A Guide to

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

for

School to Work Transition Services

What is Vocational Rehabilitation? (VR)

Vocational Rehabilitation is a state-federal program within the Florida Department of Education (DOE).  This program assists eligible individuals with disabilities who have a physical or mental disability to prepare for, gain, or regain employment.

Who is Eligible for VR Services?

To be eligible for VR services, an individual must have a physical or mental disability which results in an impediment to employment and requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.

What is VR School-to-Work Transition?

VR School-to-work Transition involves a number of activities that help students enter training and/or work after leaving high school.  Their goal is to help students, who want to work, become better prepared for life beyond high school. 

How Does a Student get Referred to VR?

Referrals can be made by anyone, including teachers, guidance counselors, other school personnel, parents, or the student. Simply contact the local VR office directly or use the information below.

What are the School's Responsibilities?

The school is responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education, including specialized instruction and related services, to students with disabilities until they earn a standard diploma or reach their 22nd birthday.  Schools convene transition Individualized Education Plan (IEP) teams to begin transition planning with students beginning at age 14 or earlier if needed.

When is a Good Time for Referral to VR?

Representatives from VR should be invited to participate in transition IEP meetings for students likely to need VR services when the student is age 16 or earlier if needed.  The purpose of this early communication is to ensusre that the student and family are aware of VR eligibility requirements and possible services.  However, a good time for the formal referral to VR would be by the end of the student's junior year or no later than November of the student's senior year in high school.  This will ensure timely eligibility determination and finalization of an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) by the time the student leaves school.

What About Students with Disabilities Not Covered by an IEP?

Students with disabilities who are not eligible for exceptional student education and do not have an IEP may be eligible for accommodations and services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.  Schools develop 504 (Accommodations) Plans for eligible students.  These students may also be appropriate for VR services.

What Happens Next?

The student meets with his or her VR counselor to start the application process to determine eligibility. Once found eligible, post-school planning will begin and services will be provided as needed.  At that time, an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) will be developed.  The IPE will closely match the school's transition IEP.

What do VR Services Cost?

Vocational Rehabilitation services are provided at no cost to eligible persons.  However, use of comparable services will be explored throughout the process (e.g. scholarships, public support).

What if my child is receiving Social Security?

It is possible for a student to work and continue to receive Social Security benefits and Medicaid.  Conditions are specific to each person and should be discussed with a VR Counselor or Social Security Representative.

What Type of Assistance May be Available From VR?

   Medical and Psychological Diagnosis

   Vocational Evaluation and Planning

   Counseling and Guidance

   Job Coaching

   Training and Education After High School

   Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations

   Job Placement

   Supported Employment

   Support Services

What is the Importance of Family Involvement?

The success of transition planning depends on the involvement of the parents or guardians in helping their student, aged 18 years or younger, achieve his or her goals.  When a student reaches 18 years or older, he or she will assume responsibility for their own planning.  However, family support continues to play an important role in his or her success beyond high school.

How Can VR Help?

VR provides services that are based on the needs of students seeking employment through career planning, job training, job coaching, job placement, follow-up, and/or other services deemed necessary to reach the employment goal.

In Marion County contact:

State of Florida 

Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

2703 NE 14th Street

Ocala, FL 34470

Phone: (352) 732-1290

or:

Florida Department of Education

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Building A

2002 Old Saint Augustine Road

Tallahassee, FL 32301-4862

Phone: (850) 245-3400 (Voice and TTY)

            (800) 451-4327 (Voice and TTY)

www.rehabworks.org

(Information taken from Department of Education Division of Vocational Rehabilitation brochure 'A Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation Services for School to Work Transition Services' (7/03))

VR Handbook