dds: Rehabilitation Special Services Division

The Special Services Division is to provide outreach services to the emergent populations in the District including the Latino, Asian, Pacific- Islander and African to provide information about RSA vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. Ongoing group meetings are held with the special groups as well as staff participation in community forums, neighborhood events, job fairs, faith based and other community based activities. Staff performs translation of RSA materials, forms, and letters in addition to interpretive services for customers during medical and clinical visits and appointments with counselors. A significant number of the emergent customers require comparable services and supports outside of RSA. Under these circumstances, staff will provide linkages to public and/or private agencies such as Income Maintenance Administration, Early Childhood, community medical vendors, DC Center for Independent Living, Pepco, the Gas Company, etc. to address customer needs.

YOUTH and TRANSITION SERVICES and SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT/SPECIAL SERVICES SECTION (OYTSE)
Rehabilitation Services Administration is required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended to provide transition services for youth with disabilities and to provide supported employment services. RSA is also required to provide outreach services to special/emergent populations.

Youth and Transition Services Section:
The RSA Youth and Transition Services Program Section works with the District of Columbia state and local education agencies to provide mandated vocational rehabilitation transition services to students with disabilities and their families. Transition services means “a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability (ages 16-21 years) that is designed within an outcome oriented process that promotes movement from school to post school activities including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported), continuing and adult services, independent living, or community participation.” RSA Transition Specialists are assigned to DC public and charter high schools where they conduct outreach and orientation activities to educate students and parents about vocational rehabilitation services, and provide technical assistance to school staff including teachers, special education coordinators, and principals. Other program activities with students and parents include 1) facilitating individual and group career planning; 2) conducting informational workshops i.e. disability awareness, economic trends, assistive technology, etc; 3) developing work experiences and career mentors for the students; 4) participating in job/resource fairs, career days, and PTA meetings; and 5) providing outreach to private schools who have contracts with DC Public School’s to serve DC students with disabilities.

Supported Employment Services Section:
The Supported Employment Program Section provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with the most significant disabilities to assist them to secure, maintain or regain competitive employment in integrated work settings that pay at least minimum wage with benefits. Supported employment services are individualized and include counseling and guidance, rapid job search and placement, on-the-job coaching, short term training, and follow-along support. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors with the Supported Employment Unit determine eligibility, provide vocational counseling and guidance, and develop an Individualized Plan for Employment which outlines the services and supports for achieving the customer’s vocational goal. Through partnerships with the Department of Mental Health and the Developmental Disabilities Administration, RSA utilizes community-based service providers for implementing the job development, placement, and coaching activities.