If you or someone you know has a disability that creates a barrier to employment, there's a good chance that New York State has a program designed to help. ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation) is a state-funded program that provides individualized services to help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment.
Despite being one of the most valuable employment resources in New York, ACCES-VR is often underutilized simply because people don't know it exists, don't understand how it works, or aren't sure whether they qualify. This guide breaks it down in clear, practical terms.
What Is ACCES-VR?
ACCES-VR is a division of the New York State Education Department. It operates offices across the state and provides a range of services aimed at helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. The program has been in operation for decades and serves tens of thousands of New Yorkers each year.
The core idea behind ACCES-VR is straightforward: if a disability is preventing you from finding or keeping a job, the program can provide the support, training, and resources needed to remove that barrier. Services are individualized, meaning your plan is built around your specific situation, goals, and abilities.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for ACCES-VR is broader than many people realize. You may qualify if:
- You have a physical, mental, cognitive, or emotional disability
- Your disability creates a barrier to obtaining or maintaining employment
- You could benefit from vocational rehabilitation services to achieve an employment outcome
Qualifying disabilities include but are not limited to: learning disabilities, anxiety and depression, autism spectrum disorder, visual or hearing impairments, mobility limitations, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic health conditions. The program also serves individuals transitioning from special education services in high school.
You do not need to be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to qualify for ACCES-VR. Eligibility is based on having a documented disability that affects your ability to work, regardless of whether you receive other disability benefits.
What Services Does ACCES-VR Provide?
Once you're determined eligible, your VR counselor works with you to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). This plan outlines your career goals and the specific services that will help you get there. Depending on your needs, these services may include:
Career Counseling and Guidance
Your VR counselor helps you explore career options, identify your strengths, and set realistic employment goals. This is often the foundation of the entire process.
Job Placement Services
ACCES-VR partners with community-based organizations like Innovative Placements to connect you with employers. These partners provide hands-on support including resume writing, interview coaching, and job matching.
Education and Training Assistance
If additional education or certification is needed to reach your career goal, ACCES-VR can provide financial support for tuition, books, supplies, and related expenses at colleges, trade schools, or training programs.
Assistive Technology
From screen readers and magnification software to specialized equipment, ACCES-VR can fund the tools you need to perform your job effectively.
Transportation Support
Getting to work is a fundamental requirement. When transportation is a barrier, the program may assist with solutions to help you get to your job reliably.
On-the-Job Support
After you're hired, ACCES-VR can provide job coaching and follow-up services to help you adjust, build skills, and succeed in your new role.
How the Process Works
Navigating ACCES-VR involves several steps, but the process is designed to be supportive rather than burdensome:
- Application: Contact your local ACCES-VR district office or apply online through the New York State Education Department. You'll be assigned a VR counselor.
- Eligibility Determination: Your counselor reviews your documentation (medical records, school records, etc.) to determine eligibility. This typically takes 60 days.
- Individualized Plan: Together with your counselor, you create an IPE that outlines your employment goal and the services needed to achieve it.
- Service Delivery: You begin receiving the services in your plan, which may include referral to a community partner like Innovative Placements for job placement support.
- Employment and Follow-Up: Once you're placed in a job, your counselor and community partner provide follow-up support to ensure the placement is successful.
The NYS Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)
If your primary disability involves vision loss, the NYS Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) provides similar vocational rehabilitation services specifically tailored to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. NYSCB offers specialized training in assistive technology for visual impairments, orientation and mobility instruction, and employment placement services.
Innovative Placements partners with both ACCES-VR and NYSCB to serve job seekers across the full range of disabilities.
How Innovative Placements Connects to ACCES-VR
Innovative Placements is a community-based employment service that works directly with ACCES-VR counselors and their clients. When a VR counselor determines that a client would benefit from intensive job placement support, they often refer that individual to our team.
Here's what we provide as an ACCES-VR partner:
- One-on-one job readiness coaching with regular meetings to build skills and confidence
- Professional resume and cover letter assistance tailored to each individual's strengths
- Interview coaching including mock interviews and follow-up strategies
- Mass resume distribution to our network of employer partners across Western New York
- Employer liaison services to facilitate introductions and advocate on your behalf
- Post-placement support to ensure both the employee and employer are satisfied
"Andrea sent out my resume and I scheduled six interviews in one week. She got me in the door." — ACCES-VR Client
ACCES-VR is a powerful but underutilized resource. If you have a disability that makes finding or keeping a job more difficult, you may be eligible for free services that include career counseling, education funding, job placement, and ongoing support. These programs exist specifically to help you succeed, and organizations like Innovative Placements are here to make the process easier.
Getting Started
If you think ACCES-VR might be able to help you, here are your next steps:
- Contact ACCES-VR directly: Visit the New York State Education Department's ACCES-VR page to find your local district office
- Speak with your school counselor: If you're a student currently receiving special education services, your guidance department can connect you with ACCES-VR as part of your transition planning
- Reach out to Innovative Placements: Even if you're not yet connected with ACCES-VR, contact us and we can help guide you through the process and determine the best path forward
You don't have to navigate this alone. The entire purpose of vocational rehabilitation is to provide the support system that helps you move from where you are to where you want to be.