we both agree that exceptional circumstance indicate more time is needed. 

We will then agree to a specific extension of time to make the eligibility decision.

If I Am Eligible, What Type Of Services May Be Offered?

If you are eligible, you will be provided services that are available to assist you in achieving an employment outcome that is consistent with our strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice.  As needed, services may include, but are not limited to the following:

• An assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs.

• Vocational rehabilitation counseling, guidance, and services to assist you in exercising informed choices.

• Vocational and other training services which can include personal and vocational adjustment, books or other training materials.

• Physical or mental restoration services are available with some restrictions.  Items such as prosthesis or orthotic devices, eyeglasses, and treatment for mental or emotional disorders are considered under this services.
  

• In some cases, maintenance for additional costs incurred while participating in rehabilitation.

• Additional services may include interpreter and reader services, rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for individuals who are blind, occupational licenses, tools, equipment, rehabilitation technology services, and on-the-job or other related personal assistance services while receiving vocational rehabilitation service.

Employment services are initiated after you have been determined eligible and You and your Counselor have jointly developed your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).  Some services may be initiated during the application process such as diagnostic services and counseling and guidance to determine your eligibility.  Employment services however must be related to a specific employment outcome.

What Is The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)?

The IPE is a plan that must be jointly developed, agreed upon and signed by You or an authorized representative and the Rehabilitation Counselor. 

The IPE includes an employment goal, intermediate objectives designed to achieve the employment goal, the services to be provided, the service providers, time period of review, progress evaluation criteria, and expected completion date.

When Is My Case Closed?

Once you have completed your IPE and employment has been achieved, your Counselor will be responsible in informing you about closing your case.  Closure normally occurs ninety (90) days after employment has taken place.

If employment occurs, the case will be closed successfully rehabilitated.  If for some reason, the IPE cannot be completed, the case will be processed for closure.

What Are Post Employment Services?

Once you have achieved an employment outcome, additional, short term services may be provided, if deemed necessary, to assist you in maintaining your employment should problems arise that jeopardize your employment. 

You may also receive short term services if your disability interferes with opportunities to advance in your employment.  Complex, long term services are not available as post employment services.