Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan* must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by WIOA:
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* Sec. 102(b)(D)(iii) of WIOA
d. 2. D. Procedures for Outreach to and Identification of Students with Disabilities Who Need Transition Services.
Current Narrative:
The written agreement also states that outreach should occur as early as possible during the transition process and must include, at a minimum, a description of the purpose of the VR program, eligibility requirements, application process and the scope of services that may be provided to eligible individuals.
VR counselors and/or area supervisors are involved in local transition councils if they exist in the community. Councils are made up of local stakeholders who are involved in the transition from school to work and adult life. Councils could include students/family, school personnel, service providers, etc. In addition, VR is responsible for providing written information to students and their families regarding adult services. This written information is available in both English and Spanish.
The interagency agreement between VR and DOE will be reviewed and continue to evolve as appropriate.
Presently, VR is reviewing its current practices and is developing a plan to ensure appropriate services are provided to transition–aged students. Currently, the schools and VR confer at least one time per year to review upcoming transition–aged students. VR Counselors are invited to IEP meetings and make it a priority to attend when schedules permit. However, due to the student and VR Counselor ratio; VR recognizes the need to identify other options for students. Under WIOA, the definition to services to groups and pre–employment transition services (with serving potentially eligible students) allows for flexibility and creativity in developing quality services for students. One new opportunity is reflected by the work of VR and Indiana’s Resource Center for Families with Special Needs (commonly referred to as INSOURCE). INSOURCE is Indiana’s federally–funded parent–to–parent training center for IDEA. DDRS/VR believes it is important to work with INSOURCE to build capacity to offer education and information to families and their children from school–based programs to adult services, including employment opportunities. This connection will allow parents, schools, and students to be more informed with accurate information about the services and supports through VR and can assist in making appropriate referrals.