Vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities

Pre-Employment Transition Services

How to Receive Services from VR Using a Pre-Case

How to Receive Services from VR Using a VR Case. 

Pre-employment transition services provide opportunities for students with disabilities to learn through work and education. To receive more information about how to access Pre-Employment Transition Services, please contact the VR office in your region.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to find good job. In 2014 the changes to WIOA set Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) on a new path. One of these changes requires VR agencies to provide “Pre-Employment Transition Services” to “Students with Disabilities.” Pre-Employment Transition Services are services that VR and schools work together to provide.

IDVR and Tools4Life

Pre-employment Transition Services include:

• Job exploration counseling – the process that will help you to discover your interests and abilities and the world of work to help you make career and educational decisions. Work with a VR Counselor to investigate careers, and/or work with an employer to mentor you on careers.
• Work based learning opportunities – the opportunity to gain work experience though paid or unpaid work in a community based setting.
• Counseling on post-secondary educational opportunities – the process of researching what post-secondary education is needed for specific careers and determining which institutions offer the programs you need to further your education.
• Workplace readiness training – services that will help you to learn the skills that you will need to be successful at work. This may include instruction in soft skills, communication, and/or independent living skills.
• Instruction in self-advocacy – the process of learning how to make informed decisions on your future and explain to other what you need to be successful on a job or in school.

Student with a disability is an individual in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program who:

• Is a student aged 14-21,
• Is eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and/or
• Is an individual with a disability, for purposes of section 504.

If you have a disability that makes employment hard for you, you may be eligible for services to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain a job. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a U.S. Department of Education funded program that provides these services in every state, territory, and many Indian Nations. Vocational Rehabilitation serves all disability groups, but some states have a separate program called State Services for the Blind that provides specialized services for individuals with legal blindness.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for VR services, an individual must:

1. Have a physical or mental impairment that presents a substantial barrier to employment; and be able to benefit from VR services to achieve employment.
2. Need VR services to prepare for a job, or to get, keep, or regain a job.

People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are considered eligible for VR, unless they are too disabled to benefit.

What services are available from Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational Rehabilitation is an individualized employment program. Participants may receive diagnosis, an individualized rehabilitation program, counseling and guidance, training, job placement, and services to support job retention. Many applicants are referred by schools, hospitals, welfare agencies, and other organizations, but you may apply directly for service.

How do I apply for services?

Contact your local office for the specific process to apply. You will be asked to submit a written application, and given instructions there. Eligibility decisions are made within 60 days of application.

Find your nearest local office by either contacting your state’s vocational rehabilitation office, or through the American Job Center network, where many Vocational Rehabilitation staff are located.

What other disability employment programs are available?

• The Ticket to Work Program (TTW) helps people who receive Social Security due to a disability find work and keep their health coverage.
• If you are a veteran with a disability, check out Veteran and Military Transition Center for help with employment, training, and financial assistance.
• Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide job coaching, training, and information on disability in the workplace to help people with disabilities maintain their independence. Find your nearest CIL.

Who is eligible for VR in Texas?

What is DARS program in Texas?

What is DARS program in Virginia?

Does Pa OVR pay for college?