What will the Voc Counselor be looking for? 1) Do you really need help? 2) Do you want to work or prepare yourself to go back in time? 3) Is your "disability" severe enough to warrant their help... and here is where they will ask some personal things, or get you to talk about what you have trouble with. Such as: Interpersonal communications (decreasing ability to talk with mate, friends, etc.), inability to understand church sermons and friends there, inability to do things you used to do that were a joy in life (movies, plays, attend kids sports, ...whatever). Think about how you've cut back on things because of the hearing loss and write them down. They don't WANT to know how well you've adjusted, they want to know what keeps you from enjoying life to the fullest.
They will "accept you" or "deny you" services after that first meeting. Once accepted you have to make out a LONG RANGE PLAN. It is VERY important that every little thing gets put on that plan. Once things are on that plan they have to get done, one way or another. So be insistent for what you want... and question their not wanting to do it your way. Sometimes they say, well we can't get that now. You HEAR "can't get" not the NOW. Make them put things in writing, then you can LISTEN well! They also can't duck your needs as easily!
If they say NO to anything... YOU WRITE AND ASK for documentation IN WRITING that shows the POLICY that prevents them from addressing your request. They have RULES that come down from Washington.. which they have to follow or lose their money. If you don't get what you want from your counselor (or need to change counselors as you don't feel respected!) ask to see the supervisor (that office has a supervisor - that supervisor has a boss in the region - and that regional boss has a boss in the state capitol.) If you don't get RAPID services (within 30 days) make copies of your paper and prepare a letter that says "I've waited 30 days and have not heard from you. I want to request an investigation in to this." Send it to all on the way up the ladder if necessary. I'll guarantee you'll get some attention!
#3 Assuring good Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Documentation is the name of the game. Keep dates and paper with notes on every service and appointment so that if you don't get what you need you can document that. And please, don't whine or fight with them, just give them the facts. If you have a big disagreement then you have the option of requesting an appeal.. and the top appeal will be with a judge. (You will probably need some help from someone like me for taking it that far - but going that high is seldom needed.)Each state is required to have a complaint support program that is meant to assure your rights are followed.. it is call a C.A.P. A poster with this should be in the outer office and have an address and phone number on it. That is part of the LAW! Remember, squeaky wheels do get grease!
Most folks don't know that you can't just go to rehab and ask for a hearing aid. They do an assessment of need first... and part of that is finding out that you HAVE NEEDS. If your loss is severe enough to need hearing aids because it effects your ability to work, you qualify! Remember Vocational Rehabilitation is primarily interested in your Vocational Potential, but they will also assess your Personal Adjustment as well.
Vocational Rehabilitation will use every resource they can to get you what you need. They will consider what your insurance can pay for, you have any. (For your information Medicare won't pay for hearing aids, but does pay for the medical part of a Cochlear Implant but Voc Rehab has to pay for all the tuning and adjustment services.) They will also try and get you the most inexpensive equipment so you need to make SURE you get what you need. Be particular and ask for a 30 day trial on all things and let them know what is NOT good enough for you to function well. Remember they will get you ANY and ALL equipment if you need it, including equipment that is needed for employment when you have a CI! (With the CI turned off you are DEAF and without patch cords you may not function at a level to keep employment.)
Secondly, for those who are currently employed....I have to remind you...DON'T resign a job or sign anything if you are employed! Let Voc Rehab help you with that if things are rocky on the job. (You should send a memo to your supervisor telling them you are seeking help from Voc Rehab
