ACCES (formerly known as VESID) stands for Adult Career and Continuing Education Services.

It is a government sponsored program available to all New Yorkers with disabilities. Among other services, it provides vocational rehabilitation and offers assistance to individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment.

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Evaluation – an evaluation helps identify consumer’s vocational strengths, areas in need of improvement, transferable skills, and vocational options. ACCES uses these evaluations to determine if the consumer’s vocational goal is realistic and what his/her next steps will be. § EPRA’s DVE is an example of an evaluation.

Internship – an internship offers consumers with the opportunity to volunteer (unpaid) in their desired field for a short period of time. The internship provides a forum for consumers to gain relevant and recent experience, cultivate positive work behaviors, and assess their skills and aptitude in the field. EPRA’s SAP is an example of an internship experience.

Training – training provides consumers with marketable skills and necessary credentials to be hired in their chosen field. To qualify for training, there must be a reasonable chance that you will be able to obtain stable employment using this skill within the region. Training must come from ACCES approved vendors, such as vocational schools, colleges, or agencies. EPRA does not offer trainings

Job Placement – job placement assists consumers with locating job opportunities, submitting applications and resumes, and preparing for interviews. § EPRA’s JRT/JP is an example of Job Placement services.

 Additional Evaluations – sometimes after the initial evaluation a client will need additional screenings before proceeding with internship, training, or job placement. For example, a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an assessment done with an ACCES appointed Physician to test the client’s physical capabilities and limitations in a specific field. A Psychological Evaluation may be recommended to identify psychological issues that need to be addressed before training, such as learning disabilities or mental health issues.

THE GOAL OF ACCES’ VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES IS TO GET CONSUMERS EMPLOYED, NOT NECESSARILY TO PROVIDE ALL CONSUMERS WITH JOB TRAINING.

All services must be geared towards a specific job goal that is currently in demand.

Job training is sponsored only when deemed necessary to obtain your vocational goal.

If you have current job skills in a marketable field, you may be recommended for Job Placement.

Your next steps will be discussed with your EPRA and ACCES counselors at your case conference at the end of the DVE. Upon reviewing your test scores, strengths, limitations, and counselor observations and recommendations, the ACCES counselor will determine if your goal is realistic and how to proceed.

Typically, ACCES services are provided at no-cost to consumers who are on public assistance, unemployment insurance, or in other low income circumstances.

Some individuals may be required to contribute to the cost of services if they have income over a certain amount or are dependents or spouses of people who make over a certain amount. Those amounts change year to year so it is best to consult your ACCES counselor if you have concerns.

EPRA and ACCES are both Vocational Rehabilitation programs. Whereas ACCES is a large government run organization, EPRA is a small non-profit.

ACCES provides services to New Yorkers with a range of physical, psychological, and mental disabilities. At EPRA we offer services specifically to individuals with substance-related disabilities.

ACCES has a long standing relationship with EPRA and contracts the organization to help deliver services to eligible consumers

SAP – The Situational Assessment Program offers clients the opportunity to participate in an unpaid internship in a field of interest.

Internships typically range from 5 to 8 weeks.

Clients will report to the internship site Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00am-5:00pm (sometimes alternative schedules can be arranged).

On Thursdays, clients are required to attend EPRA for process groups and workshops from 9:30am-12:00pm. o SAP offers current work experience, references, and relevant job exposure, while the process groups can provide support and feedback throughout the process.

EPRA currently offers internships in a variety of areas including culinary, building maintenance, human services, office administration, and medical support among others.

JRT/JP – Job Readiness Training/Job Placement services are for clients who have clear and realistic job goals and the skills training and/or experience to obtain employment in that field. JRT/JP helps clients identify job leads, develop strong resumes, polish interview skills, and prepare for returning to work.

JRT/JP is run in a job club format. Job clubs are small groups of job seekers who meet to support and share information with one another as they look for employment opportunities.

Job Placement professionals run workshops, oversee computer activities, and meet one-on-one with individuals to ensure they get the attention and particular services they need.

Although Job Placement professionals are present and available for assistance and guidance, JRT/JP is fundamentally about empowering clients to become effective managers of their own job search activities.

Alumni Services – Alumni may return to EPRA for continued support, job placement assistance, and work-related computer access.

Graduates of any phase of EPRA are considered alumni for life.

In order to take advantage of Alumni Services, call your counselor or the Clinical Supervisor to update him/her on your current situation and to determine how EPRA can best serve you.

Once employed, alumni are welcome to contact EPRA staff for consultation regarding on-the-job concerns or questions as well as share their success stories with current clients.