To apply or be referred for ACCES-VR services you must be:

-A person with a disability or disabilities that impact your ability to get, keep or advance in a job

-Currently present in New York State

-Available to participate in the vocational rehabilitation process

-At least 14 years old

-Able to work in the United States

Note: If you are not a United States Citizen, you must provide proof from the United States Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services that you are allowed to work in the United States.

To be eligible for ACCES-VR services you must:

-Have a disability that interferes with getting, keeping, or advancing in a job, and

-Be able to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services

You must fill out an application, present documentation from your doctor, treatment program, or school about your disability, fill out a consent form (VR-21 for general health impairments and/or VR-22 for substance use disorders or mental health conditions), and fill out a Confidential Health Assessment.

Watching an Orientation recording is not required but offers the best way to learn about ACCES-VR services and the vocational rehabilitation process. ACCES-VR has three (3) Orientation recordings to help you decide if ACCES-VR services may be right for you:

-Overview of ACCES-VR Services: Your Journey to Employment Begins Today

-How to Apply For ACCES-VR Services

-Do You Want A Job That Requires A College Degree?

RCAL also holds informational meetings on the first three Thursdays of every month at 10:00 am sharp. Pre-Registration is mandatory. Please call Marge Knox at 845-454-8388 ext. 21 to register to attend a meeting. These are informational meetings only. RCAL is here to answer basic questions about the process.

ACCES- VR and OPWDD Vocational Employment Services are free for residents of New York State.

Please contact Leah Gherardi, RCAL Employment Coordinator, at (845) 331-0541, ext. 27, or email lgherardi@rcal.org if you have any further questions or are looking for a career coordinator.