Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services

Programs authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; programs authorized under section 403(a)(5) of the Social Security Act;

Contact Information:

• Address: P.O. Box 848, Benton, IL 62812
• Phone: (618) 439-4334
• Fax: (618) 435-4742
• Contact: Joan Cummins
• Email: joan.cummins@illinois.gov

The Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services' Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps individuals with disabilities to obtain or maintain employment. VR counselors provide vocational evaluation, vocational counseling and guidance, job development/placement, medical services,, training, and follow-up services.

The VR program serves individuals with all disabilities if they are of working age and meet the following eligibility requirements:

Have a significant physical or mental impairment, which results in a substantial impediment to employment.

Requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter into, engage in or retain gainful employment consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choice.

The Office of Rehabilitation Services" Home Services Program (HSP) helps individuals with severe disabilities who are at risk of institutionalization. Services are provided to those individuals to help maintain them in their own homes. Services provided include personal assistant, homemaker, home health, electronic home response, home delivered meals, environmental modifications and assistive equipment.

The HSP program provides the above services to all individuals who meet the following eligibility requirements:

Must be under the age of 60 years. Have a severe disability, which is expected to last at least 12 months. In need of long term care - requires certification by a physician. In-home services will not cost any more than nursing home care.