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Developing Your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
 

What is an IPE?  ▪  Who can have an IPE?  ▪  Who may help me set up an IPE?  ▪  How is an IPE developed?  ▪  What information needs to be on the IPE?  ▪  What kind of services can VESID provide?  ▪  Can I change my IPE after it is approved?  ▪  What happens if I don't reach my work goal?  ▪  What happens if my IPE is not approved?  ▪  Is there other information that may help me?  ▪  Deciding where I need help...  ▪  VESID District Offices

Related Material: A Guide for Developing Your Plan for Employment

What is an IPE?

The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is the plan needed to reach the agreed upon work goal. It is the road map to your vocational rehabilitation.

Who can have an IPE?

You can if:
 

• You have been found eligible for VESID services.
• You want to work.

Who may help me set up an IPE?

You have three general options:
 

• A VESID counselor, a trained professional in vocational rehabilitation, can work with you to develop all or parts of your IPE. With your input the counselor will prepare the IPE for you to sign.


• You can work on your own with help from:
   
  • A relative or friend;
  
  
  • An organization or agency that helps people with disabilities: e.g., Independent Living Centers (ILC), Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD), Office of Mental Health (OMH);
  
  
  • One-Stop Employment Centers;
  
  
  • A school teacher or counselor;
  
  
  • The Client Assistance Program (CAP).
  
  
  • You can work on your own.

See the end of this web page for a checklist that can help you make this choice.

How is an IPE developed?

When developing the IPE you should consider how your disability affects your ability to work, the type of job you are interested in, your ability to do the job, and your previous work history, if any.

The IPE is written on a VESID form. A VESID counselor must review, evaluate, approve and sign the IPE.

What information needs to be on the IPE?

1. Work Goal: This should be a job that you are interested in doing and that you will be able to do when your plan is completed. It will take into account such things as your abilities, interest and work goal. Your VESID counselor can help you to look for a work goal that is right for you.
2. Steps: Actions needed to reach your work goal and how long it will take you to complete them.
3. Progress: Outline of how progress towards your work goal will be evaluated.
4. Services: List of services that you will require to reach your work goal.
5. Provider: Who will provide the services you need to go to work.

What kind of services can VESID provide?

VESID will provide services that are required for you to reach your work goal. VESID's basic services are provided to you at no cost. These services are:

• Assessment
• Vocational guidance and counseling
• Placement

Examples of other services that your plan may include are:

• Tuition for school or training
• Job coaching
• On the job training
• Equipment and tools to do a job

Some services may or may not be based on your ability to pay. Your VESID counselor will provide you with this information. If the services are based on your ability to pay, you will need to provide financial information to VESID. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of services.

Can I change my IPE after it is approved?

Yes, but you must get approval from your VESID counselor before you make any changes. VESID will review your request, and let you know if the changes are approved. It is very important that you tell VESID as soon as possible about any changes that might affect your plan. You and your counselor will review and update your plan at least once a year.

What happens if I don't reach my work goal?

If you cannot reach your work goal, a VESID counselor will work with you to identify the reasons why. A new IPE with a new work goal may be developed. This will need to be approved by VESID.

What happens if my IPE is not approved?

If you have a disagreement, discuss your concerns with your counselor and his/her supervisor. This is the fastest and simplest way of resolving any difficulties.

If your IPE is not approved, you have a right to appeal the decision. The letter you get will explain your appeal rights and tell you what you need to request mediation, an Administrative Review or Impartial Hearing.

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is an independent program that can give you advice, advocacy and/or assistance. You can call CAP at (518) 381-7098. Call collect.

Is there other information that may help me?

VESID has an IPE Development Form and a Guide for Developing Your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to assist you in developing your plan. The checklist on the following page may also help identify where you may need additional assistance or support. It breaks the IPE into things you will need to know or be able to do. As you read each item, simply check "yes" or "no". You may want to share the results of this with your Counselor. If you need help in completing this chart your VESID counselor can assist you.

VESID counselors will know not only about the technical aspects of the IPE, but can provide you with information about training and the world of work. Your counselor can assist you with the VESID policies that you will need to consider for your IPE. He/she can also give you names of other individuals or organizations that can help you to decide what type of services you will need. The IPE Development Form will help you provide all needed information.
 

For more information just call your local VESID office or dial…

1-800-222-5627

Deciding where I need help...

			I will need help
WORK GOAL	Yes	No	Yes	No
I have a work goal.
I know when I would like to begin working.
I know the job duties that are usually needed for this work.
I know my abilities and interests to reach my work goal.
I know whether I will need special support because of my disability (for example: sign language interpreter; work site modifications; etc.
I know the job market and employment outlook for my work goal.
I know what skills I have based on my work and education history.
STEPS TO REACH MY WORK GOAL
I know the action or steps I need to take to reach my work goal.
I know how to determine whether I have reached each skill or step.
I have concerns in my life that may keep me from reaching my goal (for instance, money, child care, transportation, etc.)
SERVICES
I know what services I will need to reach my goal (for instance, counseling; training; home, work or vehicle modifications; special support services, etc.)
I know who will be able to provide the services I need.
I know how much each of these services will cost.
I know about other benefits I have or can apply for to help pay for the services.
(If seeking self-employment), I have developed a business plan.

 

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