Vocational Rehabilitation

ESRD Network 16 strives to promote optimal care for individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease. Optimal care not only includes safe and quality care, but must also include efforts to improve patient independence, quality of life, and rehabilitation. The CMS Conditions for Coverage for ESRD Facilities require facilities to assist patients with an individualized vocational rehabilitation (VR) plan. In support of this endeavor, and to aid you in your quality improvement efforts, Network 16 has updated the Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit. The following recommended practices, tools and resources are available for download.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Toolkit

VR Resources for Staff

VR Resources for Patients

Guide to Working with Your Local VR Offices or EN - English | Spanish
VR for People on Dialysis Living in Rural Areas - English | Spanish
VR Success Stories - English | Spanish

Informational Materials for Patients

Working While Disabled: How We Can Help* – A Social Security Publication
Understanding the Benefits* – A Social Security Publication
Social Security Administration Fact Sheet* – 2021 Social Security changes
Keeping Your Job When You Need Dialysis – Anemia, income and treatment options fact sheet
VR Brochure (Trifold) - English | Spanish

*Available in other languages at https://www.ssa.gov/

Vocational Rehabilitation Resources

Threading the Needle to Complete the Stitch: Rehabilitation – Dialysis Through Transplant – Article by Mary Beth Callahan, ACSW/LCSW
Social Security Administration WISE Seminar Slides – Information on Ticket to Work, FAQs and patient success stories
Vocational Rehabilitation Regulations (8/19/2016)
Working on Home Dialysis: What Dialysis Staff Should Know
Top 10 Reasons to Choose Referral to VR (8.5 x 11) English | Spanish
Yes you Can! Choose Vocational Rehabilitation (8.5 x 11) - English | Spanish

The Network wants to support your efforts in regards to vocational rehabilitation and to help address any barriers. If you have any suggestions/comments or would like technical assistance on this matter, please give call Lisa Hall, MSSW, LICSW, Patient Services Director, at 206-923-0714, ext. 4213.

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Page updated October 22, 2020