ARS agrees to provide eligibility determination according to ARS policy, and consultation and technical assistance to assist educational agencies in planning for the transition of students with disabilities from school to post-school activities, including VR services when requested and appropriate. ARS counselors will provide information to schools about VR services, meet with special education teachers during the school year, and ensure schools have appropriate forms and information for students to apply for services. ARS will work with schools to assist the student with significant disabilities in identifying, selecting, and pursuing appropriate career objectives. ARS counselors will provide information to schools regarding services available through VR, meet with special education teachers during the school year, and ensure schools have appropriate forms and information for students to receive services available through ARS.
Partner high schools agree to work cooperatively with ARS to provide appropriate transition services to students to assure the student’s entry into suitable employment, postsecondary education or training, and independent living. Schools will carry out all required transition planning provisions mandated by IDEA and state regulations, will conduct regular staff development training regarding transition requirements and include ARS counselors in the training when appropriate, will provide referrals to ARS counselors, will provide private meeting space for ARS counselors to meet with students, will include ARS counselors in students IEP meetings with authorization by parents or guardians and student knowledge, will communicate regularly with ARS counselors, and will provide ARS with copies of school records.
ARS will ensure each student with a significant disability enrolled in a vocational education program receives an interest assessment, and identifies capabilities. ARS will provide accommodations as needed to ensure successful completion of the vocational education program for VR eligible youth in accordance with their respective IPEs; unless these accommodations are the responsibility of the LEA pursuant to FAPE regulations. ARS will provide technical assistance to local education agencies to ensure equal educational opportunities including full opportunity to participate in programs, to ensure activities and job opportunities are provided to all youth and students, and to analyze, identify, and change policies and activities that impede the achievement of equal opportunities for all individuals.