Vocational Rehabilitation Services for High School Students Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Vision: Engaging every student in Career Planning activities that lead to a fulfilling adult life through work.  Mission: For every student served, an independent life through meaningful work.

Welcome & Introductions

Who We Are MRC has 3 Divisions: Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Employment Supports for persons with Disabilities, ages 16 and up Disability Determination Services (DDS) Determines eligibility for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits (funded by SSA) Community Living (CL) Brain Injury and Specialized Community Services (BISCS) Acquired Brain Injury, Money Follows the Person, and Home & Community Based Waiver Programs Protective Services Independent Living Center Services Turning 22 Program Assistive Technology Program Home Care Assistance / Supported Living Services Consumer Involvement Program

VR Services to Schools Every Public High School has an MRC assigned liaison Full list of Statewide School coverage: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/mrc/mrc-vr-high-school-coverage-report-fy16.pdf Important Distinction in WIOA LAW: “Students in Secondary Education”: students aged 16 to 22, currently enrolled in high school vs. “Transition-Aged” youth: students age 16 to 22, can be in or out of school

The MRC Process Referral Processing List (60 days) Intake & Application Eligibility Determination Plan Development (and ITP, if needed) Service Provision Case Closure Post-Employment Services

Referrals Referrals can be made for Students: When: Direct from school to the local MRC office (“LEA”) Via a Chapter 688 Referral Direct from another state agency (DMH/DDS/DYS/DCF) Direct from Student/Family When: Ideally: Age 16 or at least two years prior to Graduation or Turning 22 Remember: MRC/Vocational Rehabilitation works with individuals with disabilities who range in age from 16 and up, with a vocational focus

Referrals- What’s Needed Social Security Numbers-cannot process a referral without, FED’s require for VR services Current Demographic/Contact information Guardianship and Citizenship/Work Authorization Parent/Guardian contact info, if applicable Expected Date of Graduation HELPFUL: Point of contact at local school Vocational Goals/Interests information Social Security Benefits Information (if applicable) Disability Documentation

Intake & Application Can happen at MRC’s offices or preferably at the school Work with counselor to schedule initial and follow-up visits with student/consumer -who should/must be present? (is student under 18?) Parent Legal Guardian

Eligibility Determination Once a consumer is off the 60 day processing list and has had Initial meeting with the counselor, the counselor has 60 days to determine eligibility. This is when we NEED: Most recent IEP/504 Plan/District Accommodation Plan Transition Planning Form Psychological/Achievement testing (3 years) Medical records for health-related disabilities Mental health reports Any other helpful info about the consumer’s area(s) of strength and difficulties

Plan Development & Service Provision Once Eligibility is determined, Counselor has 90 days to develop the Individualized Plan for Employment Counseling and Guidance Vocational Assessments ** Assistive Technology Evaluation ** Independent Living Center referrals Benefits Planning Identifying Transportation options ** Vocational Education & Training (Tuition Waivers) ** Job Placement and Coaching **ALL MRC PAID SERVICES ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AT THE TIME OF SERVICE AND SUBJECT TO FINANCIAL NEED DETERMINATION

Pre-ETS-Referrals To be eligible to receive Pre-ETS services, a student must be: A current consumer of the MRC Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, being referred from an MRC VR Area Office An enrolled high school student with a disability; and Within the Ages of 16 to 22 All Pre-ETS services are available as “non-paid services” – not subject to Financial Determination  

Plan Development & Service Provision: Pre-ETS Services Job Exploration Counseling: Counseling and guidance provided to students with disabilities designed to assist them in identifying and learning about job opportunities, including career assessment and planning. Examples: Counseling & guidance from VRC’s Testing-Interest, Aptitude VR Assessments & Evaluations Employer Industry briefings Soft skills trainings Internships and other work experiences Referral to Pre-ETS qualified Community vendor

Plan Development & Service Provision: PETS Services Workplace Readiness Training: services to assist students in preparing for employment through soft-skills training, job search training or other related areas. Examples: Counseling & guidance from VRC’s Soft skills trainings Internships and other work experiences MRC’s Workplace Readiness Summer Program Referral to PETS qualified Community vendor

Plan Development & Service Provision: Pre-ETS Services Work-Based Learning Experiences: Experiences provided in integrated settings designed to assist in obtaining skills and experiences to assist in future permanent employment. Examples: Internships and other work experiences Volunteer work Service learning projects Part-time job Referral to Pre-ETS qualified Community vendor

VR Counselor Involvement To help facilitate the transition from school to adult services, VR Counselors can: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with all appropriate school personnel Coordinate with other adult service agencies and families Participate in Parent Nights, Open House events or other school & community presentations Attend IEP/other in-school meetings, as appropriate, to provide vocational transition consultation Assess vocational and educational interests and abilities to facilitate IPE development prior to student leaving high school Provide schools with MRC transition marketing materials Coordinate and refer students and families to School Benefits Counselors for Work Incentives Planning

Student Benefit Counselors MRC has Student Benefits Counselors who are available to educate students and families regarding benefits and work incentives planning For students receiving SSI/SSDI benefits (and those who may be losing benefits soon) Goal is to ensure family support of student employment goals District Student Benefits Counselor – students must be in high school. MRC counselors can arrange a school visit and individual meetings After High School graduation, Benefits Planning services are still available through adult Benefits Planning Counselors (Project Impact or BenePlan, based on geographic area) North District contact: Kathleen Kelly (617) 776-2662 Kathleen.Kelly2@MassMail.State.MA.US

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