Vocational Rehabilitation Program

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program of Manitoba Family Services and Housing offers a wide range of employment focused services to assist adults with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, a person must be:

• a resident of Manitoba with a mental, psychiatric, learning or physical disability;
• 16 years of age or older;
• legally entitled to work in Manitoba and show a willingness to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.

Applications for services must include proof of a qualifying disability diagnosed or assessed by an appropriate professional.

Services Available

Vocational Counselling: A Vocational Counsellor will assist in exploring vocational goals based on the individual's interests, abilities and skills.

Assessment: Specialized vocational assessments may be used to assist in identifying appropriate employment options and supports.

Vocational Planning: Planning is done on an individual basis to address each person's unique training or employment support needs. It may involve a single service, or a multi-year training plan that includes a variety of supports.

Vocational Training: Vocational training may include work training and post-secondary or other adult education courses.

Support Services: Support services may be provided to accommodate disability-related barriers to employment and may include supported employment, disability-related education expenses, sign language interpreting, provision of technical equipment, or building or vehicle modifications.

Direct Employment Services: These services may include job search, resume preparation, establishment of contacts with job placement agencies, job referral, training-on-the-job, and supports required to obtain or maintain employment.

Applying for Services

Employment-focused services for people with a mental, psychiatric or learning disability are provided through the regional offices of Manitoba Family Services and Housing. For individuals with physical disabilities, services are provided through three designated agencies.

Designated Agencies

Individuals with a visual disability may contact:

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Manitoba Division
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 3M3
Phone: 774-5421
Toll-free: 1-800-552-4893
ITY Deaf Access Line: 775-9802
Fax: 775-5090

Individuals with a spinal cord injury may contact:

Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA)
Manitoba Division
825 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB R3A 1MS
Phone: 786-4753
Fax: 786-1140

Individuals with other physical disabilities, including deaf or hard of hearing, may contact:

Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD)
825 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB R3A 1MS
Phone: 975-3010
Toll-free: 1-866-282-8041
TTY Deaf Services: 975-3083
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-225-9108
Fax: 975-3073

For more information, please contact a Winnipeg Service Location or Rural and Northern Service Location in your area.