1. DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION What You Need to Know: Collaboration with VR to “Support Program Directors and the Service Mission”

2. Youth Face Challenging Times
Youth in particular have been hard hit by the economic downturn.
Of all the age groups in Florida, Youth have the highest unemployment rate at two times the statewide average.
Youth face increased competition for limited education and employment opportunities from displaced workers and retirees returning to the workforce.

3. What is the VR School to Work Transition Program?
VR School to Work Transition involves activities that help students with disabilities plan and prepare for employment success after school.
Activities emphasize development of work and social skills to establish a network of supports needed for life after school.
One best indicator of successful employment and independent living after high school?

4. What Does VR Provide?
Vocational Guidance and Counseling: The most important service that VR provides
Psychological/Medical Assessments: For service
Assistive Devices: Technology evaluation
Supported Employment: Ongoing supports
Training/Education: OJT, Apprenticeships, Certificates, Associate and Bachelor Degrees
Placement: Stabilization, follow-along and closure
And More…
How many of you received guidance or counseling while in high school?

5. What are Some VR Services?
Guidance & Counseling
On-The-Job Training (OJT)
Physical or mental restoration
Assistive technology before the student exits or when working
Supported Employment exit referral

6. Who Receives VR Transition Services?
VR does not serve the entire population of students with disabilities
Students must require VR services due to their disability in order to obtain employment
Individuals receiving SSI or SSDI due to their disability are presumed eligible for VR services
Most VR eligible students will fall into Priority Category I or II (no wait at present)
Training & Placement services do not require Financial Participation
Explain basis for evidenced based and promising practices. 6 6

7. *** Including Preparation for Work ***
Who Should Be Referred?
Youth that have:
A 504 Plan
An Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
A High Risk for Dropping-Out
Youth that do not have:
An IEP or 504 Plan, but do have a disability or condition that will interfere with work…
*** Including Preparation for Work ***

8. How Can I Be Referred & Apply?
Anyone can apply for VR services
The HS Transition Coordinator will often set up appointments at the school in conjunction with the Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
You will have to sign a release to invite VR
You can also contact the local VR office directly to make a referral
Go to and click on the VR Office Directory near the bottom of the page

9. When Does VR Get Involved?
Two years prior to exit
Students need to be able to participate in vocational activities and planning
When students are at risk of dropping out
Students beginning community based work experience
Visit School to Work Transition Program for more information

10. VR Coordination with the LEA
The LEA Transition Coordinator or school representative will make referrals to VR
The LEA and the VR staff member work together to coordinate schedules so that all may attend the IEP meeting
The LEA will provide school records to assist the counselor with the eligibility determination
The Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is then coordinated with the VR Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for VR eligible students

11. What Documents Does VR Need?
Current IEP or 504 Plan
Medical and/or psychological records or new evaluations that document disability
Transcript or academic reports
Attendance and tardiness reports
Behavioral reports, if applicable
Vocational training records and/or career assessments, if available
Involvement with any other agencies

12. Common Misconceptions
VR Is Not-
An Entitlement Program
A Scholarship
A Training Facility
A Job Bank
A Single Event

13. is a process of steps:
Step One: Applying for Services- An appointment with a counselor is given to assess your case and complete application paperwork, financial assessment and explanation of the order of selection
Step Two: Evaluation Period– During this time your eligibility and ability to work are determined.
VR has up to 60 days to make an eligibility determination
We will review medical, psychological, school records and other relevant documents to make a decision 13

14. Steps Continued:
Step Three: Rehabilitation Planning- An individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed
The IPE is based on the person’s capabilities, aptitudes, capacities and interests
VR has 120 days to develop your IPE
Step Four: Implementing IPE- Necessary Rehabilitation Services that lead to employment are provided
Step Five: Job Placement- Assistance to find and obtain employment
Step Six: Closure- A person’s case is only closed after at least 90 days of successful competitive employment or 150 days if in supported employment 14

15. How is the IPE Goal Determined?
Employment drives the planning process
The goal has to be realistic and attainable
The goal should align with the student’s capabilities, capacities and strengths
The focus of the VR counselor is not only employment, but to place you on the path to a meaningful career
On average, what’s the number of jobs it takes before a person has a good concept of work?
If we can’t have foresight,
We can at least have forethought.

16. Continued: IPE Goals-
Should be only as specific as is needed to identify appropriate services and providers
Should describe the job, not the field of study
Be compatible with your current diploma track
Position you in the market to have the most employment options in high demand occupations
May be amended when you and the VR counselor both agree
On average, what’s the number of jobs it takes before a person has a good concept of work?

17. VR Transition Services in High School
Disability Guidance & Counseling
Long Term Disability Planning
Postsecondary Accommodations & Assistive Technology
Employment
Community Based Work Experience
Volunteer Programs
Project Search
High School High Tech
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Job Coaching for Summer Work Experience
Uniforms & Supplies for Work Experiences
Transportation Assistance

18. Career & Employment Guidance
Career & Service Centers- Disability Program Navigator
School assisted Career Assessments
Self-Directed Career Assessments
Agency Sponsored Career Counseling VR School to Work Transition Program

19. Activities Supporting Transition
Business Connections: Employer & Professional Mentoring
Peer Counseling & Mentoring
Campus & Industry Tours
Community Service & Volunteerism
Youth and Social Clubs
Outdoor Recreation Organizations
Faith Based Organizations/Activities
School Based Enterprise
Explain basis for evidenced based and promising practices. 19 19

20. Agency Referrals for Community Networking
Vocational Rehabilitation
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Centers for Independent Living
Career and Service Centers
Social Security Benefits Planning for Beneficiaries

21. Community Service
Volunteering & Community Service programs link volunteers and members to specific jobs
Allows VR customers to explore jobs for fit
Hands-on training and practice is beneficial for many individuals with severe disabilities
List Volunteering & Community Service as CBWE (Community Based Work Experience) on the Individualized Plan for Employment

22. Social Skill Development
The “Number 1” reason given by employers for terminating an employee…
Youth often struggle in social settings or new situations, so practice and exposure helps
Counselors can address inappropriate work behaviors with the Volunteer program’s support
Studies indicate that suicide among youth can be avoided if they have even one good friend
Lack of Soft/Social Skills
Experience. Hourly rate vs salary and Benefits (insurance/leave).

23. Building “The Resume” Tips the Scales!!! K.S.A.
The “Number 1” way to screen-in your resume…
Eliminates gaps
Functional Resumes
Perception of Productivity
Supplements other work
experiences
K.S.A.
It is more than building “A Resume”, you need to stand out
Tips the Scales!!!

24. Community & Employer Exposure
The “Number 1” way people obtain employment…
Opportunities to develop a network of personal supports
Employers see that the person can do the job for which they would be hired
Promotes community awareness of disability issues, programs, and VR
Networking or W.O.M.
Networking or Word of Mouth (WOM)

25. Programs Benefit from Collaboration
Easier to mobilize volunteers for yearly opportunities
Volunteers establish a pool of potential members
Meets your requirement for Outreach
Agency may help with assistive technology and/or inappropriate behaviors
Provide disability training and assistance
Networking or Word of Mouth (WOM)

26. Questions Kirk.Hall@vr.fldoe.org (800) 451-4327 toll free
Please Contact:
(800) toll free
(850) direct line 26