Assistance if you become disabled due to an injury

The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (or "OVR") provides services and connections to a network to help persons with disabilities manage their impediments and return to work. You must apply to the program to be eligible. Once you are accepted, you are assisted on an individualized basis through a combination of in-house and network providers. This article will go over the OVR and how it may help you after you are injured on the job.

Once you are accepted into the program, you will be given an individualized plan to get you back into employment. This involves meeting with specialists and taking tests to determine the best course of treatment and training. You may even be eligible for financial assistance.

There are several types of rehabilitation services. Which ones you require will depend on your injuries and how well you recover. OVR offers several services, including:

• Restorative services which pair you with medical technology to assist you in everyday and work life.
• Placement assistance to help connect you with employers that could use your skills.
• Diagnostic services and vocational evaluation so you understand your medical issues and your ability to work.
• Counseling services.
• Training for new jobs, including academic, technical and on-the-job training.
• Support services when you obtain a job including transportation, occupational tools, job-site modifications and other services.

If you apply for OVR assistance and are denied, you may want to speak to an attorney to help resolve any issues your claim may have.

If you were injured on the job, then you may want to speak to a workers' compensation attorney. Rehabilitation is just one of the many expenses you may have as you try to recover and, if possible, get back to work. An attorney can help you go through the filing process and handle any appeals you may need to file in case your claim is denied.