DORS Information

A state (and federally funded) agency under the Maryland State Department of Education, DORS is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities work towards professional goals by focusing on obtaining employment, achieving independence, and enhancing their quality of life. To be eligible for DORS services, individuals typically need to meet the following criteria:

1. Have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that presents a substantial barrier to employment

2. Require vocational rehabilitation services to achieve or maintain employment

3. Be motivated to participate in the program and work towards employment goals

DORS offers two programs to help youth with documented disabilities prepare for employment:

1. Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students at least 14 years old and no more than 21

• There is no waiting list for Pre-Employment Transition Services

2. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services for adults and students beginning in their next-to-last year of high school

• For VR services, federal law requires that students with the most significant disabilities must be served first; therefore some students will be placed on a waiting list

1. High school students, college students, and students in other approved educational programs.

2. High school students in the next-to-last year of high school and out-of-school youth may be eligible for additional VR services.

The goal for DORS is CIE (Competitive, Integrative Employment). Along those lines, possible services available for individuals includes:

• Pre-Employment Transition Services

• Job counseling and guidance

• Career decision making

• Assistance with higher education

• Technical/vocational training

• Assistive technology

• Job preparation

• Job search assistance

• On-the-job training and support

• Supported employment