Getting Started

Individuals who are interested in Vocational Rehabilition must have a referral from a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor before Abilities Services, Inc. can become involved and assist.  This referral may be made by the individual, family members, physicians or medical institutions, educational institutions, or others. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) contact information for our service area is:

Vocational Rehabilitation Services 
615 N. 18th St., Ste. 202    
Lafayette, IN 47904-3434    
(765) 449-4278
TTY: (765) 449-4304
VRI: (765) 449-4326 
Toll Free:1-877-847-9892  
FAX: (765) 449-4312 
           
The VRS counselor gathers and evaluates medical, educational, vocational, and other information to determine eligibility. An applicant is eligible if a determination is made that:

1. he or she has a physical or mental impairment;
2. the physical or mental impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment; and
3. the individual requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain an employment outcome consistent with his or her abilities, capacities, career interests, and informed choice.

Rehabilitation Program Development

The counselor and consumer jointly determine the job the consumer is ultimately to be placed in and plan the services necessary to reach that job goal. The job goal, intermediate objectives, services, and service provider are specified in an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).  Abilities Services, Inc. Employment Specialists work in accordance with the IPE. The specific services provided may include:

• vocational counseling and guidance;
• medical treatment to correct or modify the physical or mental impairment;
• training (including vocational school, college or university, on-the-job, and other training;
• rehabilitation technology (assistive devices and services);
• placement assistance and follow-up (including supported employment) and
• other planned goods and services determined to be necessary to address an identified substantial impediment to employment and to be required to enable the individual to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain an employment outcome.