What is the difference between ACCES-VR Job Placement and ACCES-VR/OPWDD Supported Employment?

What's the difference between ACCES-VR Job Placement and ACCES-VR/OPWDD Supported Employment? How do I know which one is right?

ACCES-VR and OPWDD provide similar employment services and are close partners in the employment world for people with developmental disabilities. ACCES-VR services are more time limited and short term, while OPWDD services allow for more intensive and long-term support (This is called OPWDD extended services).

Job placement is a category of service provided by ACCES-VR. This service essentially allows the vendor (agency supporting you) to help you find a competitive job in the labor market. Once you secure employment, there is a 90 day timeframe in which the vendor will help you acclimate to this role (stabilize) and help you with anything you may need to be successful and keep the job (known as job retention). The vendor can help you keep this job by providing job coaching support, either on the worksite or off-site. Once 90 days is reached, your case is then considered case closed successful, and the services come to a end. Should you want to find a new job in the future, or if you need additional support, you can always re-apply again to ACCES-VR.

Now when it comes to ACCES-VR supported employment, this is where ACCES-VR and OPWDD come together in partnership. ACCES-VR supported employment looks just the same as job placement, but supported employment comes with the expectation that long-term supports will be needed indefinitely to ensure success in employment. Support will not end after a certain timeframe in the way Job Placement will. Once you secure employment there is again a 90 day timeframe in which ACCES-VR will support your acclimation and stabilization in the job.

But here's the kicker: Before the 90 day countdown begins, the person must first hit "stabilization" in their job. ACCES-VR considers stabilization to be when the vendor, person, and employer all agree that the person can perform the essential functions of the job with the minimal amount of support possible. "Stabilization is identified when the customer, employer (when the customer has disclosed disability information), the vendor, and the ACCES-VR counselor agree the customer is able to perform the essential functions of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations), that natural supports as needed in and outside of the job have been developed, and the customer has sustained their lowest level of supports required to maintain current employment" (ACCES-VR CRS Program Guide 2024-2028).

So when all parties (Vendor, ACCES-VR, Employer, and person) meet (if the person allows for it) and agree that the person is "stabilized" in their job, then that date now begins the 90 day countdown. ACCES-VR considers the 90 day countdown post-stabilization to be considered the beginning of extended services. Once you hit 90 calendar days of post-stabilization employment, your case should officially transition to another funding agency. For example from ACCES-VR to OPWDD, known as OPWDD Supported Employment extended services. OPWDD is considered an extended funding source, and they will take over as they have the resources for long-term support that ACCES-VR does not. OMH (Office of Mental Health) is also considered an extended funding source as well, and some customers may use OMH as their extended funding source.

Question: Do I have to wait for these changes to happen? Am I going to be without support?

Answer: No, these changes happen behind the scenes, and the agencies are responsible for planning and preparing for this transition. You should still receive ongoing support as usual.

Once you are in OPWDD Supported Employment Extended Services, job coaching will continue indifferently.