Narrative: d. 2. D.

At present, DRS has representation in all high schools in all 55 WV counties. DRS counselors/staff regularly communicate with local school personnel to promote the awareness and usage of VR services. When permitted, DRS school counselors maintain an office in high schools to strengthen the DRS resolve to serve students with disabilities. DRS continually sponsors grants and activities to educate all stakeholders in high schools about VR services and employment opportunities for students with disabilities.

The cooperative agreement includes references that each student with a disability in the state who needs special education and/or vocational rehabilitation services should be promptly identified and the appropriate transition services are made available to the individual.

Education has responsibility for providing appropriate special education and related services for each eligible student with a disability, ages 3 to 21, enrolled in the public school system. For each eligible student with a disability at age 16 or younger, if determined appropriate, the transition service needs of the student must be identified, including interagency linkages. Students with disabilities shall have equal access to services, which are normally provided by public schools for non–disabled individuals, provided that reasonable accommodations or modifications can be made.

It is important that Education and Rehabilitation work together to determine logistics for providing transition services. The IEP and the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) must be developed with coordinated goals, objectives, and planned services for effective and successful transition to post–school settings. Each agency will cooperate to provide referral, support, and assistance to the agency with responsibility for services.