Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and Services in Manitoba

Designated Service Delivery System

Vocational Rehabilitation Services are delivered by Manitoba Family Services and Housing, Regional Health Authorities and by designated agencies funded by Manitoba Family Services and Housing. Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellors in Family Services and Housing and the designated agencies provide case co-ordination services. The designated service providers include:

1.Provincial Government - Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellors are located in the Family Services and Housing regional and district offices and provide services to persons with a mental, learning or psychiatric disability.

2.Regional Health Authorities - Mental Health Workers are located across the province under the administration of Regional Health Authorities and provide services to persons with a psychiatric disability. Some regions employ Employment Development Specialists.

3. Designated Agencies - receive provincial funding through Manitoba Family Services and Housing and are designated to provide services to persons with specific disabilities. The three designated agencies are:

a.The Society for Manitobans with Disabilities Inc. - provides vocational services to persons with a physical disability and hearing disability (excluding persons with a visual disability or spinal cord injuries).

b.The Canadian Paraplegic Association - provides vocational services to persons with spinal cord injuries.

c.The Canadian National Institute for the Blind - provides vocational services to persons with a visual disability.

4.Self-Directed Option - This service option is described in Section 178 and allows eligible participants who require minimal or no support to prepare a vocational plan to access funding from the Individualized Vocational Rehabilitation Training

a. Costs of disability related support services (as described in the Vocational Rehabilitation Manual Section 166)

b. Where start up funds are not available through other sources, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program may provide up to $2000 towards initial start-up costs such as the purchase of small equipment, tools, office machines, or essential office and record keeping supplies.

c. Financial assistance for individuals to undertake specific skills training, or business management training related to the entrepreneurial venture, and/or related to the effective use of disability related technical aids or devices.