The Evolution of Vocational Rehabilitation
Before the turn of the 20th century, Vocational Rehabilitation was mainly a service provided by psychologists and charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.
With incremental changes to public health policies, social, political, or both, Vocational Rehabilitation has adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce. During Theodore Roosevelt's time in office, a presidential committee deemed public health a core priority of the federal government. By 1921, worker compensation laws expanded to cover disabled workers. Towards the end of World War II, the Disabled Veterans Act ensured assistance to returning servicemen and women. And during what some consider the start of the "golden age" for the field, lawmakers passed the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1954, enabling those in higher education to train rehabilitation professionals.
The Impact of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Between the mid-20th century and today, Vocational Rehabilitation professionals and its recipients have reaped the benefits of many industry advancements, culminating with 2014's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), legislation that placed the program front and center, essentially tying it together with the most important job skill-building programs.
Geographic Solutions' Vocational Rehabilitation Module
The evolution of Vocational Rehabilitation helped lead the way for Geographic Solutions to create a module that tracks and manages individuals with disabilities on their quest toward independence. The program is designed to give staff the tools they need to improve efficiency and service delivery while providing individuals with the necessary resources needed to gain and maintain employment.
"Having all the WIOA reporting requirements in place along with the proven record of Virtual OneStop is what sets our module apart," said Geographic Solutions' Vocational Rehabilitation Business Analyst, Sandi Bilbo.
Seeking more information on Geographic Solutions' Vocational Rehabilitation module? Visit our Vocational Rehabilitation page or contact Director of Marketing and Sales, Deane Toler at DToler@geosolinc.com.