Unfortunately, all too often the entry-level earned wage does not come close to offsetting the loss of benefits. Essential support benefits, including housing stipends and health insurance, must be guaranteed to persons transitioning to employment. Individuals with psychiatric disabilities are often in need of employment supports and reasonable accommodations in order to effectively secure and retain employment. Consumers have been successfully employed through supported employment programs that furnish assistance to individuals entering the workforce for the first time or to reentering the workforce after an absence due to disability. Vocational rehabilitation programs traditionally have included job coaches, multidisciplinary teams and service integration.
Vocational rehabilitation works.
Vocational rehabilitation is a vital service for the recovery of persons with psychiatric disabilities, and in the transition from dependence to employment and independence. Despite the success rate for supported employment, this service remains chronically under-funded. An additional 1,000 slots for supported employment services for persons with psychiatric disabilities are critically necessary. Several barriers remain to fulfilling the promise of vocational rehabilitation and independence through employment for New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities - including issues of financial eligibility and program design. Economic need criteria for vocational rehabilitation service eligibility must be updated and participant payments for services based on a sliding scale.