TRANSITION GUIDE

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A TRANSITION GUIDE TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES As previously discussed, the continuum of services available through the VR program includes: preemployment transition services that are available only to VR eligible or potentially eligible students with disabilities; transition services that are available to groups of students or youth with disabilities, or on an individual basis under an approved IPE; and other VR services that are provided to eligible students and youth with disabilities under an approved IPE. The definitions of “student with a disability” and “youth with a disability” are listed in the Glossary of this guide. “Pre-Employment Transition Services” and Individualized Transition Services “Pre-employment transition services” are offered as an early start at job exploration and are designed to help students with disabilities that are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services identify their career interests. These services include: • Job exploration counseling; • Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities, or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships) provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible; • Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education; • Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living; and • Instruction in self-advocacy, (including instruction in person-centered planning), which may include peer mentoring. As noted earlier, pre-employment transition services are only available to “students with disabilities.” For students with disabilities who are not enrolled in an education program administered by an LEA, but who are enrolled in other public programs, VR agencies may coordinate the provision of pre-employment transition services for these students with disabilities with the public entities administering those educational programs. Services arranged or provided by the VR agency should be based upon an individual’s need and should enrich, not delay, the transition planning process, application to the VR program, and the continuum of services necessary for movement from school to post-school activities. Although the five distinct pre-employment transition services discussed above are only available to students with disabilities at the earliest stage of this continuum, either in a group setting or on an individual basis, VR agencies may provide transition services—another set of VR services in the continuum of services—to students and youth with disabilities. Some transition services are provided to groups of students and youth with disabilities prior to or after submitting an application for VR services. While these group services are not individualized or specifically related to the individual needs of the student or an approved IPE, they are beneficial and increase the student’s opportunities to participate in activities, such as group tours of universities and vocational training programs; employer site visits to learn about career opportunities; and career fairs coordinated with workforce development and employers. 14
A TRANSITION GUIDE TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES Individualized transition services or other individualized VR services must be provided to students and youth who have been determined eligible for VR services, and the services are described in an approved IPE. Examples of transition services provided in accordance with an approved IPE include travel expenses, vocational and other training services, employment development activities, job search and placement services, and job coaching. Transition services are outcome-oriented services designed to facilitate the movement from the receipt of services from schools to the receipt of services from VR agencies, and/or as appropriate, other State agencies. Transition services are also designed to facilitate movement towards post-school activities, including postsecondary education and vocational training that lead to employment outcomes in competitive integrated employment or supported employment. Individualized VR Services As noted earlier, if a student or youth with a disability needs individualized VR services, the student or youth must apply and be determined eligible for such services and have an approved IPE in place to receive those services. Individualized VR services are any services described in the IPE necessary to assist an individual with a disability in preparing for, securing, advancing in, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual. The VR services provided depend on the student’s or youth’s individual needs and include, but are not limited to: • An assessment for determining eligibility and VR needs by qualified personnel, including, if appropriate, an assessment by personnel skilled in rehabilitation technology; • Counseling and guidance, including information and support services to assist an individual in exercising informed choice consistent with the provisions of section 102(d) of the Rehabilitation Act; • Referral and other services to secure needed services from other agencies through agreements developed, if such services are not available under the VR program; • Job-related services, including job search and placement assistance, job retention services, follow-up services, and follow-along services; • Transition services for students with disabilities, that facilitate the achievement of the employment outcome identified in the IPE; • Supported employment services for individuals with the most significant disabilities; and • Services to the family of an individual with a disability necessary to assist the individual to achieve an employment outcome. 15
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TRANSITION GUIDE

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