New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Autism: A Complete Guide
In short: New Jersey's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVR) is a free state program that helps people with disabilities, including autism, prepare for, find, and keep a job. Services include career counseling, job training, resume help, and job placement, all tailored to your needs. To get started, you apply through the NJ DVR website or local office and work with a counselor to create an individualized plan for employment.
Key takeaways
- NJ DVR is a free, federally funded program that supports autistic individuals in achieving employment goals.
- Eligibility requires a documented disability (like autism) and a need for vocational services to get or keep a job.
- Services include vocational counseling, skills training, job placement, assistive technology, and follow-up support.
- You can self-refer or be referred by a school, therapist, or family member; there is no cost to apply.
What Is the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, commonly called NJ DVR, is a state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. It is part of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and is funded by the federal Rehabilitation Act. For autistic individuals, DVR can be a game-changer, offering personalized support that goes beyond just job placement.
DVR is not a therapy provider. Instead, it is a vocational support service. It works with you to understand your strengths, interests, and challenges, then helps you build a career path. Whether you are a student transitioning out of high school, a young adult looking for your first job, or someone who has been working for years and needs new support, DVR can help.
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How DVR Helps Autistic Individuals: Services and Supports
DVR offers a wide range of services, all designed to help you succeed in the workplace. These services are individualized, meaning they are based on your unique needs and goals.
Vocational Counseling and Guidance
You will work one-on-one with a vocational rehabilitation counselor. This counselor helps you explore career options, set realistic goals, and develop a step-by-step plan. They are trained to understand autism and can adapt their approach to your communication style.
Job Training and Skills Development
DVR can fund or provide job training programs, including on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and vocational classes. This might include learning specific computer skills, customer service techniques, or other job-specific abilities. For autistic individuals, DVR can also provide social skills training tailored to the workplace, such as understanding office culture or interviewing practice.
Job Placement and Coaching
Once you are ready, DVR helps you find a job. This includes resume writing, interview preparation, and connecting you with employers who are open to hiring people with disabilities. DVR can also provide a job coach who works alongside you at your new job to help you learn the ropes and succeed.
Assistive Technology and Accommodations
If you need assistive technology-like specialized software, noise-canceling headphones, or visual schedules-DVR may help you get it. They can also help your employer understand and implement reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Supported Employment
For individuals who need more intensive, ongoing support, DVR offers supported employment. This includes a job coach who provides long-term assistance to help you maintain employment. This is especially helpful for autistic individuals who may need help with executive functioning, organization, or social interactions at work.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies for NJ DVR Services?
To receive services from NJ DVR, you must meet two basic requirements:
- You have a disability: For autism, a formal diagnosis from a qualified professional is needed. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or medical doctor.
- You need vocational services to get or keep a job: This means that because of your disability, you face barriers to employment that DVR can help you overcome.
You do not need to have a certain income level or type of disability. DVR serves people with all types of disabilities, including physical, mental, and developmental conditions. The key is that your disability creates a barrier to work, and DVR can help remove that barrier.
Priority of Services
Because DVR has limited funding, they use an order of selection when resources are tight. This means they prioritize individuals with the most significant disabilities. Autism is often considered a significant disability, so you may be in a high-priority group. This is good news-it means you are likely to receive services if you qualify.
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How to Apply for NJ DVR: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for DVR is straightforward, but it does require some paperwork. Here is what you can expect:
Step 1: Contact Your Local DVR Office
Find the DVR office nearest you. NJ has offices in all 21 counties. You can call, email, or visit in person. You can also ask your school, therapist, or doctor to make a referral on your behalf.
Step 2: Complete an Application
You will need to fill out an application form. This asks for basic information, your disability, and your employment goals. You may also need to provide documentation of your autism diagnosis. If you do not have recent documentation, DVR can help you get it.
Step 3: Attend an Intake Interview
You will meet with a counselor for an intake interview. This is a conversation about your skills, interests, work history, and what you hope to achieve. The counselor will explain the services and answer your questions.
Step 4: Develop Your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
If you are eligible, you and your counselor will create an IPE. This is your personalized roadmap. It lists your employment goal, the services you will receive, and who will provide them. You are an active partner in this process.
Step 5: Start Receiving Services
Once your IPE is signed, you can start using DVR services. You will meet regularly with your counselor to track progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Costs and Insurance: Is DVR Free?
One of the best things about DVR is that it is free to the individual. The program is funded by federal and state dollars, so you do not pay for vocational counseling, job placement, or most other services. However, there are some nuances:
- Some services may require co-payment: If you have a high income, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of certain services, like extended training. But for most people, services are free.
- DVR does not replace health insurance: DVR does not cover medical treatment or therapy, including ABA therapy. That is where your health insurance or Medicaid comes in.
- Medicaid and insurance can cover ABA: Many private insurance plans and New Jersey Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) cover ABA therapy for autism. This is separate from DVR but can complement it beautifully.
If you need ABA therapy to build skills that support employment-like communication, executive functioning, or social interaction-you can use your insurance or Medicaid. Start with ABA can help match you with a BCBA-led provider who accepts your insurance, so you can build those foundational skills while DVR helps you with job placement.
DVR and ABA Therapy: How They Work Together
ABA therapy is not a vocational service, but it can be a powerful complement to DVR. ABA focuses on teaching skills and reducing challenging behaviors. For autistic individuals, this might include:
- Communication skills: Learning to express needs and understand instructions.
- Social skills: Navigating workplace interactions, like small talk or asking for help.
- Executive functioning: Organizing tasks, managing time, and following multi-step directions.
- Self-regulation: Coping with sensory overload or frustration in the workplace.
DVR counselors are not therapists, but they can work with your ABA team to ensure your employment goals align with your therapy goals. For example, if you are working on interview skills in ABA, DVR can set up mock interviews. If you are learning to manage anxiety, your ABA provider can help you develop strategies to use on the job.
To get the most out of both, consider using Start with ABA to find a BCBA-led provider in New Jersey. They can coordinate with DVR to create a unified support system.
Practical Tips for Navigating DVR Successfully
Here are some tips to help you make the most of DVR:
- Be clear about your goals: Think about what kind of job you want, what hours you can work, and what support you need. Write it down before your intake interview.
- Bring documentation: Have your autism diagnosis and any relevant medical records ready. This speeds up the eligibility process.
- Ask questions: DVR can be complex. Don't be afraid to ask your counselor to explain anything that is unclear.
- Stay in contact: Check in with your counselor regularly. If you miss a meeting, reschedule quickly.
- Use your network: Your school, therapist, or family can advocate for you. They can also help you prepare for meetings.
- Be patient: DVR services can take time to get started. The process is thorough, but it is worth it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with DVR
Even with the best intentions, people make mistakes. Here are some to avoid:
- Waiting too long to apply: If you are in high school, start the transition process early. DVR can work with you while you are still in school.
- Underestimating your abilities: DVR is there to help you reach your potential. Don't limit yourself to jobs that are 'easy'-aim for something meaningful.
- Not sharing your autism diagnosis: Some people worry that disclosing autism will hurt their chances. But DVR needs to know to provide the right support. You can choose what to tell employers later.
- Ignoring the IPE: Your IPE is your roadmap. Review it carefully and make sure it reflects your true goals.
- Giving up after a setback: If a job doesn't work out, DVR is there to help you try again. It's a process, not a one-time thing.
Success Stories and Realistic Expectations
Many autistic individuals in New Jersey have found meaningful employment through DVR. Success stories include people working in tech, retail, healthcare, and the arts. But it's important to have realistic expectations. DVR is not a magic wand-it takes effort and time. You may need to try different jobs or training programs before finding the right fit.
Remember, DVR is one piece of the puzzle. Combining it with ABA therapy, which can build essential skills, increases your chances of long-term success. Start with ABA can connect you with a BCBA-led provider who understands the unique needs of autistic adults and can work alongside DVR.
If you or a loved one are ready to take the next step, reach out to NJ DVR today. And if you need ABA support, let Start with ABA help you find the right provider-free of charge.