What will happen next?
After you complete the Request DORS Services form you will be contacted to set up an application/intake meeting and given detailed information about the materials you will need when you meet with a DORS staff member.
At the meeting, the DORS staff member will gather information about you that will help find out if you are eligible for DORS services. You are welcome to have a support person, such as a family member, friend or advocate, to this and to any other meeting with DORS staff.
To be eligible for DORS employment or student employment services, you must have a physical or mental disability that makes it hard for you to work, and you must need services to help you get or keep a job.
You will receive a letter within 60 days letting you know if you are eligible for DORS services and what your category of eligibility is (e.g., "significant" or "most significant" disability).
If you are eligible for DORS employment services, your case will either be transferred to your local DORS office or you may be placed on a waiting list.
If you are assigned a counselor, you and your counselor will work together to figure out your employment goals and what services you will need to reach these goals and come up with your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
DORS staff will also work with you to figure out your options and the pros and cons of each option, so you can make decisions about how best to reach your goals. This is called "Informed Choice" and it is your right under federal law.
What should I have available for my first appointment?
Bring medical records about your disability, school records (including most recent psychological testing, Individual Education Program, etc.), or job training records, and a list of the places and dates of the jobs you have had.
Employment Services can include:
- Career counseling
- Career assessment
- College or career training
- Work-readiness training
- Assistive technology
- Job placement
- Job coaching
- Other support services
- Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), available to students with disabilities
Who pays for DORS services?
DORS employment services, such as career counseling, skills assessments, referral and job placement, are provided at no cost to you. Other services are subject to a financial need determination process, which is reviewed annually.
There is no
cost to you or your family for
Pre-ETS for students.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), your DORS services will be provided at no cost to you, unless you choose a more costly service than DORS can provide.
However, due to funding limitations, DORS can only pay for the least expensive services or goods that will meet your needs. If you decide you want more expensive services or goods that cost more than DORS is allowed to pay, you will need to pay the difference.
What happens after I find a job?
Your counselor follows up to make sure you are having success at your job.
If you like, DORS can also work with you and your employer to help you to adjust to any changes in the workplace.
When you have been successful at work for 90 days, your case will be closed.
If you think that you might need some help after your case has been closed, you can contact your DORS counselor to see what we can do. These are called "post-employment services."
If there is any change in your disability or your job, and you think you need DORS services again, you may re-apply.
