Federal Programs: Canada Pension Plan Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) offers vocational rehabilitation services to their ready-to-work clients. Vocational Rehabilitation provides an opportunity for participants to explore and achieve a return to work, through modifying tasks at their former position, or retraining to perform a new type of work. VIVRS is CPPD's prime contractor for vocational services for all of Vancouver Island.Since 2000, VIVRS has offered the following services to CPPD clients:
Initial assessment, including psycho-social profile, medical and rehabilitative interventions, educational/vocational profile, transferable skills analysis, functional status, strengths and barriers and recommendations on rehabilitative potential.
Vocational confirmation/exploration, including extensive labour market research, assessment of vocational interests and aptitude testing.
VIVRS arranges the following specialized assessments when necessary:- Neuropsychological assessments
- Intelligence testing
- Achievement testing
- Job demand analyses
- Functional capacity evaluations/functional abilities evaluations
- Ergonomic assessments
- Psycho-vocational assessments
- Job modifications
- Work samples
Development of an Individual Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP). This plan is developed in collaboration with the client, the CPPD case manager, medical professionals, co-insurer or other partnering agencies. It is a specific, realistic, plan with estimated costs, clear time frames and expected durations. It includes short and long-term goals and identifies barriers/problems to be addressed. Strategies and services to reach goals are specified. Because of changes that can occur in IWRPs, revised IWRPs are often submitted when the original plan is altered.
Client development and skills training activity (job readiness), which can include:- On-the-job training
- Occupational skills training
- Providing recommendation for assistive devices
- Tutorial service
- Unpaid work experience placements
- Work hardening
- Job coaching
Job search assistance, including résumé and cover letter preparation, job search techniques, interview skills, active job search and job development and placement.
Follow up and on-the-job evaluation, including monitoring job performance, identifying potential problems and recommending preventive strategies and/or corrective measures.
In 5 years, VIVRS' CPPD Vocational Rehabilitation Services has resulted in paid employment for 100% of clients referred who have completed the program.
CPPD Vocational RehabilitationSuccess Story: Karen
Karen was referred to VIVRS through CPPD's vocational rehabilitation program. Karen was severely burned as a young child, leaving her with acute nerve damage in her hands, and facial scarring. Karen had previously worked as a homemaker but could not continue due to continual hand pain and reduced motor coordination. Karen had a strong desire to work and become financially independent.Through vocational assessment and an analysis of her transferable skills, VIVRS assisted Karen to determine a suitable career direction. Extensive labour market research was completed as well as informational interviews and job shadows to clarify whether this goal was realistic and attainable. VIVRS developed an Individual Written Rehabilitation Plan for CPPD outlining in detail the steps of Karen's training. CPPD accepted the plan and Karen successfully completed training as a Social Service Worker. VIVRS provided Karen with support throughout her training at Malaspina University College, including arranging accommodations to assist Karen with her physical limitations, working with medical professionals to ensure that Karen's pain level was manageable, and arranging work experience placements which were required to complete the program.
Karen worked very hard throughout her training and achieved exceptional marks. Karen is now working more than full time in a variety of jobs including detox worker, educational assistant and support worker. She is able to physically handle the work and she is proud of achieving her goal of financially supporting herself and six children. She enjoys all aspects of her jobs and is completely satisfied with her career choice.