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CNMI Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation "Together we can build a future" |
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The Rehabilitation Process
Make an appointment to attend an orientation session at your local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. During orientation, you may be asked to view a video that will provide you with a general overview of OVR, its policies, and the services offered. On Saipan, orientation is held every Tuesday at 9:00 AM at the OVR office in Building N-2 on Navy Hill. On Tinian and Rota, visit the Health Centers or the Offices of the Mayor.
During the orientation session, you will be asked to fill out an application. The application must be completely filled out with correct and accurate information. Failure to complete the application as expected may result in the delay of your eligibility determination. OVR may require medical records or permission to contact your doctor for information. You must submit a thorough work and personal history as well.
OVR staff will conduct an on-site interview while they guide and assist you in the application process. This is done to ensure quality of service as they make themselves available to answer any questions you might have about OVR's programs as well as to make sure that your application is complete. They will help you get a feel for your vocational goals and what types of services you may need from OVR.
At the end of the orientation session, you will also be asked to fill out a Consumer Satisfaction Survey. This survey is important to us as it helps us to know how we are doing in terms of communicating our policies, increasing client awareness of OVR services, and providing consumer satisfaction. We want you to feel respected, understood, and valued when visiting our office.
Once your application is received, OVR has sixty days to make a determination on your eligibility for services. To be considered eligible, you must have a physical or mental impairment that results in a substantial impediment to employment, and you must need OVR services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are "presumed" to be eligible for VR services. Keep in mind that not every eligible individual may receive VR services. Limited funding may require OVR to follow an "order of selection", which means that OVR must give priority to individuals with the most significant disabilities over those that are less significant.
After you have been considered eligible, you will be assigned to an VR counselor who will conduct a full assessment of your skills, vocational goals, and mental/physical impairments. You and your counselor will talk about the ways your disability affects your ability to work. Based on your application and assessment, your counselor will place you into one of three "priority" categories: disabled, significantly disabled, or most significantly disabled. These categories are necessary for OVR to serve clients through an order of selection process, if needed. In partnership, you and your counselor will determine what kinds of services you need and you both will work together to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
Step 7 Rehabilitative Services:
Services for individuals may include but are not limited to:
For more information about the services offered by OVR, please check the "Services" section.
When you are ready to begin working, VR counselors will help you find a job that matches your skills, interests, and educational level. OVR will also assist you and your potential employer with the support that you need to be successful at your job site and to maintain your independence at work.
OVR will consider an individual successfully rehabilitated after he or she has been on the job for 90 days. At this point, the case will be closed. Please see the "Consumer's Rights" section for reasons for closure and an overview of the appeals process.
OVR may continue to monitor your progress and provide continued support for a period of up to 18 months after securing employment.