1. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency & Transition Services
John Cheek, VR Team Lead & CRC

2. Mission and Vision
GVRA Mission: Employment and independence for Georgians with disabilities
Every Georgian with a disability can work and live independently if he or she chooses to do so

3. Statutory Programs and Services
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Local Offices
Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS)
Cave Spring Center (CSC)
Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
Disability Adjudication Services (DAS)
Georgia Industries for the Blind (GIB)

4. Who is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services?
Any citizen of Georgia who has a physical or mental disability that impacts his/her ability to go to work, and who can benefit from VR services to go to work.

5. What’s the Process? Referral Intake Determination of Eligibility
Individual Plan for Employment
Services
Employment

6. Client Services at VR Offices
The services available are based on what is needed to go to work. They may include, but are not limited to:
Vocational assessment
Vocational counseling and guidance
Physical and mental restoration services
Vocational training
School-to-work transition
Rehabilitation technology
Supported employment
Job search and job placement
Referral to other agencies for needed services

7. Employer Services at VR Offices
Identifying a qualified pool of candidates for available positions
On-the-job coaching
On site job assessments
Technical support and training to support long-term career success

8. Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS)

9. Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS)
The RWS campus encompasses 940 acres that offer a wide range of residential and day programs and services designed to promote self-determination, maximize independence and achieve competitive careers.

10. RWS Program Tracks Roosevelt Academy

11. RWS Program Tracks Direct Entry

14. Academic students served: 256
Employment rates at graduation:
December 2016: 51%
June 2016: 48%
December 2017: 53%

17. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Impact on VR
15% of 110 Funds set aside targeted at pre- employment transition services for students.
Student with a Disability
Not younger than the earliest age for transition services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Is not older than 21 (or the state’s maximum age
Is an individual with a disability on a 504 plan
Youth with a Disability
Is not younger than 14
Is not older than 24

18. WIOA Requirements
Population to Receive Pre-Employment Transition Services
Pre-employment transition services are provided to “students with disabilities” who are:
Eligible for VR services; or
Potentially eligible for VR services (i.e. all students with disabilities, including those who have not applied or been determined eligible for VR services).
May start as early as 9th grade
May receive Pre-ETS in Status 00-18

19. WIOA Requirements
Pre-Employment Transition Services: “Required” Activities
Job exploration counseling
Work-based learning experiences
Counseling on enrollment opportunities
Workplace readiness training
Self-Advocacy

20. Job Exploration Counseling
Wide range of activities meant to help individuals with career choices
Intended to foster motivation and consideration of opportunities
Real-world activities intended to ensure that students understand the importance of high school to their future
These activities can be done in conjunction with businesses in the community or through web- based resources

21. Work-Based Learning Experiences
Instructional approach that uses work experiences to provide students with skills that connect education to real work activities
Can also be done in conjunction with businesses within the community or through web-based resources
May include:
Job Shadowing
Apprenticeships
Internships
Practicum
Student-led Enterprises
Volunteering

22. Counseling on Enrollment Opportunities
It is essential that students are provided guidance on a variety of post-secondary education and/or vocational training options including:
Community Colleges
Military
Universities
Trade/Technical Schools
Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs

23. Workplace Readiness Training
These are common skills that most employers seeks from potential employees
The behaviors that are necessary for any job
Often referred to as “soft skills” or “employability skills”
Include:
Professionalism
Promptness
Active listening
Cooperation
Body Language/Eye Contact

24. Instruction in Self-Advocacy
The ability of an individual to effectively communicate his or her own desires and interests
These are skills that are needed in education, workplace and community settings
These skills include:
Self-Awareness
Disability Disclosure
Goal Setting
Evaluation of Options
Requesting Accommodations

25. QUESTIONS

26. For more information: Lauri Tuten Director of Transition Services
Shelley Kraft
Assistant Director of Transition Services