The Intersection of Law, Policy, and Disability Resources: An Introduction to NC Vocational Rehabilitation

By Kayla Britt

A lawyer’s responsibility extends beyond the law. As an individual who was able to become a lawyer based on the support and resources provided to me by the NCDHHS’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (“VR”), I consider it an ethical obligation to inform my communities about their services.

VR helps people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence. If you have a disability that prevents you from achieving career success or independence in the community of your choice, VR can connect you to services and resources to help you meet your goals. VR can provide counseling, education, training, job placement assistance, assistive technology, and many other services, depending on what you need to meet your goals for competitive, integrated employment.

In partnership with North Carolina’s educators, VR provides Pre-Employment Transition Services at no cost to students eligible for special education-related services. VR empowers young people with disabilities to explore career options, set goals for their future and overcome challenges they may face along the way. At VR, each client receives an individual assessment and services are provided based on individual needs.

I was able to receive VR services as a high school-aged Lupus patient. VR assisted with physical and testing accommodations and career counseling. When I chose to go to college, VR assisted me in planning for college as a Lupus patient. VR continued to assist with accommodations in college and in law school. Because college and law school were necessary to gain the skills needed for my career goals, VR was also able to provide other services such as payment for tuition and fees, books, school supplies, housing, and many other extremely valuable sources of support.

While VR Counselors go into the public schools and share information about their services, much of that information is often missed by students and parents. It is my goal to share information about VR, especially among the legal community for lawyers who may be assisting clients with special needs, or for individuals with disabilities who think law school isn’t a realistic option.

Learn more about my journey with VR.

For more information about VR, visit NC DHHS: Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

The Walk to End Lupus Now is happening on October 21, 2023, in Charlotte.

Information about the event and links to donate are available.