New York State Education DepartmentVocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities

VESID

VESID Capital District Office

Welcome to OrientationThe purpose of this Orientation is to give you information to help you decide if VESID may

be helpful to you.

General Information about VESID

• VESID is a NYS agency that helps individuals with disabilities to choose, find and keep suitable employment

• VESID can work with people with all types of disabilities: physical, mental health, substance abuse, learning disabilities, HIV, …The only people with disabilities that VESID does not work with are

those with legal blindness. Individuals who are legally blind work with The Commissions for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH)

General Information continued…

• There is a vocational rehabilitation office in every state

• There are 15 VESID offices across NYS. You can locate them at our website:

www.vesid.nysed.gov

Most importantly, remember that VESID helps individuals with disabilities find and keep suitable

employment.

• All services that VESID provides must help you to develop and reach your employment goal

• If you are eligible for VESID services you will work with a counselor to determine what services you require to find and keep employment

• Individuals are not automatically entitled to a complete menu of services

• Everybody’s needs are different!

There are 4 things that must be documented to determine if you are eligible for VESID

services

1. You must have a disability and that disability can be medically documented

2. Your disability presents a significant impediment to employment. Your disability itself is preventing you from obtaining or maintaining employment

3. You can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services4. Vocational rehabilitation services are required for you

to achieve employment

And you are legally eligible to work in the united States

The kinds of services VESID can provide

• Assessments – to help identify your skills, abilities, interests & limitations

• Career counseling & guidance

• Training – at school, on the job, or through other programs

• Books, tools and equipment – that you require to become employed

• Job placement services

• Supported Employment services

• Referral – to other agencies and support services that you might need

• Assistance with modifications – to a worksite, home or vehicle for work related accessibility

• Follow-up services – to make sure your job is going well

The VESID Process

1. Decide you want VESID services2. Complete application and provide

documentation of disability3. Eligibility determination4. Establish vocational goal5. Develop a plan called an Individual Plan

for Employment (or IPE)6. And finally, your ultimate goal – Getting

and keeping employment

Remember

EMPLOYMENTis the reason someone becomes

involved in VESID

Examples of employment and job placement services VESID can offer

• Helping you locate available jobs• Assistance with resume development• Job coaching• Job development• Training• Work try out & On the job training

How much do services cost?

• Services you receive from VESID staff are free of charge

• Services that are necessary to determine if you are eligible for VESID will be covered for VESID at no cost to you

• The cost of other services are often based on your income and /or family resources

• VESID funding is often used in combination with other funding

• VESID has spending caps and time limits on many services

How do I know if I am ready for VESID services?

• Are you demonstrating successful management of your disability?

• Do you perceive a need for a change in your vocational role?

• Is your life reasonably stable?• Do you have a stable place to live?• Do you have any legal issues that might prevent you

from working or participating in vocational rehabilitation services?

• Are you medically able to work?• Are you ready, willing and able to actively participate in

your vocational rehabilitation?

What are some of my rights and responsibilities?

• All information is kept confidential• You have the right to disagree – the Client

Assistance Program, the Administrative Review Process & the Impartial Hearing Process

• You have the responsibility to keep your counselor informed of your progress

• You have the responsibility to let your counselor know when you go to work

How do I get an application packet?

• Inform us you have completed an Electronic Orientation and want to apply by calling us at 518 473-8097 or 1-800-272-5448

• When you call, please be prepared to tell us:

Your disability or disabilities

The date you completed this orientation

Your full name, address, and phone

If you have a Worker’s Compensation case

Tips to remember when you apply

• List all disabilities / health issues• List your doctor’s name & address• You must sign your name• Don’t answer “it doesn’t” to describe how your disability

limits your ability to work• Describe the services you are seeking• Provide information related to your goal• Call us if you need help applying

After you send in your application & documentation you should expect:

• An eligibility decision within 60 days• The possibility we will need to request more

information on your disability• You can get started by using services at:

• Independent Living Centers• One stop Centers

Thank You!

VESID Capital District Office

80 Wolf Road – Suite 200

Albany, NY 12205

518 473-8097

1-800-272-5448

www.vesid.nysed.gov

Independent Living Centers (ILC)

Capital District Center for Independence, Inc.459-6422875 Central Ave, Albany Schenectady City Hall

Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley274-0701 Troy Atrium

HudsonSouthern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL)

792-353771 Glenwood Ave, Queensbury Ballston Spa

One Stop Centers

Career Central - 175 Central Ave, AlbanyCobleskill Workforce Solutions – 795 East Main St, CobleskillOne Stop Career Center – Columbia Greene Community College, HudsonOne Stop of Washington Co – 383 Broadway, Fort EdwardSaratoga Co Employment & Training, 152 West High St, Ballston SpaSchenectady One Stop – 797 Broadway, SchenectadyTroy One Stop – County Bldg. 1600 7th Ave, TroyWarren County Employment & Training, Northway Plaza, Queensbury