KENTUCKY OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
What is the KY OVR?
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence. The office employs approximately 140 rehabilitation counselors in over 50 offices covering all 120 counties in Kentucky. See the directory to contact the office nearest you or call (800) 372-7172 (V/TTY) for more information.
Philosophy, Mission and Values
· We recognize and respect the contribution of all individuals as a necessary and vital part of a productive society.
· To assist Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence.
· We value the rights, merit and dignity of all persons with disabilities and the opportunity to pursue employment as an important aspect of a full and meaningful life.
· We value all staff, their individual talents, unique abilities and contributions to the agency’s mission.
· We value collaborative efforts and partnerships which support the agency’s mission.
What services do we provide?
The Division of Program Services provides vocational rehabilitation services needed to reach your vocational goal. Some examples are:
· Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs
· Counseling and guidance
· Vocational and other training services
· Supported employment
· Personal assistance services
· Interpreter and note-taking services
· Telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices
· Rehabilitation technology
· Job placement and job retention services
· Employment follow-up and post-employment services
Local Office Contact Information:
Gwendolyn Fisher-Anderson
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Kentucky Career Center
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
1071 Thornberry Drive / Madisonville, KY 42431
(270) 824-7549 Phone (Tuesday/Thursday)
(502) 509-9854 Google Voice (Monday/Friday)
(270) 824-7597 Fax
Email: [email protected]
What is the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center?
Opened on July 7, 1973, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center provides comprehensive medical and vocational services for Kentucky’s citizens with severe disabilities in a residential setting. The services are designed to prepare individuals for employment and to improve independent living functioning through education, medical, technology, and related programs. The following vocational and support services are available at the Center: vocational assessment, work adjustment, and vocational training; rehabilitation counseling; comprehensive medical rehabilitation services; psychological services; recreational activities; brain injury services; speech and language communication services; and medical and student dormitories. The Center is in Thelma in Eastern Kentucky and is named after Carl D. Perkins, a long-time United States Representative from the area.
Are there other services available?
Absolutely! The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation operates several other programs for individuals with disabilities. These programs have broader eligibility requirements than the vocational rehabilitation program. They are cross-disability and provide services across all age groups. Please keep in mind that services for each applicant are individualized to meet their unique and specific needs. To learn about other services available, visit https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/Kentucky-Office-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.aspx
What is considered to be a disability or impairment?
The existence of an impairment does not constitute eligibility. One individual may experience a “substantial impediment” while another individual with the same impairment may not. Use of the words “for that individual” in the Federal definition implies that rehabilitation professionals should not generalize about types of impairments (e.g., individuals with epilepsy should not drive an automobile, individuals with learning disabilities are not good candidates for training, etc.). Please contact the local office if you have additional questions or need more information.
What are Transition Services?
For many students with disabilities the success of this transition from school to adult life depends on teamwork and collaboration between the schools and community resources. As one such resource, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation works closely with the Kentucky Department of Education to assist eligible students with disabilities to identify, plan for, and achieve their vocational goals. For students with disabilities, this can include training, employment and independent living.
How do I apply for services?
Contact your local office to schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation assists Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence. The office employs approximately 140 rehabilitation counselors in over 50 offices covering all 120 counties in Kentucky. See the directory to contact the office nearest you or call (800) 372-7172 (V/TTY) for more information.
Philosophy, Mission and Values
· We recognize and respect the contribution of all individuals as a necessary and vital part of a productive society.
· To assist Kentuckians with disabilities to achieve suitable employment and independence.
· We value the rights, merit and dignity of all persons with disabilities and the opportunity to pursue employment as an important aspect of a full and meaningful life.
· We value all staff, their individual talents, unique abilities and contributions to the agency’s mission.
· We value collaborative efforts and partnerships which support the agency’s mission.
What services do we provide?
The Division of Program Services provides vocational rehabilitation services needed to reach your vocational goal. Some examples are:
· Assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs
· Counseling and guidance
· Vocational and other training services
· Supported employment
· Personal assistance services
· Interpreter and note-taking services
· Telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices
· Rehabilitation technology
· Job placement and job retention services
· Employment follow-up and post-employment services
Local Office Contact Information:
Gwendolyn Fisher-Anderson
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Kentucky Career Center
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
1071 Thornberry Drive / Madisonville, KY 42431
(270) 824-7549 Phone (Tuesday/Thursday)
(502) 509-9854 Google Voice (Monday/Friday)
(270) 824-7597 Fax
Email: [email protected]
What is the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center?
Opened on July 7, 1973, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center provides comprehensive medical and vocational services for Kentucky’s citizens with severe disabilities in a residential setting. The services are designed to prepare individuals for employment and to improve independent living functioning through education, medical, technology, and related programs. The following vocational and support services are available at the Center: vocational assessment, work adjustment, and vocational training; rehabilitation counseling; comprehensive medical rehabilitation services; psychological services; recreational activities; brain injury services; speech and language communication services; and medical and student dormitories. The Center is in Thelma in Eastern Kentucky and is named after Carl D. Perkins, a long-time United States Representative from the area.
Are there other services available?
Absolutely! The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation operates several other programs for individuals with disabilities. These programs have broader eligibility requirements than the vocational rehabilitation program. They are cross-disability and provide services across all age groups. Please keep in mind that services for each applicant are individualized to meet their unique and specific needs. To learn about other services available, visit https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilitation/Pages/Kentucky-Office-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.aspx
What is considered to be a disability or impairment?
The existence of an impairment does not constitute eligibility. One individual may experience a “substantial impediment” while another individual with the same impairment may not. Use of the words “for that individual” in the Federal definition implies that rehabilitation professionals should not generalize about types of impairments (e.g., individuals with epilepsy should not drive an automobile, individuals with learning disabilities are not good candidates for training, etc.). Please contact the local office if you have additional questions or need more information.
What are Transition Services?
For many students with disabilities the success of this transition from school to adult life depends on teamwork and collaboration between the schools and community resources. As one such resource, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation works closely with the Kentucky Department of Education to assist eligible students with disabilities to identify, plan for, and achieve their vocational goals. For students with disabilities, this can include training, employment and independent living.
How do I apply for services?
Contact your local office to schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.
