DISH Table of Contents
- (Quick Links)
DISH
Section Five: Campus and Community Life
Working with the Department of Rehabilitation
Working With The Department Of Rehabilitation
The California State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is a state agency that provides services to assist persons with disabilities to obtain employment. When a student become a DOR client, they will have:
- A plan that specifies an approved goal,
- The services they can expect to receive and
- Their responsibilities.
It is important for a student to maintain good communications with a DSS Counselor or LD Specialist and be clear about what they need to do and the DOR plan’s timelines. Procedures may take a long time, and the student may not always receive everything they seek.
In general, a student can expect a smoother experience by following these suggestions:
- Know what their goal is and be sure it is attainable for them and will provide a realistic opportunity for entry-level employment. If they don’t know their goal, they should tell their DSS Counselor or LD Specialist so that vocational testing can be arranged.
- Be reasonable in terms of what the student want. Funding is usually limited and must be tied to their training and employment goals.
- Be patient. Often their DSS Counselor or LD Specialist does not have control over how fast things happen. It’s fine to be persistent and check with their DSS Counselor or LD Specialist regularly; however they shouldn't take out their frustrations on their DSS Counselor or LD Specialist.
- Students will be expected to participate in the least costly training program to meet their vocational objective.
- Only programs that lead specifically to employment are sponsored. Students need to make sure they know about the job market in their chose field.
- Everyone is treated individually. Students should not expect to receive something just because someone else did.
- Students should be sure to observe the requirements of their DOR plan, including keeping their DSS Counselor or LD Specialist updated on their progress.
- The student's DSS Counselor or LD Specialist is often their best advocate and may need their help to justify the services. The student should provide as much information as they can to help them build their case.
- If a student has a serious disagreement with DOR, they should make a good faith effort to resolve it, including speaking to the supervisor. If they are unable to do so, they may then contact the Client Assistance Program (CAP) which helps clients clarify rights and responsibilities and investigates complaints, when necessary.
A student's DSS Counselor or LD Specialist can provide them with the contact information.