Client Assistance Program

News: Because of the flooding, people with disabilities who were working or running their own businesses lost jobs and businesses. If this happened to you, and you want to know whether HireAbility Vermont could help you, or what rights you have to services and financial assistance, contact us and ask to speak with CAP.

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is part of Vermont Legal Aid’s Disability Law Project. We help people with disabilities who have problems applying for or getting independent living services or vocational services (related to work).

We advocate for and protect the rights of Vermonters who apply for or receive employment-related services from these agencies or programs:

HireAbility VT (formerly called the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation)
Vermont Center for Independent Living
Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Vermont Association for Business, Industry and Rehabilitation
Supported Employment
School-to-Work Transition Services

Go to video transcript

What we do

CAP helps Vermonters understand their rights and get access to services. We:

inform you about the services and benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act
explain how you can get these services
investigate questions and complaints
help you resolve problems with your counselor or agency
help you appeal decisions
advocate for you to get the services you need

We tackle system-wide problems that make it hard for you and others to get access to services. We advise agencies on changes to policies and procedures that can improve services.

How we can help you

Contact CAP if you:

have problems with the agencies listed above and need information or help
were turned down for vocational rehabilitation services
have trouble with your vocational rehabilitation counselor
think the process is taking too long
aren’t getting the services you need
have had your vocational rehabilitation case closed without your consent
are a student with disabilities and are not getting pre-employment transition services that would help you get ready for higher education, vocational training or work

The information you share with us is private. We only release your information if you tell us in writing that we can. We will not contact agencies for you without your consent.

Need help?

Fill out our form and someone will contact you. Describe your question or problem and mention the Client Assistance Program in your request. You can also call us at 1-800-889-2047.

Note for community advocates only: If you are an advocate who needs to contact our program, call a Vermont Legal Aid office near you.

CAP brochure in eight languages

Visit our Client Assistance Program brochure page. The brochure is available in Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Kirundi, Nepali, Somali and Spanish.