Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The Division of Rehabilitation Services, often called DRS (sounds like the word “doors”), is a state agency that is part of the Illinois Department of Human Services. DRS has a program called Vocational Rehabilitation or “VR” services, which can help you find a job, a training program, or school to help you get ready to work.
Division of Rehabilitation Services FAQ
Learn about the help you can get from DRS and its VR services.
What does DRS do?
DRS helps people with disabilities get ready for, find, and keep a job. DRS does this by giving you help with:
- Deciding what kind of job you want.
- Helping to pay for college or trade schools.
- Applying for jobs.
- Getting ready for job interviews.
- Answering your questions.
How do I get help from DRS?
Anyone with a disability can ask for help from DRS. To do this, first find the closest DRS office to your home. Go to http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12 and select “Rehabilitation Services” from the menu. Then enter the county you live in. You can also call 1-877-581-3690 or fill out an online application at https://wr.dhs.illinois.gov/wrpublic/wr/dynamic/referral.jsf.
After you talk to DRS, somebody will call you back. This person will be your counselor who will help you set up your first appointment to finish the application. During this meeting, you will talk about your job goals, your disability, and the things DRS can help you with.
What do I need for my first DRS appointment?
Before you go to your meeting, think about your goals. It helps to write them down. Think about the kind of school or training you want and what kind of job you want.
When you go to the meeting, bring your goals and proof of your disability like medical records. If you get SSI or SSDI, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying how much money you get.
What if DRS says it will not help me?
If DRS does not help you, it will send you a letter saying it is denying your request for help. If this happens, you can appeal. You only have 30 days after you get the letter to appeal.
Find out more about appeals at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=52318.
You can also contact Equip for Equality’s Independent Client Assistance Program for help.
What is the Independent Client Assistance Program?
The Independent Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a program at Equip for Equality that helps DRS customers who have problems with DRS. CAP can help you get the DRS services you need and file an appeal if DRS says it will not help you.
What kind of problems can CAP help with?
You should call CAP if:
- Your counselor does not return your phone calls or emails.
- Your counselor is not helping you with your goals.
- You asked for help to go to school and your counselor said no.
- You want help with filing an appeal because you do not agree with what your counselor is doing.
- You want a lawyer to help you with an appeal hearing with DRS so you can get the help you are asking for.
Where can I learn more about DRS?
Go to the DRS website at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29764.
