Have you ever thought I don’t need “rehab” when you see the words vocational rehabilitation? There is a major misconception when people see these words. The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to help you get the training and skills that you need to help you return to work to a job compatible with the work restrictions provided by your physician. To be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services you must have a documented disability that you are actively being treated for. In other words, you need to be able to show that your disability is impeding your ability to get or maintain a job.
Keep in mind that the disability could be after a serious injury or gradually make your ability to work tough. These can cause significant changes to your lifestyle and overall capabilities. Example of this would be if you worked in warehouse where you did heavy lifting on a daily basis. Gradually over the years you developed back pain or injury. Under your physician’s care you may need surgery and you are unable to lift anything over 10 to 15 pounds. Vocational rehabilitation can assist you to either find assistive technology that could assist you in your job or find alternative training to find a job that could accommodate your restrictions. For example, if you are no longer able to do lifting you may need to get the training for a desk job or another job that interests you and that your restrictions will allow.
The Seneca Training and Employment Resource Center’s (TERC) Vocational Rehabilitation Program has staff that can assist you in your employment needs. Do you have a disability described above? Are you an enrolled member of federally or state recognized tribe, live within 20 miles of the Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Oil Spring Territory? Please visit us and pick up an application at 23 Thomas Indian School Drive, Irving, NY or 3674 Administration Drive, Salamanca, NY. Our Cattaraugus Office is located behind the Area Office for the Aging. Our office is currently surrounded by the construction of the new health center but we are open and ready to serve your needs. Our Salamanca office is located within the Department of Public Works. Once you pick up an application, complete your application and bring in the necessary documentation so you can begin your employment journey.
If you are not eligible for vocational rehabilitation because you do not have a documented disability apply anyway as you may be eligible for our 477 program which has similar services. Let us assist you in getting the training you need to get the job you are interested in. Some of the services we can provide are career readiness workshops, computer training, tuition assistance for certificate trainings, transportation or clothing assistance that may be a barrier to employment, construction technology program, and high school equivalency diploma services to name a few. If you have any questions, please contact us at (716) 532-1033 or (716) 945-8120.
