Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services to In-School Youth
Transition services, as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 amended, are a coordinated set of activities for students designed within an outcome-oriented process. These activities promote movement from school to post-school activities including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation.
A major purpose of transition services is the creation of a continuum of services that begin in school and result in successful post-secondary long-term employment outcome based on the student’s interests, needs, and abilities. Vocational rehabilitation transition services link students with disabilities, while still in school, with the vocational rehabilitation program to create a continuum of services leading to long-term employment outcomes for eligible students. The benefits of (vocational rehabilitation) transition services include the decrease in gaps in services between education and employment, the preparation and engagement of students/young adults in postsecondary training programs, and focused plans for employment that result in earlier accomplishments of long-term employment goals. DC RSA works collaboratively with the DCPS to ensure an uninterrupted plan of services for students from the secondary education environment to postsecondary employment training and placement.
VR Transition Services
DC RSA works collaboratively with the DCPS to ensure the delivery of a continuum of services for students while in secondary education to postsecondary employment training and employment outcomes. The following services are provided to students with disabilities served by the DC Public Schools system. Technical assistance to schools and students to address the academic and vocational preparation requirements for postsecondary employment for the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP)-DCPS plan.
Specific areas of technical assistance include the preparation and expectations of the greater metropolitan workforce, employment trends, skill requirements, and academic/vocational prerequisites for postsecondary training for employment. Eligibility determination for vocational rehabilitation services leading to the development of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)-DC RSA plan for students referred.
Services include career /vocational guidance and counseling and further assessments (as deemed appropriate and based on school findings) including vocational, medical, psychological, and assistive technology.
The development of the IPE is completed before the student’s graduation/aging out of school.
