EastTexasRadio.com Powered by Ten Stations
AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is introducing “Start My VR.” It is an online self-referral portal for prospective vocational rehabilitation customers, providing a convenient way for individuals with disabilities seeking employment to inquire about Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services and be connected to a VR staff member.
“Start My VR offers individuals with disabilities a way to connect with VR Services at their convenience and take their first step toward achieving their employment goals,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC remains focused on helping every Texas job seeker connect to their next career opportunity.”
Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services supports individuals with physical or mental disabilities in achieving their employment goals. VR Services are designed to help individuals live independently, address employment barriers related to a disability, and support eligible individuals as they prepare for, obtain, retain, or advance in employment.
“Teams of rehabilitation professionals staff Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Their priority is to provide services and support to individuals with disabilities to ensure that they may fully participate in the labor market and live independent lives,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “VR Services can often be a life-changing journey, which can begin with ‘Start My VR.’”
VR Services are personalized to an individual’s needs and can include assessments and diagnostics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, and cognitive therapies, among other services. VR Services, a core partner of the Texas Workforce System, may also include career-focused education, training, and apprenticeships, job development, paid work experience, among other employment supports.
“Texas employers that make disability inclusiveness a priority in their workplace have demonstrated increased employee retention, employee satisfaction, and innovation – all of which contribute to a competitive business advantage,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Through ‘Start My VR,’ we want to reach more individuals with disabilities to ensure they are aware of how VR services can benefit them. Also, supporting our goal to ensure that Texas employers benefit from the many talented individuals with disabilities who can join the workforce.”
In addition to receiving inquiries about VR Services, the Start My VR system also can receive queries for the Older Individuals who are Blind program or VR-OIB.
VR-OIB services are designed to assist individuals age 55 and older to adjust to the disability of blindness or visual impairment based on their specific needs. These services may include counseling and evaluations about vision loss, information and referral to community resources, assistive technology, diabetes education, or independent living skills training, including training in orientation and mobility and daily living skills.
To find out more about Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, visit https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/vocational-rehabilitation-services.
To find out how your business can benefit from hiring individuals with disabilities or from obtaining information on employee accommodation, contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Business Relations Coordinator visit https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/vocational-rehabilitation-business-relations.