1. 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.

2. Welcome & Introductions

3. 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

4. VR Services to Schools
Every Public High School has an MRC assigned liaison
Full list of Statewide School coverage:
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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  

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

17. Questions
How can we help you?
Next steps….