This paper reviews the industrial relations program of the Kentucky Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. This program represents a serviceoriented approach to job development. It is based on the premise that the primary goal of vocational rehabilitation is to get work-ready individuals with handicaps into appropriate employment. To achieve this goal, the backing and support of business and industry is needed. One effective means of obtaining and maintaining this support is through the provision of essential cost-free services to the business community.This paper reviews the factors and assumptions that lead to the development of this program and discusses the cost-free consultant/educational and direct services offered to business and industry through the Industrial Relations Manager. Through this service-oriented program of job development, Kentucky Vocational Rehabilitation has been able to: (1) develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with business and industry across the state, (2) provide meaningful and cost-beneficial services that were not being provided by any other state agency or organization, (3) break-down many of the man-made barriers to successful employment of individuals with handicaps, (4) provide exceptional follow-along services, and (5) increase the rehabilitation success rate.
Read full abstract
Nov 1, 1995
Robert D Mangold 
