If the Program Doesn’t Exist—Then What? Advocating for the Right Fit By: Michelle Zeman

Girl with brown hair in a ponytail wearing a black long sleeve top and green pants sitting in a wheelchair holding a blue clipboard in front of a white bookshelf. A man with a beard wearing a white shirt and black pants and a women with blond short hair wearing a blue shirt, gray pants, white shoes are sitting at a table together working in the background of the photo.

Did you know that Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is required to help out with paying for out-of-state services if similar options cannot be found within the state?

That’s right, the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance shares what to do when out-of-state requests are made. This also includes requests for postsecondary programs for people with Autism and/or other developmental disabilities. The document states that if a VR recipient is seeking services that fall into their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), the agency should accommodate an out-of-state option if there are none available in-state. 

I have not personally had any experience working with VR, so I cannot speak on that front. However, I do think that it’s important to note the importance of accessibility. If states do not have programs that fall in their IPE, are those states doing anything to create them? Having to uproot your life to access a program is not an easy thing to do - not just financially, but emotionally as well. 

That being said, what are some suggestions I have?

● Look at the programs that your state currently offers. Is there anything available that could meet the goals outlined in the IPE, even if it’s not a perfect match? It’s worth exploring before considering an out-of-state move.

● Talk to your VR counselor. If nothing in-state is a good fit, bring it up. They may be required to support an out-of-state option if it’s justified in your IPE.

● Advocate for program development. If your state is lacking, consider getting involved in advocacy efforts to help bring more inclusive postsecondary and employment programs to your area.

● Share your experience. Whether you’ve gone through the VR process or tried to access out-of-state services, your story can help others—and maybe even push for change.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about getting services—it’s about getting the right services. Everyone deserves the chance to access education and employment pathways that truly support their goals, regardless of where they live.


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