FAQ

The types of disabilities that may qualify an individual for vocational rehabilitation services can vary depending on the specific regulations and policies of the program, which may be federal, state, or locally administered. However, generally, the following types of disabilities are considered:

Here’s a broad overview:

Physical Disabilities: These can include mobility impairments, chronic health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions that affect physical functioning.

Mental Health Conditions: Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia that significantly impact daily functioning and employment capabilities may qualify.

Cognitive Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia), and cognitive impairments resulting from brain injuries or neurological conditions may be eligible for services.

Sensory Impairments: This category includes vision and hearing impairments that require specialized support or accommodations in the workplace.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that affect communication, behavior, and social interactions.

Chronic Health Conditions: Diseases and conditions like diabetes, cancer, chronic pain, and autoimmune diseases that significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform work activities.

Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services typically requires documentation of the disability and an assessment that the individual can benefit from VR services in terms of achieving an employment outcome. The goal is to support individuals in overcoming the barriers to employment that their disabilities may present.

Vocational rehabilitation is a process designed to enable persons with psychological, developmental, cognitive, physical disabilities to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining, or returning to employment or other useful occupation. The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to help individuals with disabilities achieve a higher level of independence in their work life. Programs are tailored to meet the individual’s needs and can include assessment and evaluation, career counseling, training and education and job placement assistance.

Vocational rehabilitation services are programs designed to help individuals with disabilities, injuries, or health conditions to overcome barriers to employment or to return to work. These services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each person, aiming to enhance their employability, help them secure a job, and maintain a career.

We provide the following:

• Helping them create job goals
• Resume and cover letter development
• Online job search
• Filling out and submitting job applications
• Addressing criminal background history
• Interview practice
• Employer expectations
• Job retention skills
• Soft and hard skills training
• Disclosure of disability
• Accommodations in the workplace
• Self-advocacy skills

The Onebridge Digiskills program provides computer, digital, and job skills training to give adults with disabilities the technological knowledge to enter the workforce and successfully thrive.

We assess individuals to pinpoint what skills are needed to become gainfully employed. We provide person-centered training to assist individuals with interviewing, resume writing, and mock interviews. We provide peer-to-peer training to enhance learning. We provide a robust learning management system so that individuals can learn at their own pace.

Adult day services for individuals with disabilities and adult day care cater to different needs and objectives, although they share the common goal of providing safe, supportive environments for adults during the day. Adult day care centers typically serve older adults who may need supervision, social interaction, or assistance with daily activities due to aging, dementia, or other health-related issues. While both types of services provide daytime care and activities for adults, adult day services for individuals with disabilities are more specialized, focusing on learning and rehabilitative services tailored to the needs of people with disabilities.

One possible benefit of adult day services is the provision of social interaction and engagement for those with disabilities. These services offer a structured environment where participants can engage in various activities, socialize with their peers, and receive services. This interaction helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, promotes mental stimulation, and can improve overall well-being and quality of life. Additionally, adult day services provide respite for caregivers, giving them time to rest, work, or attend to other responsibilities, knowing that their loved one is in a safe and supportive environment.

The Life N Tech program at OneBridge Center is tailored to support individuals who are not yet ready for the workplace, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our program is open to individuals seeking independence and practical life skills.

Our program is designed to empower participants with a comprehensive set of skills essential for fostering greater independence. It encompasses a wide range of learning areas, including vital life skills such as cooking, principles of healthy living, and computer literacy. This holistic approach ensures that participants are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of daily life with confidence and self-reliance.

Previously, attendees have engaged in numerous enjoyable activities. These have ranged from visiting libraries, bowling alleys, local shopping destinations, and dining establishments. Additionally, excursions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center have been part of the experience. These outings not only offer fun but also provide opportunities for participants to practice various skills acquired at the center, from socialization activities to handling money and making change. We hold the conviction that learning extends beyond the confines of the center and occurs in all environments.

Participants work together with staff members to plan and organize various activities and events at the center. The center prioritizes person-centered planning, ensuring that everyone has a say in our activities and decisions.

Employers must first obtain certification that the hired individual is indeed a member of a target group. This certification is typically obtained from a designated local agency. After certification, employers can claim the credit on their federal income tax return.

The credit amount employers can claim depends on the target group of the employee hired, the wages paid to that employee in the first year of employment, and the number of hours the employee worked. Generally, the credit is worth between 25% and 50% of the employee’s wages in the first year, up to a certain maximum. For example, for employees working at least 400 hours, employers can claim 40% of the first $6,000 in wages (up to $2,400 per employee).

Our goal at Onebridge Center is to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and connections you need to explore your career options and find a role that truly fits your personal and professional aspirations.

Work Adjustment Training programs are typically designed to help individuals who may face challenges in entering or reentering the workforce. These programs are particularly beneficial for those with disabilities, those who have been out of work for a significant period, or individuals transitioning to new careers. The eligibility to participate can vary based on the requirements of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

To determine eligibility you can take a brief assessment (Take a Self-Assessment | Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities) on the OOD website. If you answer yes to all five questions and are ready to move forward, take the next step toward employment by initiating the application process at OODWorks.com.

OneBridge really values the importance of choosing work over just receiving SSI checks, and it’s easy to see why. When you’re working, you’re not just earning potentially more money than what SSI offers, but you’re also stepping into a world filled with growth, new friendships, and a sense of achievement. It’s about feeling proud of what you do every day and enjoying the extra perks that often come with jobs, like health benefits and retirement plans. Plus, being part of a workplace can be super fulfilling and fun. So, by choosing to work, you’re not just boosting your bank balance, but you’re also investing in your happiness and future!

Individuals can access our services by talking with their OOD counselor and letting them know that they would like to receive vocational rehabilitation services through Onebridge. You will want to use our legal name which is Onebridge Support Services.

Onebridge Center assists individuals with finding job openings by utilizing various methods, such as searching through newspapers, exploring online job portals, utilizing job boards, and applying ‘cold calling’ techniques, including the use of telephone scripts. It also includes guidance on creating a resume and cover letter and strategies for following up with employers post-application or interview. Job seeking skills training addresses how to overcome potential hurdles like gaps in employment history, criminal records, and the necessity for reasonable accommodations.

Participants will learn to navigate challenging interview questions through mock interview practice. Additionally, the service emphasizes the significance of managing one’s online and social media presence. The ultimate goal is to equip participants with the necessary skills and tools to independently conduct an effective job search, maximizing their self-reliance in the employment process.