Virginia Law

A. The department shall implement an information and referral system adequate to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including eligible individuals who do not meet the department's order of selection criteria for receiving vocational rehabilitation services if the department is operating under an order of selection, are provided accurate vocational rehabilitation information and guidance (which may include counseling and referral for job placement) using appropriate modes of communication to assist them in preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining employment.

B. The department shall refer individuals with disabilities to other appropriate federal and state programs, including other components of the statewide workforce investment system. In making these referrals, the department shall:

1. Refer the individuals to federal or state programs, including programs carried out by other components of the statewide workforce development system, best suited to address the specific rehabilitation, independent living and employment needs of an individual with a disability who makes an informed choice not to pursue an employment outcome under the vocational rehabilitation program;

2. Inform the individual that services under the vocational rehabilitation program can be provided to eligible individuals in extended employment if necessary for purposes of training or otherwise preparing for employment in an integrated setting;

3. Inform the individual that if he initially chooses not to pursue an employment outcome, he can seek services from the department at a later date if, at that time, he chooses to pursue an employment outcome;

4. Refer the individual, as appropriate, to the Social Security Administration in order to obtain information concerning the ability of individuals with disabilities to work while receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration; and

5. Provide the individual who is being referred (i) a notice of the referral by the department to the agency carrying out the program; (ii) information identifying a specific point of contact within the agency to which the individual is being referred; and (iii) information and advice regarding the most suitable services to assist the individual to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.