A resource for transitioning students with disabilities

Skip to Content | Site Map

Home >Career>Employment Options> Supported Employment> Department of Rehabilitation Services

Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

600 E. Water Street, Suite E
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: (434) 296-5621
Toll Free Voice: 1-(800)-552-5019
Toll Free TTY: 1-(800)-464-9950
Fax: (434) 296-2712
Web Site: www.vadrs.org

DRS services are available to assist students in the movement from school to postsecondary education, employment and adult life. A DRS counselor will work with you to develop your Transition Plan to reach your goals for meaningful employment after completing school.

Services:

What no cost services may be provided to you by DRS?

• Diagnostics, Evaluation, Assessment
• Disability Awareness counseling
• Vocational and career path counseling
• Job seeking and job retention counseling
• Access to Employment Resource Centers
• Job Placement
• Driver Evaluation
• On-the-Job Training
• Follow along services after placement

What DRS services may require financial contribution on your part?
Training:

• Supported Employment
• Apprenticeship Programs
• Work Adjustment
• Post-Secondary Education Programs (vocational/technical schools, college/certificate programs)
• External Training Option (through Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center)
• Life Skills Training

Related Services:

• Transportation
• Rehabilitation Technology/Accommodations
• Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
• Long Term Rehabilitative Case Management (LTRCM)
• Centers for Independent Living
• Supportive Services

Other Specialized Programs available through DRS are:

• Assistive Technology (consultation and evaluation)
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
• Brain Injury Services
• Long Term Mental Illness Services

Length of Service:

• The length of time that DRS provides services varies depending on the individual's needs.
• The criteria for successful closure is 90-days of employment after placement.

Hours:

Office Hours -8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon. - Fri.
Service Hours - Vary with client's needs

Area Served:

Planning District 10

Eligibility:

Students receiving special education services age 14-22 with a disability that poses a barrier to becoming employed or remaining employed.

Students must have two or more serious functional limitations to be active in services. If these criteria are not present, they may be placed on a waiting list for services.

Note: DRS also serves adults who meet the eligibility requirements.

Intake:

Self referral for students or adults

Student Intake: For students in high school or post high, the Career Specialist usually makes the referral. Then the DRS Counselor goes to the school to meet with the student and Career Specialist to begin transition planning.

Note: For a student planning on employment, DRS is usually contacted prior to the student's final year in school. A DRS Counselor can attend the IEP meeting planning for the final school year and the transition to adult employment services.

Adult Intake: Applicants can come in any Thursday at 9:00 a.m. for the Orientation Group. Available services are described and applicants may ask questions. A brief information sheet will be completed. Employment and medical history forms to complete are given out. The next step is to set up an Intake Appointment.

Fees:

Some DRS services are at no cost, while other services may require a financial contribution based upon a sliding income scale.
Contact your DRS counselor for specific information.
NOTE: Usually if a student is receiving SSI, there will be no family contribution for training or related services even if the student is residing at home.

Related Programs and Services:

Department of Blind and Vision Impaired (VDBVI)
Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS)
Departments of Social Services (DSS)
Developmental Disabilities (DD)
Medicaid Waiver
Medicaid Health Insurance
Mental Retardation (MR) Medicaid Waiver
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)