WHAT IS BYAFS & VR PARTNERSHIP? Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) relies upon a broad coalition of Community Partners to provide services to individuals with disabilities. BYAFS is contracted to provide Vocational Supports throughout the state of Minnesota.  

WHAT SERVICES IS BYAFS CONTRACTED TO PROVIDE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VR? BYAFS currently offers: Employee Development Services (Community Based): Employment Supports/Job Coaching for Short Term Job Supports: Job Seeking Skills Training: Job Shadowing: Job Tryout: Transportation Training (Public Transportation Training): Driver’s Training: Post-Secondary Supports: 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? You're eligible if you have a physical or mental condition that makes it hard for you to work, and if you demonstrate that you could benefit from VR services to help you prepare for a job.

HOW DO I PROVE THAT I HAVE A DISABILITY? It's usually possible to document a disability from your school assessment, a psychological report or a medical provider's records. If you are not able to provide this documentation, you may give your permission for a VR counselor to obtain it for you.

WHAT CAN BYAFS & VR DO? We can help you understand your interests and talents, explore career and education options, gain work experiences and learn new skills.

WHAT IF I GET SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) OR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (MA)? Young people on disability benefits are usually better off when they work. Your VR counselor will help you explore how benefits and a job can work together. You can also begin this exploration on your own by going to http://workbenefitsyouth.orgi.

HOW MUCH DOES VR COST? There is no charge for most VR services. For some things (such as tuition for college or technical school, or fees for certain specialized services) you could be responsible for part of the cost, depending on your family's income.

DO I HAVE CHOICES? We'll provide assistance, but the whole idea is for you to choose your own job goals and decide how to achieve them. You can decide to develop plans on your own or with someone else's assistance. But if you wish to receive services from Vocational Rehabilitation Services we'll need to approve your plan