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

Youth Face Challenging Times Youth in particular have been hard hit by the economic downturn. Of all the age groups in Florida, Youth 16-24 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.

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?

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?

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

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

*** 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 ***

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 www.rehabworks.org and click on the VR Office Directory near the bottom of the page

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 www.rehabworks.org School to Work Transition Program for more information

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

Career & Employment Guidance Career & Service Centers- Disability Program Navigator http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/index.html School assisted Career Assessments www.iel.org/pubs/ncwd.html Self-Directed Career Assessments www.choices.org Agency Sponsored Career Counseling- VR School to Work Transition Program www.rehabworks.org

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

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

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

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).

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!!!

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)

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)

Questions Kirk.Hall@vr.fldoe.org (800) 451-4327 toll free Please Contact: Kirk.Hall@vr.fldoe.org (800) 451-4327 toll free (850) 245-3360 direct line 26