FAQs
Exploring Vocational Rehabilitation Services
-
Vocational Rehabilitation is a program designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, or retain employment. It provides a variety of services, including counseling, training, job placement, and support tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals.
-
Vocational Rehabilitation originated with the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, which established the first federally funded program to assist individuals with disabilities in finding employment. Over the decades, the program has evolved to include a wide range of services and is administered at the state level across the country.
-
Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides services to individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to help them secure employment and live independently. DVR works with clients to assess their needs, create an individualized plan for employment, and connect them with resources and training.
-
Eligibility for VR services is determined by whether you have a documented physical or mental disability that significantly impacts your ability to work and whether VR services can help you achieve employment goals. A counselor will evaluate your situation to determine eligibility.
-
If you’ve never been formally diagnosed with a disability but suspect that a condition is affecting your ability to work, VR can help. During the application process, a VR counselor will guide you through assessments or evaluations to determine whether you qualify for services. These evaluations may include medical, psychological, or vocational assessments to better understand your needs.
-
Yes, you can still apply for VR services. Part of the process may include assessments to identify any conditions or barriers that impact your ability to work. The VR team will assist in determining eligibility and connecting you with the right support and resources.
-
You can apply for VR services by contacting your local DVR office. In Florida, applications can typically be submitted online via https://rehabworks.org/, by mail, or in person. You’ll need to provide documentation of your disability and employment history as part of the application process.
-
In Florida, you can apply for VR services online (https://rehabworks.org/) or in person at your nearest DVR office. Online applications are often the fastest way to begin the process, but local offices can provide additional guidance if needed.
-
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation serves all counties in Florida, with offices located throughout the state to ensure accessibility. You can find your nearest office on the Florida DVR website (https://rehabworks.org/).
-
If you are found eligible for VR services, you may have access to:
Financial assistance for college or vocational training
Job placement and coaching services
Assistive technology and accommodations
Counseling and guidance
Mental health services and referrals
Support for self-employment or small business development
Disability management and independent living support
-
After applying, you’ll typically meet with a VR counselor to discuss your needs, goals, and potential services. This includes assessments to determine your eligibility and the development of an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Once approved, services will begin according to the plan.
-
No, applying for VR services does not automatically refer you to Elevate Pathways. Once you’re working with a VR counselor, you can request Elevate Pathways as your preferred service provider. Your counselor will guide you through the referral process, which typically includes submitting a request for our evaluations or services. If you’d like to work with us, be sure to let your VR counselor know during your planning discussions. We are happy to collaborate with VR to provide the services you need.
-
The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the documentation required. On average, the process can take a few weeks to a few months from application to approval.
-
Several resources are available to help you explore and prepare for career opportunities, including:
CareerSource Florida: Offers job search assistance, resume writing help, and career counseling.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Provides guidance on workplace accommodations.
Local VR offices: Offer access to counselors who can guide you through career exploration and planning.
O*NET Online: Explore detailed information about job skills, requirements, and career pathways for thousands of occupations.
My Next Move: Find careers that match your skills and interests with insights on education and job outlooks.
WIOA Programs: Access training and employment services for adults, youth, and individuals with employment barriers.
Community Colleges and Technical Schools: Receive career services like aptitude testing, certification guidance, and job placement help.
NCDA: Access tools and guidance to align your strengths with career pathways.
Disability-Specific Organizations: Groups like NFB and Autism Speaks offer career resources tailored to specific disabilities.
Online Career Platforms: Use LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job boards for career tools, networking, and job opportunities.
-
Yes, VR may provide financial assistance for vocational training, college tuition, certifications, or other educational programs related to your employment goals. This is determined based on your individualized plan and the availability of resources.
-
Yes, VR can provide assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and workplace accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their jobs.
-
While VR itself may not provide direct mental health services, it can connect you with resources and referrals for mental health support, as this is often critical to achieving employment goals.
-
VR services are tailored to your unique strengths, abilities, and goals. Whether you’re looking for entry-level work, skilled trades, or professional careers, VR counselors work with you to identify and pursue opportunities aligned with your interests and skills.
-
Yes, VR can assist individuals who want to start their own business by providing guidance, resources, and, in some cases, funding for self-employment.
-
VR counselors can help you explore your interests, skills, and goals through assessments and career exploration activities. Resources like CareerSource and other career guidance tools can also provide additional support.
We also work with attorneys and law firms.
We provide psychological and vocational evaluations for immigration, Social Security disability, workers' compensation, and personal injury cases. Bilingual services. Reports formatted to your case framework.
FAQs
Exploring Step Up for Students – Unique Abilities Program
-
The Unique Abilities Scholarship (formerly Gardiner/FES-UA) provides funds to Florida families of children with certain diagnoses to use for educational services such as tutoring, therapies, instructional materials, and evaluations—including those offered by Elevate Pathways.
-
To be eligible, students must:
Be a Florida resident
Be at least 3 years old
Have an eligible diagnosis (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.)
Have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or a formal diagnosis from a qualified provider
-
As an approved Choice Navigator Provider, Elevate Pathways offers:
Psychological / Neuropsychological / Psycho-educational Evaluations
Skill-Based Vocational Assessments
Situational Assessments & Job Exposure Experiences
Our services help high school students explore interests, build practical skills, gain real-world job exposure, and better understand learning and support needs. The focus is on clarity, confidence, and preparation for life after high school, not just eligibility or testing.
-
Choice Navigators are trusted providers vetted by Step Up to help families make the most of their scholarship. As a Navigator Provider, families can easily find, request, and track our services directly in the Step Up EMA portal—saving time and simplifying the process.
-
Families can apply directly on the Step Up for Students website. You’ll need to create an account, submit required documents (including proof of diagnosis), and select the UA Program during the application.
-
Log in to your EMA portal: emma.stepupforstudents.org
Go to the Marketplace or Browse Providers
Search for Elevate Pathways
Select the service you need (e.g., Psychological Evaluation)
Submit a request directly—no phone calls or paperwork needed!
We’ll contact you to schedule after we receive your request.
-
Yes! We’re happy to talk through your child’s strengths, needs, and goals to help you select the most appropriate services. Feel free to contact us before requesting a service in the EMA portal for guidance.
-
Absolutely. Through Step Up for Students, we serve individuals from age 3 to 22. Many of our evaluations are designed to support transition planning, career exploration, and success in adulthood.
-
That’s where our Navigator role comes in. Reach out to us directly—we’ll guide you through your options based on your child’s needs, diagnosis, and goals. We can even help you coordinate with your Step Up funding.
-
Students who attend a public or charter school full-time generally do not qualify for Step Up scholarship programs that provide Education Savings Account (ESA) services, such as tutoring, therapy, curriculum, or other educational services.
In order to qualify for scholarship-funded services, students typically must be enrolled in one of the following:
A participating private school
A home education program
A Personalized Education Program (PEP)
A part-time or hybrid public or charter school program (when allowed under the specific scholarship rules)
If a student enrolls in a public or charter school full-time, most Step Up scholarships end and remaining funds are returned to the state.
However, families with students enrolled full-time in a non-virtual public school may qualify for the Transportation Stipend, which helps cover travel costs to a public school other than the student’s assigned school.
Important:
The Transportation Stipend is separate from ESA scholarships and does not provide funds for tutoring, therapy, or educational services.
Connect With Us
If you’re applying for VR services and would like to work with Elevate Pathways, let your VR counselor know. They can guide you through the referral process to ensure we become your service provider.
For Step Up (Choice Navigator): Log in to your EMA portal, search the Choice Navigator directory, and select Elevate Pathways as your provider. You can then request services directly through the system.
Whether you’re seeking guidance, have questions, or want to collaborate, we’re here to help and will respond promptly.
To share feedback, visit our Testimonials Page. Your input helps us grow and better serve our community.
We’re excited to support you on your pathway to success!