Vocational Rehabilitation & Extended Services

Tangram is committed to helping individuals find competitive, sustainable employment where they can use their individual talents and skills to succeed.

Our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Extended Services are designed to support individuals with disabilities at all stages of their employment journey.
man helping with retail training

What We Offer

When you choose Tangram to provide your employment supports, you benefit from our expertise in disability services. Our team is comprised of professionals who are dedicated to achieving high-quality employment outcomes for job seekers with disabilities.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

This service supports individuals who are not yet employed but want to enter the workforce. Whether you’ve never worked before, are unsure of your career direction, or have years of experience and want to re-enter the job market, Tangram’s Vocational Rehabilitation team helps:

  • Explore Interests & Strengths: Through assessments and hands-on, community-based discovery activities
  • Prepare for Employment: With coaching, resume building, and mock interviews
  • Find the Right Fit: We match your skills and goals with meaningful job opportunities in the community
  • Success in the Workplace: With on-the-job support that gradually fades as you grow more confident and independent

Extended Services

If you’re already employed and need support to maintain your position, Extended Services—available through the Medicaid Waiver program—offers personalized coaching and guidance to help you thrive at work. Our support includes:
  • Navigating workplace communication
  • Managing tasks and schedules
  • Addressing challenges with supervisors or coworkers
  • Building confidence and independence in the role

Our Vocational Rehabilitation Process

We follow a structured, yet individualized, person-centered approach:

1.

Assessment & Exploration

We begin with an intake to understand the client’s strengths, interests, and goals. This helps us craft a customized employment journey.

2.

Job Readiness & Preparation

From mock interviews to individualized coaching on workplace expectations and communication, we ensure the client feels ready to succeed.

3.

Job Matching & Placement

Our team collaborates with local businesses to find job opportunities aligned with the client’s abilities and career goals.

4.

On-the-Job Support

Once employed, our team provides workplace support to both the client and employer, ensuring a smooth transition. Support is gradually reduced as the client gains confidence and independence in their role.

What to Expect When You Choose Tangram

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Quick Response

You’ll hear from our program director soon after referral to learn the next steps.

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Personalized Intake

Conducted by phone, at home, at the Tangram office, or at a public meeting spot.

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Meet Your Coach

A job coach will connect to schedule your first session.

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Team Approach

You lead the way—we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

Getting Started

For Vocational Rehabilitation:

1.   Locate your local office through FSSA: DDRS Vocational Rehabilitation

2.   Call your local office to begin the eligibility process.

For Extended Services:

1.   Contact your Medicaid waiver case manager

2.   Request to be connected with Tangram as your service provider.

Questions About Waitlists?

Please call 317-968-9039 for the most up-to-date information on availability.

Katie W headshot

Katie Warshawsky

Director of Workforce Access and Engagement

Contact Us

  Tangram
5155 Pennwood Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46205

  317-571-1042

  EmploymentServices@thetangramway.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Vocational Rehab and Extended Services?
Vocational Rehab helps individuals with disabilities achieve competitive, integrated employment that are not already employed. This service can range from someone who has never worked and is unsure what they want to do to an individual who has worked for years, and everything in between.

Extended Services is a Medicaid Waiver Service that is for individuals who are already employed and in a job, but need some support in their job. This could be support with the tasks of working, handling the social side of work, working through issues with a manager, dealing with time management, etc.

How do I get started in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

The first step is to locate your local office using this link: FSSA: DDRS: Vocational Rehabilitation. You will find your office by looking for your zip code. 

Give your local office a call to get the process started. They will determine your eligibility to get started in the program.

How do I get started with Extended Services?
Reach out to your Medicaid waiver case manager and let them know you are looking for support on the job or Extended Services.

Your case manager will reach out to providers to see who might be a good fit and can get your services started.

What should I expect after choosing Tangram for Vocational Rehab?
You will hear from the program director letting you know that the referral has been received. At this time, we will let you know if we have a waitlist or if we can get started right away.

Then, the program director will do a short intake over the phone.

Within 2 business days, your job coach will reach out to you to get your first appointment scheduled. This appointment can happen at your home, the Tangram office, or a public place such as a coffee shop.

At this intake appointment, you will get to know your job coach, answer some questions about your interests, work history, and goals. You are more than welcome and encouraged to have a family member at this first appointment if you would like.

From here, everyone’s journey will look different! You and your job coach will create a plan that works best for you. This is a team approach, but the participant runs the show! We are here to support you!

What should I expect after choosing Tangram for Extended Services?
The program manager will reach out to see if you would like a meet and greet with your job coach to make sure you are a good fit.

Your job coach will reach out to coordinate a time to either set up a meet and greet or an initial intake appointment so your job coach can learn about your work history and what type of support you need at this time. You are more than welcome and encouraged to have a family member at this appointment if you would like.

From here, it will look a little bit different for everyone. You and your job coach will come up with the best plan for you. This could be a meeting at or away from your job site.

Do you have a waitlist?
For the most up-to-date information on our waitlist, please call 317-968-9039 .
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