For North Idaho College students navigating a disability alongside school and employment, support may extend beyond the resources available on campus.
The Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR), also commonly referred to as “Voc-Rehab,” works with individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment, but its services can also help students navigate college, explore career options and develop skills that support their transition into the workforce.
A disability does not have to be physical or visible for a student to potentially benefit from Vocational Rehabilitation. Jurene Willett, IDVR Business Services Supervisor, said that when she previously worked with the agency’s Pre-Employment Transition Services program, a large amount of her caseload consisted of students with ADHD, followed by students experiencing anxiety and depression.
“A lot of people don’t really necessarily think of that as a qualifying disability, but it is,” Willett said.
To qualify for general Vocational Rehabilitation services, individuals must have a confirmed diagnosis that affects their ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. However, students who are struggling and are unsure whether they qualify are encouraged to reach out to the agency and ask.
Students can be referred to IDVR through NIC resources such as Disability Support Services or TRIO, but a referral is not required; students can also contact the agency directly themselves.
The assistance a student may be eligible to receive depends on their individual circumstances. IDVR counselors can help students develop self-advocacy skills, request accommodations, and navigate the complexities of college and employment.
For a student with anxiety, that could mean having a counselor present while making an intimidating phone call or helping determine what questions to ask. For another, it may involve exploring whether a chosen career fits their abilities and needs or identifying accommodations that could make employment possible.
“Every participant at VR has different needs,” John Struzik, IDVR Business Services Specialist, said. “Through counseling and guidance, we’re able to identify those needs and then do what we can to fill those gaps.”
Those gaps are not always limited to school or employment. Some participants may be dealing with unstable housing or a lack of a reliable support network. When a need falls outside of what IDVR directly provides, counselors may connect participants with other state agencies, housing resources, or community services.
“Just having someone else on your side to help you navigate; that is always helpful for a student,” IDVR Employment Services Supervisor Stephanie Couchigan said.
In some cases, Vocational Rehabilitation may also provide financial assistance for needs such as assistive technology, books, or tuition. Financial assistance requires a separate intake and eligibility process and is currently subject to a waitlist. However, eligible students may still be able to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services while waiting for additional assistance.
For IDVR, the goal is not to push every student toward the same educational or career path, but to help individuals determine what works for them.
“It doesn’t matter if you want to go to college, technical school, or straight into the workforce,” Willett said. “Whatever you want to do, we try to work towards that employment goal with you.”
