Significant changes in the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 2014 now provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies across the nation with the opportunity to provide expanded services in five specific focus areas to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or 504 plans, whether or not they have applied or been found eligible for DVR services.
These services can be provided to groups of students who are eligible or potentially eligible for DVR services, and also to students with higher needs who have open cases with DVR. Individualized services are carefully planned in coordination with a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The services can be provided to students starting around age 16, if they have school-based IEP or 504 plans.
Pre-employment transition services focus areas include:
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Job exploration
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Work-based learning experiences
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Exploring opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive or post-secondary educational programs
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Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
Instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring.