The availability of services is the final critical ele-ment to a successful rehabilitation process. According to VR counselors, however, limited resources have had a negative impact on their ability to broker services, especially for those individuals with severe disabilities. Another counselor suggested that VR agencies are hesitant to serve individuals with multiple or complex disabilities for financial reasons. If that disability requires funding, they don't want to hear it. In general, the Amendments may have expanded access to the system, but funding limitations continue to have a major influence on who gets services and how those services are delivered.
Positive relationships begin with communication, trust and respect.
Open and ongoing communication with consumers should involve informing them of the pitfalls as, well, as the benefits of the system to establish trust and respect. Consumers should participate fully in the process. It is critical for consumers to be treated as full partners contributing equally in the rehabilitation process. In addition, more and more states are implementing choice programs and experimenting with service vouchers to increase consumer ownership of the service delivery. Building strong linkages between vocational rehabilitation agencies and other employment services is one way to broaden opportunities.