Slide 1. Hello everyone! To ensure the greatest amount of accessibility, I'll be reading from a transcript during this presentation. As we move forward, please feel free to have the website, VocRehabTools.com open on another window or device if you're able to do so.
Slide 2. Before we get started, I wanted to share an important note. VocRehabTools.com is an independent personal project and is separate from my employment.
Slide 3. Now, that that's out of the way. Hi, again! My name is Stephanie Nelson and I'm a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Here are some quick background facts about me as a professional. I hold a Master's degree in Human Services Counseling with a Specialization in Life Coaching. I have 11 years of frontline vocational rehabilitation experience. I serve students, youth, and adults with all types of disabilities. I'm also a completely self-taught website designer and recently an artificial intelligence, or AI, developer; and in late October of 2025, I founded VocRehabTools.com.
Slide 4. So, what is VocRehabTools.com? It's a free, public, browser-based platform offering a growing suite of web apps and AI-powered tools designed to support disability employment professionals, job seekers with disabilities, and their families or support systems.
The problem: Employment service professionals across every type of organization in disability employment spend enormous amounts of time on documentation, assessments, and case planning that pulls them away from direct time with program participants. This likely sounds familiar to everyone here, because it's true whether you work for a state VR agency, a nonprofit organization, or a university program serving job seekers with disabilities.
Introducing VocRehabTools.com: Or, as I like to call it, the "Swiss army knife" of VR — it's a scalable resource that provides practical, time-saving solutions not only to the professionals in the disability employment community, but also directly to the job seekers that we serve. In addition to supporting efficiencies and capacity in this line of work, VocRehabTools.com simultaneously provides learning opportunities, quality improvements, and a resource that remains available 24/7 — including during program delays, staff vacancies, or waiting lists.
Slide 5. VocRehabTools.com is completely free, publicly available to anyone who can access the internet, barrier free with no login or sign-up required, accessible on mobile or desktop devices, and built around the needs of various stakeholders in Vocational Rehabilitation and the disability employment community.
Slide 6. VocRehabTools.com is not connected to any other case management system or database. It does not store user data and no personal information is collected. It does not track individual users beyond standard Google Analytics; and it is not a clinical service or a substitute for formal employment services, evaluation, counseling, or guidance.
Slide 7. VocRehabTools.com is also not perfect. As with almost anything in life, VocRehabTools.com is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It will not magically solve all disability employment services challenges; and it does have limitations.
For example, even in 2026, not everyone has access to the internet.
Not everyone can use a website easily or independently.
And not everyone wants to use AI (although, soon VocRehabTools.com will have a few more tools that don't require AI).
Lastly, AI has its own limitations; more of which we'll discuss later in the presentation.
Simply put. VocRehabTools.com was not developed to be perfect. It was developed to enhance, streamline, and expand disability employment resources and supports.
It was also not built to replace the human side of disability employment work; it was built to help scale it.
Slide 8. Today's Learning Objectives. After the presentation, attendees should be able to:
- Identify at least three tools on VocRehabTools.com and describe how each can support a job seeker with a disability or an employment services provider.
- Describe how VocRehabTools.com can serve as a self-directed learning resource.
- Describe how VocRehabTools.com can expand the reach, efficiency, and rapid engagement of participants in disability employment services.
Slide 9. Let's Begin!
To avoid potential technical disruptions, I've opted for a text and screenshot based walkthrough rather than a live screen share today.
During the walkthrough, I'll provide an overview of the site's current tools. Then, I'll use one specific tool as an example to demonstrate how almost all of the tools work — most follow the same simple workflow.
Finally, I'll share some practical tips for getting the most out of platform, including the multi-faceted use-cases of the tools, how to use everyday language when filling in the form fields, and how to use the tools ethically.
Slide 10. The Tools Part 1
There are currently 15 ready-to-use tools on VocRehabTools.com. As I briefly describe them, think about how they might benefit your program staff, your program participants, and/or any individual with a disability.
Starting with the Barrier Buster: to quickly identify and develop strategies to help job seekers overcome employment barriers. This tool is great for brainstorming solutions to known barriers as well as identifying underlying barriers that may not be as obvious.
Next, is the JCTS / SE / CE Rationalizer: this tool helps a user determine if Job Coach Training, Supported Employment, or Customized Employment services are necessary for a vocational rehabilitation client; and facilitates writing a justification for services if needed.
Next is the Vocational Assessment: this is a comprehensive, structured assessment that considers over 35 participant data points to assist in job goal and vocational planning. It's important to note that this is not a formal vocational evaluation and it's not intended to replace one. Think of this tool as a solid first draft that can help anyone exploring career options get a clearer picture of their strengths, interests, preferences, and the types of jobs that might be a good fit for them.
Next, we have the Resume Generator. Unlike other resume builders that require personal data, this one does not. However, you can still quickly generate the overall structure and content of a resume. It includes keyword-matching if a specific job description is provided and helps users to write the substance of a resume, like the professional summary, job duties, and skills. Extra resume tips, guidance, and the option to draft a matching cover letter are also provided from the tool's response.
Slide 11. The Tools Part 2
Next up is the Voice Case Note Editor / Generator: this tool can be used to quickly document case notes and client updates. The tool offers two input options: one is simply typing in a case note draft — and by draft, I mean DRAFT. Users don't need to worry about perfect spelling, punctuation, or grammar, as the AI tool will clean this all up. The other input option is using the voice-to-text feature. While some government network connections or devices may block this feature, it's super helpful when it's available, especially for working on the go. This tool also offers several quick-edit options users can select for their individual case note needs.
Our next tool is a non-AI calculator: the SSI Disability & Work Earnings Calculator. The tool estimates the impact of work earnings on SSI Disability cash benefits. It breaks down the calculation both mathematically and visually on-screen, and is updated annually to reflect any changes.
The next two tools actually work hand in hand. The Disclosure Decision Making Helper guides users through the decision of whether, when, and how to disclose a disability to an employer. It helps weigh the pros and cons in a structured, thoughtful way. Once that decision is made, the Disclosure & Accommodation Script Builder helps generate a personalized, professional script for disclosing a disability and requesting reasonable accommodations.
Slide 12. The Tools Part 3
Rounding out the full toolkit, with names that are likely self-explanatory we also have the Job Goal Alignment Checker — along with the Progress Measure Generator, the Remote Work Feasibility Analyzer, the Work Readiness Assessment, the Job Interview Preparation Generator, the Business Outreach & Partnership Generator, and the Criminal Background "Pivot" Tool. You are welcome to explore any and all tools in full detail directly on the site at your convenience.
Slide 13. Tool Walkthrough Example: Job Goal Alignment Checker
Now that we've described the available tools, I want to walk you through one of them from start to finish so you can see exactly how the tools work in practice. I'm going to use the Job Goal Alignment Checker as our example today since it's one of the simplest and shortest tools. It's also fairly universal because whether you're a VR counselor, a job coach, a transition coordinator, or a job seeker with a disability, the idea of checking whether a job goal is well aligned for you, is something almost everyone can relate to.
If you're following along on VocRehabTools.com, go ahead and navigate to The Workshop section and find the Job Goal Alignment Checker tool — and let's walk through it together.
Slide 14. Getting Started.
As you'll notice, each tool page begins at the top with a description of the tool and its purpose, followed by simple instructions to use the tool, and a privacy reminder not to enter any personally identifying information.
Next, you'll notice that most of the tools have form fields. While this particular tool is relatively short, some tools are much more comprehensive. Each field has a title, extra description if needed, and sometimes, placeholder text to help guide the user through the inputs. This particular tool does not have any placeholder text, but you may notice it on other tools.
Slide 15. Step 1: Fill in the Form Fields
I want to be really clear about something here, because this is one of the things I hear people worry about most when it comes to using AI tools professionally: you do not need to be 100% accurate or technical; and you do not need to use clinical language, but of course, you can if you wish to do so.
These tools were designed to work with plain, everyday language. Proper grammar is not needed, but punctuation can help separate your data more accurately; and minor typos are typically okay. Of course, major spelling errors could be problematic if they change the meaning of your information — so always keep that in mind.
For this example, (as you may be able to see in the screenshot on this slide), I purposely entered inputs without any capitalization, a few spelling errors, and using very plain language, along with not having definite answers for all inputs.
For example, the Job Goal field was completed with "something in construction," the Skills and Positive Traits field was filled in with "im good at driving a tractor and my frinds say i'm a good listener. oh and I also good at keeping my room clean."
Now, the more detail you provide, the better and more accurate your output is going to be — but even if you don't have all the answers, that's okay. Entering the word 'unknown' or 'unsure' in a field, if needed, is completely acceptable and should still produce a useful result.
Slide 16. Step 2: Click Generate Prompt
Once you've filled in the form fields, simply click the Generate Prompt button — the tool then instantly compiles everything into a structured, AI-ready prompt.
Alongside the generated prompt, there's an Instructions and Disclaimer box and I want to take a moment to highlight this because it's there on every single tool, and it's there intentionally. It reminds users of three important things:
- to not enter any personally identifying information,
- that any AI-generated output should be reviewed and verified,
- and, the tools are designed to support professional judgment — not replace it.
Slide 17. Step 3: Copy & Paste Into Your Preferred AI
Once your prompt has been generated, all that's left to do on the VocRehabTools side is click the Copy to Clipboard button. From there, you'll open whatever AI LLM platform you're most comfortable with or have access to. If you personally use ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or something else entirely, any of those will work. Once you're in your AI platform of choice, you simply paste the prompt into the chat box and click send or enter.
This is the step where you can make any changes to the prompt if you wish to do so. You do this simply by editing the prompt before you enter it into the AI chat.
And that's the complete workflow — 1. fill in the form fields, 2. click Generate Prompt, 3. click Copy, and 4. paste into AI. That's it.
Now, let's talk about the AI results!
Slide 18. Your AI Generated Result
This slide includes 3 screenshots of the AI response to the prompt I used from the Job Goal Alignment tool example. You're most likely not going to be able to read these screenshots, and that's completely intentional. It's not the specific words I want to showcase, because you can test this out on your own device.
Here, I just wanted to highlight the volume and the structure of the response. What AI returned from that single copy-and-paste prompt is a comprehensive, detailed, organized response that's specific to the inputs entered. This is not a three-sentence generic answer. This is a thorough, structured result that a counselor, job coach, job seeker, or anyone, can actually work with. This tells you something important about the value of a well-built prompt — and that's exactly what the AI-assisted tools on VocRehabTools.com are designed to produce for you.
Slide 19. What To Do With Your AI Result
Now that you have this result — what do you actually do with it? First and most importantly, you review it and you apply your own knowledge and judgment.
It's important to remember that while the inputs you provided give AI a lot of context to work with, it may still miss certain nuances — like your agency's specific policy requirements or the complexity of a particular client situation.
So, from there, you really have two main options:
You can continue the AI chat — to ask follow-up questions, request changes to the tone or format, ask for something additional, or repurpose the output entirely. For example, if you generated a full Vocational Assessment report but also need a brief version to share with a client's guardian, you could simply ask AI to reformat it as an email right there in the same chat.
Or, you copy the result at whatever point you're satisfied, make any final edits, and use it — whether that's a report, a planning document, a case note, or even just a reference point to help you prepare for your next conversation with a client, partner, or supervisor.
Either way, the tools get you to a strong starting point in minutes. Where it goes from there is entirely up to you.
Slide 20. Using AI Responsibly
I know I've mentioned these things earlier, but it's worth having its own slide. It's something I take seriously as the person who built these tools.
First and foremost: never enter personally identifying information into any unsecured AI platform. VocRehabTools.com does not collect or store any of the information you enter into the form fields — but once you begin using an external AI platform, you are subject to that platform's own data and privacy policies. So, keep it anonymous and protect yourself and the people you serve.
Second, always review AI outputs before using them. AI can sometimes produce errors, outdated information, or incomplete information depending on a variety of factors. If you're using these tools as a professional, then your professional judgment is not optional.
Third, if your agency or organization has a policy around AI use, make sure you're working within those guidelines.
And lastly, be sure to implement informed consent when using AI in vocational counseling, planning, or service provision. It's as simple as being human-first, transparent, and ethical with the people you serve, as you already do.
Slide 21. Tips & Reminders
A few final tips before we move on.
First: if you're not happy with your result, try a different AI platform if you have access to one. Different platforms can produce very different responses from the exact same prompt, and one may simply work better for a particular situation than another.
Second: AI is constantly changing. New platforms emerge, existing ones improve, and what works best today may look different six months from now. Stay open to that, and don't be afraid to try something new if your current platform stops meeting your needs.
Third: always start a fresh chat when switching tasks or moving to a new client situation. AI platforms can carry over context from previous conversations in ways you might not notice, and a clean chat is the simplest way to make sure you're getting a clean result. Also, if you use a platform with preset instructions, memory, or a customized agent, just be aware that those settings will influence your output.
And fourth: check back on VocRehabTools.com periodically. The platform is actively growing, with new tools in development and ongoing improvements.
Slide 22. Who Can Use VocRehabTools.com?
Hopefully, the previous slides have given you a solid sense of this, but I want to be explicit here, because the reach is broader than people might initially expect.
So, staff within a Vocational Rehabilitation program: counselors, placement counselors, support staff, supervisors, business development staff, and leaders can all find value here — whether they're brand new and still building their knowledge base, or seasoned professionals looking for efficiency tools.
VocRehabTools.com is also built for the full ecosystem of professionals who support individuals with disabilities: job coaches, employment specialists, transition coordinators, case managers, career and technical education teachers, special education teachers, direct support providers, business development specialists, and employers focused on inclusive hiring. Researchers and program evaluators may find it useful as well, depending on their project and participant needs.
Because VocRehabTools.com is completely public, individuals with disabilities and their families or support systems can access it directly too. The tools are designed to meet people where they are, and depending on the tool and the information provided, results will often recommend that individuals apply for VR or other disability employment programs — perhaps even yours!
Bottom line: VocRehabTools.com is built for anyone who needs support in the disability employment space.
Slide 23. Specific Use-Cases for VocRehabTools.com
So now that you know who can use VocRehabTools.com, let me walk through a few ways that it can actually show up in practice.
- In real time. These tools can be pulled up during a meeting or appointment — worked through live with a client on screen, whether virtual or in-person — functioning as a live planning resource right there in the session.
- Behind the scenes. Professionals can use the tools to prepare for upcoming appointments, draft progress notes, or think through a client's situation before they even enter the door. And individuals can use them independently to explore their own career options.
- While they wait. For individuals who don't yet qualify or who have been placed on a waiting list, VocRehabTools.com gives them something meaningful and free to engage with while they wait.
- Within structured services. Many tools integrate naturally into Job Club activities or Pre-Employment Transition Services.
- To support rapid engagement. Because the tools require no login or account, participants, families, and partners can access them independently, whether that's before appointments, between sessions, or at any point in their vocational journey. This not only fosters rapid engagement, but extends opportunities well beyond scheduled contacts, contributing to sustained participant engagement.
- As a foundational learning resource. For new staff or employers wanting to better understand disability employment, the tools help by simply working through them. Using the tools builds familiarity with the right questions to ask, the factors to consider, problem-solving strategies, available resources, and the language used in the field. While not a formal training platform, VocRehabTools.com can serve as a self-directed foundational learning resource.
There are many more potential ways to use the various tools on VocRehabTools.com in your workflows. Check back on the site frequently for additional blog posts or guides to help you generate more ideas — or you may want to schedule a brief staff meeting to brainstorm and discuss creative use-cases for each of the tools. It's important to remember that deciding to use some or all of the tools does not mean that you have to use the tools for every single task in your day-to-day work. For example, some case notes are simply not extensive enough to warrant using the Voice Case Note Editor/Generator. Or, another example, especially for seasoned professionals, not every client is going to have barriers that require the use of the Barrier Buster tool. Think of the tools as optional ways to make many of the time-consuming, mentally-draining, or complex tasks in disability employment, easier and more efficient.
Slide 24. And that brings us to the end of the presentation portion of today's session! I hope you discovered at least a few tools you're excited to try, a clearer picture of how AI can support disability employment work, and some ideas for how VocRehabTools.com specifically could fit into your own workflow or to help the people you serve.
If you'd like to connect further, you can reach me by email at [email protected] or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/5t3f.