ACCES-VR Mediation

Have an issue or disagreement about your ACCES-VR services?


Since 1999, the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) has contracted with NYSDRA to provide mediation services when there are disagreements between vocational rehabilitation applicants and ACCES-VR personnel regarding decisions about services that affect them.


What to Expect 


Mediation is a confidential process that brings together the consumer and an ACCES-VR representative to share concerns and points of disagreement. An impartial, qualified mediator facilitates the discussion. Each person will have an equal opportunity to express viewpoints and concerns. Possible resolutions, within federal and state regulations, will be explored. In many cases, the mediator is able to help develop a solution that is acceptable to both parties in a way that:


  • Allows all concerns to be addressed
  • Builds trust and improves communication
  • Explores creative solutions
  • Gives everyone a chance to have an equal say in all decisions


Mediation is neutral and voluntary for you and for ACCES-VR. 

Requesting a Due Process Hearing or Mediation

Step 1: Submit a Due Process Request Form (VR-711)

If you have a disagreement about a decision or action made by ACCES-VR that impacts your vocational rehabilitation services, you may submit a Request for Impartial Hearing by completing the VR-711 form. This form initiates ACCES-VR's impartial hearing process, which must be scheduled within 60 days of receipt.


Where to submit the VR-711 form:


  • Email to the ACCES-VR Quality Assurance and Monitoring Unit at VRQuality@NYSED.gov (preferred), OR
  • Deliver directly to your ACCES-VR counselor or the District Office where you receive services

Step 2: Consider Your Options

Once your Request for Impartial Hearing is received and while your hearing is being scheduled, you have several options to resolve your disagreement:


  • Informal Dispute Resolution - Meet with District Office management to discuss your concerns
  • Mediation - Work with a neutral mediator from a Community Dispute Resolution Center to find a mutually acceptable solution
  • Proceed to Impartial Hearing - Continue with the formal hearing process
  • 

All of these options are voluntary. You may choose the approach that works best for your situation.

Step 3: Arranging Mediation (If You Choose This Option)

If you express interest in mediation and your ACCES-VR District Office agrees that mediation may be helpful, the District Office management will contact your local Community Dispute Resolution Center directly to schedule a mediation session.


Mediation sessions are scheduled:

  • Within 21 days of the mediation request
  • At a time and place convenient for all parties
  • Through coordination between ACCES-VR District Office and the local Community Dispute Resolution Center

Step 4: Mediation Session

During the session, the mediator will help you and the ACCES-VR representative work together to reach an agreement on how to resolve your concerns.


Questions about the process?


Contact your ACCES-VR District Office or the ACCES-VR Quality Assurance and Monitoring Unit at VRQuality@NYSED.gov.


You may also contact NYSDRA directly with any questions at ACCES-VR@nysdra.org.