At L&S Consulting, we are deeply committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. However, recent financial challenges within Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) are putting these critical services at risk.
VRS, which operates under the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is facing a severe budget shortfall. As a result, funding for employment service providers like L&S Consulting is being reduced, leading to layoffs, cut hours, and uncertainty for both our staff and the individuals we serve. Since December 2024, multiple employees in our field have lost their jobs, and by the end of this month, more could be affected.
If you or a loved one rely on vocational rehabilitation services, you may experience delays, reduced access to employment specialists, or even a complete loss of services. VRS has also signaled a shift toward handling more services internally, which could limit community-based support starting as early as April 1, 2025. This means fewer opportunities for personalized, one-on-one assistance—something we at L&S Consulting pride ourselves on providing.
Vocational rehabilitation services are more than just job placement. They provide individuals with disabilities the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed in the workforce. Without these services, many individuals may struggle to find employment, potentially increasing reliance on state-funded assistance programs.
If you are concerned about these changes, we strongly encourage you to make your voice heard by reaching out to your local representatives.
If you encounter clients who wish to file a complaint regarding not receiving services under Pre-ETS funding as much as before or not at all, please inform them and their guardians that they can reach out to the appropriate agency for assistance. The designated organization for handling VRS-related complaints is the Client Assistance Project (CAP).
The agency that accepts VRS complaints is called CAP (Client Assistance Project).
We used to see some clients twice per week for one-on-one support, and now we are being told that those same services are being provided in-house, with only one session per month deemed sufficient. While this may technically meet requirements, we all know it will not be truly beneficial. Minnesota is an Employment First state, and under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), individuals with disabilities deserve consistent and effective support to achieve meaningful employment outcomes.
Despite these challenges, L&S Consulting remains dedicated to our mission. We will continue to advocate for the individuals we serve and fight for the resources necessary to provide quality employment support.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes may impact your services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can work toward solutions that ensure individuals with disabilities continue to have access to meaningful employment opportunities.
Thank you for being a part of our community. We appreciate your support and advocacy during this critical time.
Stay informed. Stay involved. Let’s protect the future of vocational rehabilitation services in Minnesota.
L&S Consulting does not discriminate based on race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, familial status, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or status with regard to public assistance.
For a copy of the Client Handbook, Please send an email to info@lsconsulting.com
CARF Accreditation and VRS Requirements
To provide quality services to our clients, our organization is accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). This accreditation ensures that we meet high standards for employment and community services, focusing on personalized, effective, and measurable support to help clients achieve meaningful employment and community integration.
Reaccreditation is required every three years to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with CARF standards, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to excellence and client-centered outcomes.
For a copy of the Client Handbook or to view our documents in another language, Please send an email to info@lsconsulting.com