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LRS: Louisiana Rehabilitative Services

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) is a state office that helps people with disabilities reach their job goals.

They provide Vocational Rehabilitation Services:

  • These services can help your family member get a job, and support them on the job.

  • They include job readiness and training, counseling and help with equipment needed at the work site.

To qualify, a person must:

  • have a physical, mental or emotional disability
AND
  • have trouble getting or keeping a job because of their disability
AND
  • be able to improve their abilities with support

Image of an exclamation markYour child can apply when they turn 14. There is a waiting list, so if they want to get a job in the future, apply right away!

 

Here's what you can do:

  • Talk to your IEP team about applying for LRS services. 

  • Give them permission to connect your child with LRS.

  • Read more about LRS in the Transition to Adulthood section.

Click on the boxes below to learn more:

These services are run by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

How do I apply? 

  • Click on this link for a list of local regional offices. (It will open in a new tab or window on your computer.)

  • Find your local office and call them. They will tell you how to apply

There are two contacts for Baton Rouge: 

  1. Verna Dixon-Fletcher, Regional Manager. She is located at 3651 Cedarcrest Avenue in Baton Rouge. Her phone number is (225) 295-8900 and her email address is vdixon-fletcher@lwc.la.gov

  2. Mark Peltier, RCS Manager. He is located at 8225 Florida Blvd in Baton Rouge. His phone number is (225) 287-7770.

What to expect:

  • They will assign a VR Counselor to work with your family member

  • You will all meet to talk about your family member's needs and abilities

  • They will do an evaluation to see if your family member qualifies and what services they might need

  • Together, you will decide on services and make a plan to help your family member prepare for getting a job

Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission

Your family member will get a VR counselor to help with the process, and see what services will help them with their job goals.

What kinds of services do they offer?

  • Medical exams (physical, psychological, or others)

  • Evaluation of interests, skills, and abilities for future work

  • Career Counseling

  • Mental health counseling, speech therapy, physical therapy, etc.

  • Training through special programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, etc.

  • Equipment or devices that they need in order to work (wheelchairs, prosthesis, glasses, communication devices, etc.)

  • Help with adaptations (changes) at the job site (changing lighting, adapting a telephone, a computer, or a tool, etc.)

  • Job Placement

  • Follow up after employment to ensure job success

Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission

 

For more details, click on the link below to download a handbook. (It will open in a new tab or appear in the bottom corner of your screen)

 

Sources: BRAF, Louisiana Workforce Commission

 

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