DVRS assists students with disabilities who will require services in order to prepare for, get, and keep a job. The ultimate goal is to create a smooth transition from school to work, so that upon graduation, a student is prepared to begin work and/or post secondary training that leads to employment.
| How does DVRS work with the schools? |
| DVRS Counselors from each local office are assigned to secondary schools to function as the liaison between the schools and DVRS. Our counselors collaborate with Child Study Teams and other school personnel in regard to students’ transition plans and offer in-service trainings to school staff, students and parents. For more information (“Guidelines for School Personnel”) click here |
| Letter to Students / Schools from DVRS Director. click here |
| How does a transitioning youth get started? |
Students may apply to become a DVRS client up to 2 years prior to exiting the secondary school system. Before that time, once a student turns 14, DVRS counselors upon request can provide consultations to the student, his or her parents and the student’s school. Such consultations could consist of: providing information about DVRS, vocational planning, and the disability related services that may benefit the student.
School districts typically make the referral to DVRS although students of age or others on the student’s behalf may do so as well.
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| Can students receive services from both DVRS & DDD? |
| Students who are of age to apply to DDD may work with both DDD and DVRS at the same time. For more information (“DVRS Myths & Facts”), click here |
| What happens after a student applies for services? |
After a student applies for services with DVRS, he or she is assigned to a DVRS vocational rehabilitation counselor who will determine if the student is eligible to receive services through DVRS. This eligibility determination is based on the student having a documented cognitive, mental, or physical impairment that poses a substantial barrier to employment. Once a student has become a client, their assigned DVRS counselor will continue to work on any transition plans developed during school as part of their IEP (Individualized Education Program).
The student and counselor will identify the student’s vocational goal as well as services the student will need to be successful in their chosen field of employment. This will then become the student’s IPE (Individualized Plan for Employment.) After the student graduates, the DVRS counselor will work with the student in implementing his or her IPE until such time that the student has found a job and has demonstrated the ability to maintain employment.
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