Quote:
Originally Posted by fallsfall
Hi Gdorfus,
Good for you! I assume that you are going through the Ticket to Work program?
I was on SSDI for 10 years for depression. I had been a software engineer - but the computer industry was too stressful for me so I needed to change careers. I signed up for Ticket to Work and they sent me to VR. They gave me a battery of tests. Not like school tests really, they were looking for other things like dexterity and spatial awareness (not my best quality!!). They put all my results into a vocational analyzer and came up with a list of careers that I should consider. Some (even at the very top) were ridiculous, but some were possible. All in all, it gives you a list to start from. When I went in I already knew that I wanted to be a librarian. I already had a masters in computer science, and you need a masters in library science for jobs like library director (which was my goal). VR actually paid for my degree (My understanding is that they don't usually pay for college degrees - they might have paid for mine because I already had a masters. Perhaps they won't pay for a level of education beyond where you are, but they will match where you are). I did get a job as a library director, and I've been working for 7 years now.
Some important things about Ticket to Work: For me, it was important to know that people had faith in me and would help me; that support really made a difference. They suspend your medical reviews while you are working towards your goal, which means that you can allow yourself to get better without worrying about being kicked off and losing your benefits (this only holds as long as you are making progress towards your goal).
It took me 3 years to complete my degree and get a job.
The VR process is interesting. It is not judgmental. They want to know what your talents and interests are so they can help you find a career or job that will work well for you. So my advice is to be open and honest so they can best help you.
Let me know how it goes!
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How inspiring! I congratulate you on achieving your dream. I love the library system and becoming a library technician is on my growing list of ideas I am jotting down, to help my counselor and I narrow down my interests. The library is like a second home to me.
I am going through the DVR program at DSHS. I am unsure if this is the Ticket to Work program, those words were never used during my intake, and I have no paperwork from the DVR that mentions this. I approached the DVR on my own and not through Social Security. I assumed that the DVR and Social Security would communicate what I was doing during the month it took to qualify me. I may need to call and inform SS, or ask my counselor if the Ticket to Work program is something separate or more beneficial to me. It worries me that this program exists, but I was not informed about it. It's good that you brought this up because now I can ask. Thank you.
I do hope that I will be given the opportunity to take the tests you describe because I'm uncertain my own abilities, given my lack of world experience. I am on SSI for agoraphobia and Major Depressive Disorder and have never had a job, or finished school past the 8th grade.
Passing my GED and attending community college is my wish, and that is what I am going to ask for. My DVR booklet talks of an I.E.P. - an Individualized Plan for Employment. I assume that's what I'm going to work on tomorrow. Is an I.E.P. something you did during your Ticket to Work program?
My feeling is that everything the D.V.R. will do for me is all depending on what I want and how much initiative I show in creating and pursuing goals, so I've got to show them I am worth the investment.
I am babbling, I am very nervous. I have piles of papers around me where I've jotted down notes for two days, revising my interests and goals and characteristics (things the booklet told me to be ready to speak up about).
I would like to get an Associate's degree at the very least, if I can get into the community college. Some of my higher career goals include jobs like Occupational Therapist or Special Education Teacher, which I know taken even higher degrees and years of work.
I will report back tomorrow about how it goes. You've been a great help to me. I will be myself and relax now.