Objective of Vocational Rehabilitation

The objective of vocational rehabilitation is the return of permanently disabled persons to gainful employment commensurate with their physical or mental impairments, or both, through a program if reevaluation or redirection of their abilities, or retraining in another occupation, or selective job placement.

Under A.S.C.A. 32.0507, the Commission shall direct the vocational rehabilitation of permanent disabled employees and shall arrange with the appropriate public or private agencies for such education. The Commission may, in its discretion, furnish such prosthetic appliance or other apparatus made necessary by an injury upon which award has been made to render a disabled employee fit to engage in a remunerative occupation.


Directing and Arranging Vocational Rehabilitation for Permanent Disabled Employees: 

Unless determined as otherwise by the Commission, all vocational rehabilitation of employees which are likely to result in, or have resulted in, permanent disability shall be arranged first with the Office of the Vocational Rehabilitation. Before such arrangement, the Commissioner may refer the case to a vocational rehabilitation adviser for a review and determination of a referral or other recommendations.  


Maintenance for Injured Employees Undergoing Vocational Rehabilitation:

Pursuant to A.S.C.A. 32.0615, an employee who, as a result of injury, is or may be expected to be totally or partially incapacitated for a remunerative occupation, and who under the direction of the Commission, as provided by A.S.C.A. 32.0507, is being rendered fit to engage in a remunerative occupation, shall receive additional compensation necessary for his maintenance, not exceeding $10.00 a week.