Narrative: d. 2. A.

The DESE Cooperative Agreement is a written agreement within DESE between MVR and the Offices of Special Education and College and Career Readiness as well as Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB). The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate the coordination of transition services from school to postsecondary training and/or employment for individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in secondary education and are/or may be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services. This agreement addresses the following:

(A) consultation and technical assistance;

(B) transition planning to include pre-employment transition services, focusing on competitive integrated employment outcomes;

(C) roles and responsibilities and financial obligations;

(D) outreach and identification; and

(E) work-based learning experiences to include programs like Project Search.

The agreement also describes the coordination of efforts to satisfy documentation requirements regarding subminimum wage.

Collaboration may occur as a part of the Missouri Interagency Transition Team, described below.

Information may be provided regarding pre-employment transition services, MVR eligibility, and MVR transition services, as well as employment, the exploration of postsecondary training programs, and connections to community agencies/resources that may be appropriate for transition planning.

Information may be provided regarding collaboration with the local education agency (LEA) on work experience opportunities, such as internships, apprenticeships and employer-driven skills training.

Individual consultation and technical assistance may also be provided by MVR during an IEP or 504 meeting, during a person-centered planning meeting, etc. Consultation and technical assistance may occur in person, by conference call, video conferencing or by some other agreed upon means.

Special Education Advisory Panel

DESE appointed an advisory panel for the purpose of providing policy guidance with respect to special education and related services for youth and students with disabilities in the state. The advisory panel is appointed by the commissioner of DESE and includes an MVR assistant director of transition and section 511 services. Other members include:

• parents of children with disabilities (ages birth through 26)
• individuals with disabilities
• teachers
• representatives of higher education institutions that prepare special education and related services personnel
• state and local education officials
• representatives of other state agencies involved in the purchase or delivery of related services
• administrators of programs for children with disabilities
• state agencies’ representatives who provide services to children with disabilities including foster care and juvenile and adult corrections
• representatives of private schools and public charter schools
• vocational, community or business organizations

Missouri Connections

Missouri Connections is a web-based career exploration tool to assist Missourians in determining their career interests, explore employment opportunities, set up career plans and establish job search strategies and resources. Sponsored by DESE, Missouri Connections is free of charge to students, parents, guidance counselors, educators and jobseekers. Through Missouri Connections, OWD, Department of Higher Education, MVR and local school districts can utilize the same career planning tool with their clients/students. In addition to general career exploration/resource sharing, students/jobseekers may also develop a career portfolio by creating a unique username/password that will allow them to login and save information regarding their specific career interests, job search, resume, etc. Students/jobseekers who are receiving services through one or more of the above entities may also choose to share their login information thus eliminating the duplication of clients’ records and allowing for more efficient and effective services for mutual clients.

Missouri Interagency Transition Team (MITT)

MITT was formed through the Office of Special Education and includes members representing state-level agencies, including MVR, across Missouri who have an interest in improving post-secondary outcomes for youth with disabilities. MITT meets to collaborate, break down service barriers, share resources, improve overall systems of service and improve data sharing among agencies. The team is in the process of developing interagency training.

Two assistant directors, transition and section 511 services, are on the MITT and works closely with other MVR management staff to disseminate information and provide technical assistance to improve transition services and outcomes in Missouri. Recently, two new full-time and two part-time assistant directors of transition/section 511 services were added. They each have a territory and work directly with MVR staff to provide regional support and guidance and coordinate services.

Missouri Parent Training and Information Center (MPACT)

MPACT is a statewide parent training and information center serving all disabilities. A representative of MVR’s supervisory staff is an active member of the MPACT Board. In addition, a representative of MPACT is a member of the State Rehabilitation Council. MVR and MPACT collaborate on projects to assist students with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Project Search and Other Employer-Based Transition Training Programs

Project Search is a one-year, employer-led internship opportunity for VR eligible youth with cognitive/intellectual disabilities. It provides employability skills training and workplace internships for individuals with the most significant disabilities particularly students transitioning from high school to adult life. MVR is one of five required partners in the Project Search model. The other required partners are education, a CRP, a long-term provider (follow-along) and business. The first Project Search site was in St. Charles County and included a collaboration of St. Charles County school districts. The Office of Special Education awarded funding for training and technical assistance to replicate the Project Search High School Transition Program in the following schools: St. Louis City Public Schools, KC North School District, Kansas City Public Schools, the Independence School District, and Jefferson City High School. In addition to the Project Search programs, MVR is partnering with the Kansas City Public School District, Park Hill School District, Liberty School District and St. Joseph School District to provide similar employer-based transition training programs prior to high school graduation for eligible students with most significant disabilities. MVR district offices and counselors that serve each of these schools serve on an executive management team. MVR has made a commitment to assist with referrals and partial funding for training for MVR eligible youth to participate in these programs. In addition, through the supported employment program model, MVR is also working in partnership with CRPs and two other school districts, in Rolla and Columbia, to provide services for youth with disabilities through their employer-led work experience programs.