Individual Advocacy (Disabilities Issues)

The department provides services for people with disabilities through a wide variety of vocational and supportive services for adults who have emotional, mental or physical disabilities which pose substantial barriers to employment and who have the potential to secure and hold a job after participating in a rehabilitation program. People who have developmental disabilities also qualify; this program is coordinated with Regional Centers. The services provided are individualized, depending upon the types of assistance the person needs to prepare for employment. There are no geographic restrictions.

The department provides or arranges examinations; job or personal counseling; pre-vocational or independent living training; job training; job placement; tools, equipment, supplies or licenses that are necessary for employment; help with transportation; and other needed assistance.

The department also offers specialized services for people who are sight or hearing-impaired. These services include a Counselor-Teacher program for the Blind and the Orientation Center for the Blind.

Other services include an ombudsman service, outreach to employers who are interested in working with the department to provide on-the-job training and employment for people who have disabilities, public education programs related to the removal of architectural and transportation barriers and designated parking spaces for disabled people, and public education materials about the agency.

Clients who are dissatisfied with any action related to rehabilitation services may appeal the action or decision through several levels up to the California Superior Court. The Department also provides an informal ombudsman program which assists clients to resolve rehabilitation-related problems.

The program provides information about the rights and benefits clients have and also assists clients to resolve disputes that are connected with available programs. The ombudsman program is not a substitute for the appeals process but, in some instances, it may assist clients to resolve problems which might otherwise have been appealed.