Slide 1 Role of Vocational Rehabilitation in Self-Employment Grant Revell Virginia Commonwealth University Welcome to the lecture on the Role of Vocational Rehabilitation in self- employment. My name is Grant Revell. I work at the Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention. This lecture will review the potential resources and support available through State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies for individuals with disabilities who have a goal of self-employment. This topic is of particular interest to me because I worked for a number of years at the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services as a counselor and state program manager prior to coming to the Research and Training Center. I have personal experience with Vocational Rehabilitation as a helpful resource in supporting employment goals and outcomes. Slide 2 Overview of Lecture 1. Description of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) 2. Vocational Rehabilitation as a Resource for Self-employment 3. Suggestions for Partnering with VR in Developing Self-employment This lecture is divided into three parts. We will first review the general features of the Vocational Rehabilitation program. We will then discuss the potential role of Vocational Rehabilitation as a resource and support for achieving a self-employment goal. We will end with a review of suggestions for successfully partnering with Vocational Rehabilitation. Before we get into the detail of this lecture, I would like to give a brief overview of some example self-employment ventures that were developed with the assistance of a State Vocational Rehabilitation program. These examples give you a sample of the type of self- employment interests that have been pursued successfully by individuals with a disability. These examples are drawn from all across the United States. People experiencing a variety of disabilities are operating these self-employment ventures. There are persons with intellectual, psychiatric, neurological, sensory, and/or mobility based disabilities who are being successful in self-employment. Here are some self-employment examples where Vocational Rehabilitation played a key support role: * A computer consulting business involving installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems in small businesses. * A vending machine business involving the stocking and maintenance of a number of vending machines placed in public buildings. * A kettle corn business involving the preparation, marketing, and sale of kettle corn at events such as fares, bazaars, and parties. * Crafting and selling handmade, split-cane bamboo fly fishing rods and handmade fishing nets. * Managing a music and event promotion company. * Exercising and boarding horses. * A wild-life photography business involving both photography and marketing. These are just a few examples of successful self-employment ventures that utilized the resources and support of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies. It is clear that these examples cover a wide spectrum of business interests. Let’s now move to an overview of Vocational Rehabilitation, and then we will go to more detail about how Vocational Rehabilitation can assist in developing a self-employment goal. Slide 3 Overview of Vocational Rehabilitation * Funded and Regulated by Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended * Cooperative effort of State and Federal Governments * Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities in All 50 States, DC, and Territories * National Directory can be found at: www.jan.wvu.edu/sbses/vocrehab.htm The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides federal grants to states to operate comprehensive programs of vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. The most recent amendments to the Rehabilitation Act were Public Law 105- 202 passed in 1998. Vocational rehabilitation can be viewed as the national employment programs for persons with a disability because of its specific focus on employment outcomes. Vocational Rehabilitation is a federal/state cooperative program that exists in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. The Federal government provides funds that are matched by each state, usually at a match of approximately 80% Federal, 20% State. Qualification for VR services is based on eligibility criteria. We will go into more detail about eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation services a bit later in this lecture. A rehabilitation counselor will process an application and make a determination of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services. Vocational rehabilitation agencies can provide an array of services and supports in support of a self-employment goal. Once eligibility for vocational rehabilitation has been determined, an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed. The IPE establishes an employment goal chosen by the individual with a disability and identifies the services and supports potentially needed to achieve that goal. Rehabilitation counselors provide case management and service coordination services. Case management through vocational rehabilitation continues until case closure occurs. Case closure can occur after a minimum of 90 days of employment in a job consistent with the employment objective established in the IPE. Case closure can also occur if the individual is not making progress towards achieving an employment outcome. There are a variety of services potentially available through a VR agency. These services include, but are not limited to, the following: * Assessment for determining eligibility for VR services; * Vocational counseling, guidance, and referral services; * Vocational and other training; * Personal assistance services, including training in managing and directing a personal assistant; * Rehabilitation technology services; and * Self-employment services. A Vocational Rehabilitation Agency through its counselors directly provides services such as counseling and guidance and job placement assistance. It will usually arrange with other community providers to acquire services such as rehabilitation technology and vocational training. The ability of a Vocational Rehabilitation agency to reach out into the community for individualized services is one of its key potential strengths, particularly in the area of self-employment. Vocational rehabilitation counselors have access to case service funds that can be used to purchase services from authorized vendors. If the service supports the employment goal established in the Individual Plan for Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation funds can be used to purchase services such as education and training, transportation, tools and uniforms, and a variety of other services. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors are also usually very familiar with other funding sources that can provide complementary funding. Although Vocational Rehabilitation agencies work within the framework of the federal Rehabilitation Act legislation, there are variations from state to state in how guidelines are interpreted and applied. These variations could have a substantial impact on the extent to which VR services in a specific state and community support a self- employment goal. However, Vocational Rehabilitation agencies are well positioned by legislation, mission, expertise, and funding to serve as the service coordination hub for a person with a disability with an employment goal, including a self-employment goal. A national Directory of State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies can be found at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/sbses/vocrehab.htm Let’s move next to a brief discussion about accessing Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Slide 4 Accessing Vocational Rehabilitation Services * Complete Application for VR Services * Assigned a VR Counselor * If Needed, Complete Diagnostic Testing to Substantiate Presence and Impact of Disability Vocational Rehabilitation services are provided through state agencies. The agencies can go under a variety of names from state to state, including Vocational Rehabilitation or Rehabilitation Services. In some states, Vocational Rehabilitation comes under the Workforce Development state program. The Vocational Rehabilitation agency resource can usually be identified through a state agency directory for a specific state. Again, a national directory of state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies can be found online at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/sbses/vocrehab.htm Vocational Rehabilitation agencies establish local stand-alone offices in a number of communities. Also, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors will travel about the community and set up scheduled stops at a variety of local partner agencies, such as mental health centers, secondary schools, rehabilitation-oriented hospitals and treatment centers, social service agencies, and other programs utilized frequently by persons with disabilities. One Stop Career Centers sometimes have state Vocational Rehabilitation counselors who are co- located at the One Stop Centers on a full or part-time basis to provide quick access to services. In more populous urban centers, there might be multiple access points for a Vocational Rehabilitation. In more rural areas, access to these services might occur at more regional locations where populations are more concentrated. State specific directories, including online state directories, are the best source of information on locating Vocational Rehabilitation offices on a more local basis. The first step in accessing Vocational Rehabilitation services is completing an application. The application will usually ask for basis background, identification-oriented information. An applicant is assigned a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, who will conduct a more in-depth interview regarding employment background and interests, education and training, and disability related experiences and status. Depending on the information that is readily available regarding the history, extent, and impact of an individual’s disability, the counselor will potentially ask for approval by the applicant to acquire current disability related diagnostic and treatment reports. The counselor might also need to schedule specific diagnostic testing to gain updated disability-related information as a supplement to existing reports and histories that can be obtained. There is a two-fold purpose to this information gathering process conducted by the counselor. The first and most immediate is to gather information needed to assist the counselor in determining whether the applicant is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. The second is beginning to lay the groundwork for the employment directed planning process that follows eligibility determination. Let’s first move to a review of the Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility process, and then we will go over the development of the employment plan. Slide 5 Eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation Services * Services Are Eligibility Based * Presumed Eligibility for SSI and SSDI Recipients * Eligibility Criteria: --Presence of a Disability; Impairment to Employment --Expectation that VR Services Will Lead to Employment Outcome Access to Vocational Rehabilitation services provided by a state agency is eligibility based. One of the roles and responsibilities of the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor is to determine eligibility. There are certain individuals who are “presumed to be eligible” for Vocational Rehabilitation based on their disability related history. Persons who are recipients of the Social Security Disability Benefits of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are generally presumed to be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services. This presumption of eligibility is tied to the stringent application and review process the Social Security Administration goes through in determining that the impact of the disability is significant enough the qualify for these benefits. For SSI or SSDI recipients, the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor can generally move more quickly through the eligibility determination process for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The current Rehabilitation Act guidelines are that eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation services should be determined within 60 days of an individual completing an application for services. Eligibility is based on two criteria. The first criterion the counselor must address is identifying the presence of a disability that is an impairment to employment. Medical, psychological, and related information are primary documentation that the counselor will review during this step in the eligibility process. The counselor will also potentially interview family members and others who are familiar with the applicant to get information and insight into how the presence of the disability might be restricting or limiting the individual in achieving his or her employment goals. This information gathering process can sometimes be frustrating for the applicant whose main interest is going to work as quickly as possible. The 60 day eligibility determination standard does help to move this process along. It is also important to note that this process gives the counselor a chance to get to know the applicant and the impact of disability in that person’s life. This knowledge will be most helpful when the counselor moves to supporting the person in developing an employment plan. The second eligibility criteria is for the counselor to document if there is an expectation that the provision of vocational rehabilitation services will result in the individual achieving an employment outcome. There are a variety of employment related resources available in many communities, such as Employment Commissions that provide information on job openings. There are some individuals with disabilities who could move quickly into employment through a referral to this type of setting and who do not need substantial services from Vocational Rehabilitation to become employed. These individuals might be referred from Vocational Rehabilitation. There are also individuals who are facing very significant challenges related to their disability in achieving an employment outcome. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor might have concerns that services would not result in the individual achieving an employment outcome. In these circumstances, the counselor can arrange a variety of opportunities for the individual to explore certain job possibilities, including possible trial work periods. The counselor can also investigate with the individual support plans and resources that could assist with employment. The eligibility decision is made by the counselor when questions can be reasonably addressed regarding the presence of a disability that is an impairment to employment and the expectation that Vocational Rehabilitation services will lead to an employment outcome. We will now move from eligibility determination to the development of a plan for employment. Slide 6 Development of an Individualized Plan for Employment * Establish Employment Goal * Identify Services Needed to Achieve Employment Goal * Identify Funding and Resources to Support Needed Services The Individual Plan for Employment, frequently referred to as the IPE, is critically important. It provides the blueprint of the plan for an individual with a disability achieving the chosen employment outcome. The IPE is framed around a specific employment goal identified by the individual with a disability. To assist the person in that goal development, the vocational rehabilitations counselor will potentially arrange for a variety of vocational assessment and exploration opportunities. The assessments might involve a combination of activities that provide the individual an opportunity to explore different interest and experience different job settings. For a person interested in a particular self- employment idea, the IPE development process could involve exposure to similar employment settings. The counselor can work with the individual in a variety of different ways to help clarify and sharpen job interests so that the employment goal chosen truly reflects the job and career goals of the individual. The IPE contains a listing of all the primary services that have been identified as necessary for the person to achieve the identified job goal. Some of these services, such as counseling and guidance, will be provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. Many of the services will be provided by programs, agencies, and vendors in the community. For example, education and training through a Community College or specialty training program might be needed. Therapeutic services might be needed, such as occupational or physical therapy. Certain equipment might need to be acquired. The IPE will list all of these services and the anticipated resource by whom the services will be provided. The final step in the IPE development process is to identify the financial resources that will be the source of funding for the various services listed. Some services are no-cost services, like counseling and guidance provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation agency. A variety of the services might have a potential cost associated with them. Vocational Rehabilitation agencies usually complete a financial eligibility assessment as a part of the IPE development. Financial eligibility criteria differ from state to state, so it is important to get information regarding the specific criteria for the state where the IPE is being developed. Based on financial eligibility and the availability of other potential funding sources (such as grants for post-secondary education courses, for example, or funding from other public or private resources for which the individual might be eligible), a financial plan will be built into the IPE for funding the various planned services. Expected financial participation by the individual with a disability for whom the IPE is being developed will vary greatly and will depend on financial eligibility and other agency guidelines. We will be discussing the specifics of Vocational Rehabilitation financial participation in an IPE with a self-employment goal shortly in this lecture. The final step in the IPE process is review and approval by both the person with a disability and the counselor. Once approved, IPE’s can be amended as needed to add-to or revise service plans, change the employment goal, or adjust the financial plan. Amendments require the approval of the counselor and the person covered by the IPE. We are ready to move from the first part of this lesson, a general overview of Vocational Rehabilitation, to a more specific discussion about Vocational Rehabilitation and Self-employment. Slide 7 Vocational Rehabilitation and Self-employment * Completion of a Feasibility Study * Completion of a Business Plan * Potential Use of Training to Develop Needed Skills * Networking w/ Partners/Resources * Identifying Ongoing Supports The specific guidelines, policies, and procedures followed by a Vocational Rehabilitation agency in working with a person with a self-employment goal will vary somewhat from state to state. However, there are a set of key steps and considerations that are standard to the general Vocational Rehabilitation approach. Let’s overview these steps first, and then go into more detail on some of the key considerations. There are five standard steps a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will follow in working with an individual with a goal of self-employment. These steps are: 1. Completion of a Feasibility Study 2. Completion of a Business Plan 3. Exploring Potential Use of Training to Develop Needed Skills 4. Networking with Partners/Resources 5. Identifying Needed Ongoing Supports When approached about a goal of self-employment, the first step usually taken by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is to review with the individual the feasibility of the employment goal. Some Vocational Rehabilitation agencies have standard outlines for information counselors will need to assess the self-employment idea. These outlines serve as prescreening tools that help the individual assemble a variety of information on the self- employment idea in preparation for a detailed discussion with the counselor. The second step is completion of a business plan. Many Vocational Rehabilitation agencies have technical assistance specialists in the area of self-employment that can assist counselors and the applicant in developing the business plan. There are also resources in the community that can help with the business plan development. The topic of developing a business plan for a self-employment goal is discussed in detail in another lesson in this course. The important point here in terms of working with Vocational Rehabilitation is that developing a clear and well documented business plan is a critical step in the self- employment process, and the Vocational Rehabilitation agency and counselor can be a helpful in both providing information and also matching the person interested in self- employment to resources in the community. Sometimes, a person interested in self-employment would benefit from training as a step in reaching that goal. The training might be on business plan development; it could be a specific skill area important to the success of the business, such as computer use or accounting, for example. Vocational Rehabilitation can help arrange for and potentially help finance training and education, as needed, as a component of the plan of services described in the Individual Plan for Employment. Also, networking within the community is a very important component of developing a self-employment initiative, and the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor is well positioned to help identify potential partners and resources in the community. The other component of the process for implementing a self-employment plan is identifying and arranging the various ongoing supports that might be needed. For example, an individual might have a number of skills critical to the self-employment goal but not be able to perform a critical support activity, such as bookkeeping. One of the supports to this self-employment plan would be arranging for a bookkeeping service to assist. Vocational Rehabilitation could help acquire that bookkeeping support and potentially help finance it for a period of time. There are a wide variety of ongoing supports that might be needed for the self-employment goal to be reached. Identifying these potential supports and assisting the individual in putting them into place is a component of the role of Vocational Rehabilitation. That’s a general overview of how Vocational Rehabilitation would work with a self-employment goal. Now let’s go into some more detail about some of the key steps. We will start with the feasibility plan. Slide 8 Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation of the Feasibility Plan for Self-employment * Description of Business Idea * Management Skills * Technical Skills/Work Experience * Commitment/Desire/Persistence * Market Demand * Personal Credit/Financial Solvency As we just discussed, some state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies will have a set format for how it wants information presented in a feasibility plan. Areas covered in such a format might include: 1. A description of the business idea. 2. A review of the individual’s management skills. 3. A summary of technical Skills/work experience related to the self-employment goal. 4. A sense of an individual’s commitment/desire/persistence is making the self- employment venture a success. 5. A review of the market demand for the desired business. 6. The personal credit history and financial solvency of the individual. This type of information will be used by the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor as a basis for assessing the feasibility of the self-employment goal. What are some of the ways that the counselor and the vocational rehabilitation agency will complete this feasibility review? Here are some key considerations. * The counselor will be looking for examples of experience in the planned business area. Sometimes business ideas evolve from avocations and other interests; sometimes they are ventures based on related employment experience. * The support of family and friends can be most helpful in business development, particularly in situations where a person with a disability has support needs in areas such as transportation, mobility, financial management, or certain activities of daily living. * Clearly articulated goals for the business, both short term and long term are important. Some Vocational Rehabilitation agencies might have income targets for that businesses as a criterion for support. Realistic goals regarding the development and potential growth of the business are needed. * An understanding of the financing needs for the business and potential financial resources that the individual brings to the initiative are a key component of the feasibility study. Vocational Rehabilitation guidelines vary regarding financial contributions to self-employment plans. It is helpful for the individual to be clear regarding potential financial resources available. * A realistic description of the demand and the market is very important during the feasibility assessment. Are there other businesses in place reaching the same market? Is there demand for the service/product? * If the individual is a recipient of Social Security Disability Benefits, an understanding of the potential impact of earnings from the planned business on these benefits is important. Has the individual talked with a Benefits Counselor? These are just some examples of how the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor might approach the evaluation of feasibility of the self-employment initiative. The counselor can help guide the individual in gathering the information needed to complete the feasibility study, but it is important for that person to show initiative and independence in putting together a well thought-out feasibility plan for the business idea. Let’s move now to a review of some potential community resources for developing a business plan and other components that support achieving the self-employment goal. Slide 9 VR Community Partners in Developing Self-employment * Micro Enterprise Centers/Small Business Development Centers * Local Community Service Boards; Medicaid Waiver * Community Rehabilitation Programs * Work Incentives through Social Security Administration * One Stop Career Centers; Community Colleges and Training Centers Following the completion of the feasibility study and the determination that there is reasonable potential for success with the self-employment initiative, the next step is development of the business plan. A detailed discussion regarding the more technical components of the business plan and its development are covered in other lessons in this course. Let’s concentrate here on some of the community partners and resources that might be helpful with the plan development and with other components that support the self- employment goal. Here are some primary examples: 1. Programs in a community such as Micro Enterprise Centers and Small Business Development Centers focus specifically on assisting in the development of small business initiatives. This program can provide technical assistance, mentorship support, and sometimes financial assistance in the small business development area. A related example might be a community association of retired business executives, which is a particularly good resource for mentorship and guidance. Local Chambers of Commerce can provide information and referral assistance is identifying these resources. Also, trade associations in the targeted business area can be of assistance. 2. State and Community Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities programs are organized differently from state to state. Some are operated as state agencies; others have a local Community Service Board component that is the key coordination point for accessing services. However they are administered in a particular location, it is important to investigate the programs in a state and community that support the specific disability being experienced by the individual with the self-employment goal. Funding drawn from Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers are a very helpful potential funding resource that can be incorporated into the business plan for eligible individuals. The rules governing Waivers in the state where the targeted individual resides need to be reviewed. 3. Community Rehabilitation Programs are a potential source of job coaches/employment specialist that can provide one-to-one training and support during the development of the business. These programs frequently have service contracts with State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to provide supported employment and related services. 4. Work Incentives through Social Security Administration, such as Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS), are used frequently in support of self- employment initiatives. There are a variety of potential work incentives that can be helpful. A qualified Benefits Counselor is a valued potential member of a support team for a self-employment initiative. 5. One Stop Career Centers are a component of the Federal Department of Labor’s Workforce Development Initiative. The Career Centers are a potential source of information regarding business trends in a community and financial support for self-employment. There are also a variety of potential resources when referral is needed for training in skills areas key to the success of the business, such as bookkeeping, computer use, and marketing. These resources include Community Colleges and specialized training centers. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors are generally skilled at networking in the community for these resources and can support the use of a variety of partners and resources in the development of the self-employment business plan and the business itself. There are a number of Vocational Rehabilitation policy and practice areas that can impact self-employment. Let’s move to a review of some key examples. Slide 10 Vocational Rehabilitation Policy Areas Potentially Impacting Self-employment * Order of Selection * Financial Eligibility * Earnings Goals for Planned Business * Financial Participation in Business Plan Development * VR Contribution Limits As noted a number of times earlier in this discussion, State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies do operate within a framework established through the federal Rehabilitation Act and its amendments. However, within that overall framework, there are many areas where there are differences, sometimes substantial differences, from state to state in policy areas that will potentially impact how Vocational Rehabilitation responds to a goal of self-employment. Here are some examples: 1. Order of Selection: Vocational Rehabilitation services are not considered to be an entitlement service. What that means is that there are some federal programs where an eligible individual is entitled to the service without consideration of appropriated funds. Medicaid is an example of an entitlement service. If a person is eligible for Medicaid benefits, those benefits are guaranteed as an entitlement. With Vocational Rehabilitation, there are budget limits set in the Federal appropriation. If demand for services exceeds available funds appropriated and budgeted in a particular state and that state Vocational Rehabilitation agency cannot provide services to all eligible applicants, then an Order of Selection must be implemented. Order of Selection sets out guidelines on the priority order of persons with a disability in that state who will receive services first. The first priority might be persons with the most significant disabilities. When a state indicates that it has implemented its Order of Selection, services are than delivered based on the priorities established in the Order of Selection criteria. Waiting lists for services frequently result where implementation of the Individual Plan for Employment is delayed for those persons who are not in the funded priority groups. These waiting lists are not established based on a vocational goal, so a person with a goal of self-employment would not be more or less likely to receive services under an Order of Selection. Order of Selection criteria is driven wholly by the nature and extent of the disability and the degree to which disability is an impairment to employment. 2. Financial Eligibility: As noted earlier, each state Vocational Rehabilitation agency established its own financial eligibility criteria. This criteria can use income and resource guidelines that vary from state to state. Some states might have a criterion where recipients of SSI or SSDI are automatically financially eligible; other states would still require SSI and SSDI recipients to go through a financial review. Based on income and resources, a person can be fully financially eligible, partially eligible, or not financially eligible. A person partially financially eligible would need to make financial contributions to his/her employment plan. A person not financially eligible could still get services from Vocational Rehabilitation such as counseling and guidance where no VR funds are needed. Other services in the IPE would need to be funded by the person himself or herself, and by non-Vocational Rehabilitation sources. Determination of degree of financial eligibility is a very important component of a self-employment plan since it will help to establish the amount of financial contribution the VR agency will be able to contribute. 3. Earnings Goals for Planned Business: Self-employment interests can range from full-fledged businesses to smaller extensions of hobbies and avocations. Some VR agencies might set expectations for earnings to be generated by a self-employment endeavor. If the business plan and expectations for a particular self-employment initiative indicates an earning goal or expectation below the earnings floor set by the VR agency, that agency might not support moving ahead with the business plan. 4. Financial Participation in Business Plan Development and Vocational Rehabilitation Contribution Limits: Different Vocational Rehabilitation agencies also have varying policies regarding requirements for financial participation by the person with a disability in that development of the self-employment initiative. The participation guidelines might be in terms of a certain percentage of the financing needs for the business plan. Even if there are not specific guidelines for financial participation, there is generally an expectation that there will be some financial participation in the business development by the individual. Also, some Vocational Rehabilitation agencies might also set dollar amount limits for its own contribution to the self-employment development plan. The important considerations here are to first emphasize strongly the importance of becoming fully informed on the specific state guidelines regarding individual financial participation in the self- employment plan and contributions by the Vocational Rehabilitation agency. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is a primary source of information for these guidelines. Second, it is very important that time be spent learning about the various financial resources potentially available to assist in the development of the self- employment initiative to complement funds potentially contributed by Vocational Rehabilitation. We reviewed earlier in the lecture the variety of potential financial resources for supporting self-employment development. Vocational Rehabilitation can be very significant partner and financial participant in a self-employment plan. However, its participation will most frequently be as a part of a variety of supports and financing initiatives. Let’s now pull together a variety of considerations in successfully partnering with Vocational in successfully achieving a self-employment goal. Slide 11 Partnering with Vocational Rehabilitation in Developing Self-employment * Be Well Prepared to Discuss Business Idea * Approach VR as a Partner and a Resource * Educate Yourself on VR Policies and Procedures * Develop Associated Skills/Supports Needed to Manage Business * Blend funding from various sources to accomplish goal * Utilize Personal Social Capital We have discussed a variety of considerations involved in working with Vocational Rehabilitation as a partner in developing a self-employment goal. I am going to end this lecture with a summary of some of the key considerations for successfully working with Vocational Rehabilitation. 1. Be Well Prepared to Discuss the Business Idea: The first step in this partnership is a review of the feasibility of the self-employment idea. Good preparation for this feasibility discussion will go a long way in making a positive impression on the vocational rehabilitation counselor and will open the door for further consideration. A support team of maybe 3-5 people who are known and trusted by the applicant and who can assist in bringing information and knowledge to the discussion is potentially helpful during preparation. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and agency can build on this preparation through assisting with further exploration of the business idea during the feasibility discussion. 2. Approach Vocational Rehabilitation as a Partner and a Resource: The Vocational Rehabilitation agency will be most supportive and responsive when approached as a partner and as a resource in the self-employment initiative. The Vocational Rehabilitation counselor can help an individual explore the idea, connect with a variety of resources within and outside of the VR agency that can be supportive, arrange for training in related skills important to the business, and arrange for financial participation by the VR agency as a component of the business plan. This support evolves from a sense of partnership. In any initiative, partners need clear and confident information, commitment to an idea, a willingness to work aggressively towards accomplishing the idea, and at times, patience. Being a good partner with Vocational Rehabilitation will help tremendously in securing its assistance. 3. Educate Yourself on VR Policies and Procedures: As noted a number of times in this lecture, policies and procedures governing self-employment vary considerably from state to state among Vocational Rehabilitation agencies. These policies around financial participation are particularly important. Become educated on VR policies and procedures. This information is available through the Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. Many state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies have web sites specific to self-employment. Access and study this information. Ask questions when needed to clarify policies. 4. Develop Associated Skills/Supports Needed to Manage Business: There are a variety of skills needed to be successful in a business in areas of management, financing, and marketing, for example. Sometimes the person with a disability leading the self-employment initiative will operate the business independently. In other instances, a support team of family and/or others might take on certain support roles. The Vocational Rehabilitation counselor might request that there be participation in some ancillary training as a part of the business plan development. The commitment by VR to the business plan will take into consideration the ongoing support needs and resources critical to the success of the business, and the degree to which these are planned-for to the extent possible in the plan. 5. Blend funding from various sources to accomplish goal: Vocational Rehabilitation agencies can assist financially in a variety of ways in supporting a self-employment initiative. Purchase of equipment, securing needed training, arranging for time limited assistance with the business – these are all areas where VR has provided financial support. This support is most frequently a part of a larger financial plan, including some amount of self financing by the person with a disability through, for example, available resources, loans, funds drawn from Social Security Work Incentives such as the PASS plan discussed earlier, and grants. Self-employment plans are usually financed through a blending of a variety of funds. Don’t approach Vocational Rehabilitation with an expectation of full financing for the business idea from that agency. Work to identify and blend a variety of funds. 6. Utilize Personal Social Capital: The final key consideration is partnering with the Vocational Rehabilitation is the importance of utilizing personal social capital available in the community to develop the business idea. Social capital exists in many different forms through family, church, social contacts, vocational and a-vocational experiences and interests, and other links to the community. Capitalize on these social contacts and support. Bring these resources to the business plan development. I hope this review of the role of Vocational Rehabilitation in the development of a self-employment goal is helpful. Vocational Rehabilitation can be a helpful, supportive resource for a person with a disability interested in self-employment.