Vocational Rehabilitation
A serious medical condition or injury may impact many areas of your life, including work. There can be lengthy medical leaves, physical
restrictions that affect your ability to do your job, concerns over job security and sometimes
retraining or career changes.
Sister KennyŽ Rehabilitation Institute’s Vocational Consultation Program offers you information and tools on how to overcome the barriers that you might face in the workplace.
Employment Concerns
Disclosing a medical work restriction or disability to an employer
Maintaining effective communication with your employer is important. If you choose to disclose information about a temporary or permanent disability, it is helpful to
communicate the information in a positive way. For example, present yourself as a problem-solver rather than a problem-creator. Offer suggestions on what accommodations or modifications will help you perform your job.
Financial concerns
An illness or injury may affect your financial situation. Learning about medical leaves of absence and accommodations for returning to work can be reassuring.
If a leave of absence is needed, check with the Human Resources Department or Benefits Department to discuss available options. Resources may include short- and long-term
disability, Family Medical Leave Act or Social Security benefits.
Returning to work
Often it is necessary to take time off from work while receiving rehabilitation therapy and treatment for an injury or illness. If you have taken a medical leave, keep in touch with your employer. Together, you can plan how and when you will return to work.
Also discuss the physical requirements of your job with your doctor to determine the appropriate time to return to work. A vocational counselor can help you develop a return to work plan and inform you about available resources.
Accommodations
Accommodations refer to changes or modifications that enable you to do your job. The changes required will vary depending upon each situation. Your health care providers can help you identify the modifications that will work the best for you.
Some examples of accommodations include:
- scheduling additional rest breaks
- creating adjustable work stations
- allowing extra time to complete a task
- job sharing
- setting up workstations at home
- flexible schedules
Support in your workplace
Sharing information with co-workers can help reduce stress and misconceptions. Explaining your situation and any job accommodations will help co-workers understand the challenges you face.
Vocational Consultations
A meeting with a Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute vocational counselor can provide information and resources on:
- the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Workers Compensation
- the Family and Medical Leave Act
- Minnesota State Vocational Rehabilitation Services referral assistance
- job accommodations
- Minnesota disability organizations and resources
- disability disclosure
- current labor market
- job search and career exploration resources
Referrals And Information
If you are a Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute patient and would like more information or a free consultation to discuss specific concerns, call 763-236-2131.
Locations
Vocational Rehabilitation services are offered through the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at:
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
800 East 28th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Buffalo Hospital
303 Catlin St
Buffalo, MN 55313
Mercy Hospital
4050 Coon Rapids Blvd
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
United Hospital
333 N. Smith Ave
St. Paul, MN 55102
Unity Hospital
550 Osborne Rd NE
Fridley, MN 55432
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