The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides for and improves the vocational rehabilitation of citizens with physical and mental disabilities and helps eligible persons with disabilities achieve suitable employment. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation has professional staff located at the central office as well as in Kentucky Career Centers throughout the state. Kentucky Career Centers house not only Office of Vocational Rehabilitation staff, but also staff from partner agencies such as the Office of Career Development, Department for Community Based Services, Kentucky Adult Education, Community Action, and others. Such collaboration affords consumers the convenience of a one-stop approach for accessing various types of assistance necessary for reaching employment goals.

The Office employs Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Program Specialists who utilize vocational assessments, and counseling and guidance services to match workers with disabilities to labor market needs. An array of services is provided to assist clients with reaching employment goals. Job preparation activities include on-the-job training and vocational and classroom instruction. Job development and placement services assist the individual in obtaining and maintaining suitable employment. Transition activities support a move from the classroom to the workplace. Rehabilitation technology adapts the physical environment at work or home to meet employment needs. Follow-up services ensure that employment is progressing satisfactorily. Counselors and Specialists receive ongoing training to maintain certification and to gain knowledge of the latest developments in rehabilitation strategies and techniques.

The Office also provides services for employers. Such services include preparing job-qualified applicants, conducting job analyses, recommending job modifications, and conducting disability awareness programs. Other services include disability awareness training programs and affirmative action planning and services to employees with disability-related problems. As a result, employers experience risk reduction, save resources spent on training new hires, and increase cash flow through access to tax incentives.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, authorizes and provides federal funding for state vocational rehabilitation programs. Kentucky Revised Statutes 151B.180-210 complies with all provisions of the Act. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Chapter 34) and Title 781 of the Kentucky Administrative Regulations establish functions of the program. The Office also complies with relevant sections of the Kentucky Department of Education's administrative regulations.

The Division of Field Services provides direct vocational rehabilitation services to eligible individuals who have physical or mental disabilities and is responsible for the actual intake and client service delivery efforts of the Office and performs certain administrative functions. The Division implements the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and must make available, services appropriate to the needs of individuals with disabilities. The services enumerated in the Rehabilitation Act include: evaluation of vocational rehabilitation potential; counseling and guidance; physical and mental restoration services; vocational and other training services; maintenance; transportation; services to family members; interpreter services and note-taking services for persons who are deaf; reader services and note-taking services for persons who are blind; assistive technology and devices; personal assistance services; recruitment and training services; placement; post-employment services; occupational licenses, equipment, initial stock and supplies; and other goods and services needed for employment.

The Division of Program Policy and Support provides administrative and staff functions to enhance equitable and efficient service delivery to eligible individuals with disabilities. The Branch has statewide responsibility for program planning, program evaluation, policy development, human resource development, job development and placement, and development of new and innovative programs. The Division also provides staff support to the Statewide Advisory Council for Vocational Rehabilitation and the Statewide Independent Living Council. Federal regulations require an approved State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation Services under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act as a condition for receiving Federal Funds.

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center (CDPVTC) at Thelma, Kentucky, is a multi-disciplinary residential rehabilitation facility located in Johnson County. The CDPVTC operates five major programs: Vocational Evaluation, Work Adjustment, Vocational Training, Physical Restoration/Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation, and Brain Injury Community Re-entry. All programs meet standards for program quality as documented by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Within these five programs, the following professional services are available: comprehensive vocational assessment, vocational training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nursing services, physician services, adjustment services, psychological and psychiatric services, adult therapeutic recreation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, social services, assistive technology, transportation, and administrative services. A wide range of educational programs and services including developmental math, reading, GED test preparation, and the External Diploma Program are also available. The CDPVTC offers individualized placement services through Preparing Adults for Competitive Employment (PACE) and an Employment Relations Specialist.

The Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network is a federally funded project operating within the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. KATS is a statewide collaborative system of consumer-oriented organizations that help to provide assistive technologies to individuals with a variety of disabilities.

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