The Vocational Rehabilitation Division is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. Partnerships Important VRD works closely with a wide variety of partners that refer people to VRD or offer services that help VRD clients prepare for or find jobs. Services are provided in collaboration with businesses, DHR and other state agencies, schools, employers, community rehabilitation programs, and independent living service providers. In 1997-98, VRD provided rehabilitation services to more than 16,500 Oregonians and successfully rehabilitated and placed more than 2,400 individuals in jobs. In 1997, the average VRD consumer earned five times more money after receiving VRD services than before applying for services.
Orthopedic disabilities are the type most often reported by individuals applying for services.
The average VRD consumer is 37 years old. In 1996, the Rehabilitation Services program was ranked 7th in the country on nine federal performance indicators. Major Services Rehabilitation Services operates 28 field offices and 16 outstations. Clients who receive rehabilitation services have physical or mental conditions that are a vocational handicap and require VRD services to become employed. More than 95 percent of eligible VRD clients are severely disabled.