Looking for and finding work that best meets interests, needs and ambitions while using skills is challenging for everyone. A stroke can radically change a person’s abilities, greatly influencing his or her work life. This section describes employment training and education programs available in Minnesota for persons with disabilities.
Assessing Needs and Abilities
Depending on the nature and severity of the stroke, return to work may or may not be possible. Extra care must be taken in assessing job skills and abilities, as well as any changes the stroke may have caused. It is also helpful to get professional feedback from a doctor, rehabilitation therapists or vocational rehabilitation counselor through the Minnesota Workforce Center.
Self-assessment and expectations should be reasonable and realistic. Some persons with a stroke have trouble with organization, distractibility, decision-making, impulsivity, fatigue, stamina, learning difficulties and relationships with co-workers. Vocational Rehabilitation Services (described below) can help analyze skills and interests by providing a vocational evaluation consisting of testing and a series of work and task assessments.
A person recovering from a stroke has several options: prepare for work, go back to school to learn and/or relearn material, or volunteer.
Volunteering
One excellent way to restore stamina and endurance and explore job skills, interests and work habits is through volunteering. Voluntary work can provide valuable experience and be extremely rewarding. Volunteering can build a resume and help connect an individual to the people around them. Plus, it provides an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the world and other peoples’ lives!
The Minnesota Stroke Association relies on volunteers for a wide variety of projects. Many faith-based institutions, schools and human service organizations also rely on a large pool of valuable volunteers. There are hundreds of non-profit organizations in Minnesota that suit a variety of interests and abilities. In the Twin Cities, contact Hands On Twin Cities (formerly the Volunteer Resource Center) at 612-379-4900 or visit www.handsontwincities.org. For more information on other local volunteering options, call First Call for Help at 211 or visit www.gtcuw.org.
Rehabilitation Services
Persons who have had a stroke may be eligible for employment-related services from the Rehabilitation Service (RS) program provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). RS works with persons who have disabilities to establish employment goals, find and keep meaningful employment, and – when appropriate – identify assistive technology that can help maximize job performance. This can include helping to pay for school or employment training programs. RS counselors provide vocational counseling and generally contract for services with a private company or rehabilitation organization to provide direct services. For more information, contact DEED at 651-259-7114 or visit their website at www.mn.gov/deed.
The Rehabilitation Services (RS) Process
When you call Rehabilitation Services (RS) you will go through an application and intake process. Explain to the person who answers the phone that you have sustained a stroke and would like to apply for services. Always record the name of the person you spoke with and the date and time you called. You may wish to begin to organize this information into a file dedicated to “Return to Work/School.”
While you have an RS representative on the phone, ask how the application process works. Be sure to find out how long it will take to process your application. Ask what costs might be involved. Although many services are free, depending on what your goals are you may be asked to contribute if your financial situation allows.
First, RS will have you attend an orientation meeting to learn more about RS. Some offices will assign you a counselor at the beginning of the intake process; others will assign you a counselor after you qualify for services. An individual will be considered to have “submitted an application” when a request for RS services provides sufficient information for RS to determine eligibility. RS should determine eligibility within 60 days of application.
Once your application is assigned to a counselor you will be contacted to set up an intake interview. During that first meeting you can find out what a counselor’s responsibilities are for ensuring that you meet your goals. You will also want to understand what your counselor expects of you. If needed, you may want to ask your counselor about policies regarding funding for things such as assistive technology.
Occasionally, the counselor assigned to you may not be a good match for your personality. You have the right to address this issue and ask to be transferred to another counselor.
If you are notified that services have been denied but you think you should be eligible, call the intake number and ask how to appeal the decision. Please do not feel that you are “complaining” or “being difficult.” The appeals process is there for a reason.
Placement Services
Placement services are available through Rehabilitation Services to individuals who are made eligible and would like assistance establishing vocational goals, preparing for work, practicing interview skills, finding a job or making appropriate accommodations at your workplace. Placement specialists are trained to understand the current economy and employment needs. These specialists will work with an individual to search for a job and bring their expertise in disability services and knowledge of employers looking for qualified employees to the job search.
Supported Employment
Through Rehabilitation Services, supported employment job coaches provide on the job training and support for a limited time once you secure employment. A job coach works side-by-side with an individual in the workplace to help them learn job responsibilities and adjust to the environment. A job coach can also help an individual learn and understand the work culture of a new job, the layout of the job site and acceptable standards of behavior.
Transitional Employment
Transitional employment helps an individual build skills and endurance or identify on the job accommodation needs. Usually, persons in transitional employment work part-time with the assistance of the employer and/or job coach contracted through Rehabilitation Services. Transitional employment is for a limited period of time, generally no longer than six months.
Working With Your Employer
When seeking employment or returning to a job following a stroke it is essential that with or without accommodations an individual can still perform the essential functions of the job. It is also very possible that a current employer does not have the knowledge about stroke that is needed to assist an individual in returning to work.
Disclosing a disability is a very personal decision; disability advocates and employment specialists will help an individual consider all options. In some communities, workshops are held to help make an informed choice regarding disclosure.
Rehabilitation Services counselors can work with employees and employers to help everyone understand stroke, how the workplace may be adjusted or to make accommodations to help an individual do her or his job. The Minnesota Stroke Association is always available to provide free information about stroke to give to an employer. For more information, call the Minnesota Stroke Association at 763-553-0088.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology devices and services can help persons with disabilities be independent and successful in the workplace. A person can use assistive technology to help him or her with communication, moving around, sitting/standing at a desk, working with computers, taking notes and many other job responsibilities. An individual’s need for assistive technology services will depend upon the type of work to be performed and the nature of the disability. In some cases, employers, insurance companies or Rehabilitation Services may pay for assistive technology for persons with disabilities.
Going Back to Vocational Rehabilitation Services
After you have trained for, found and been successful at a job, Rehabilitation Services (RS) will close your case. However, you can always go back to RS if you need help at any time. RS staff can help you with a new supervisor, changing job responsibilities, going back to school, assistive technology needs, finding a job or other employment-related issues. Call RS and ask that your case be reopened.