The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide “pre-employment transition services” to “Students with Disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services.”
So, what are Pre-Employment Transition Services?
- Job exploration counseling
- Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities, experiences outside of the traditional school setting, and/or internships
- Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs
- Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
- Instruction in self-advocacy
Who is Eligible?
A Student with a disability is an individual with a disability in a secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program who:
- is not younger than the earliest age for the provision of transition services (age 14)
- up until the age of 22
- is eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or
- is an individual with a disability eligible for section 504
VR agencies may provide the following to improve the transition of students with disabilities from school to postsecondary education or an employment outcome:
- implement effective strategies that increase independent living and inclusion in their communities and competitive integrated workplaces
- develop and improve strategies for individuals with intellectual and significant disabilities to live independently, participate in postsecondary education experiences, and obtain and retain competitive integrated employment
- provide training to vocational rehabilitation counselors, school transition staff, and others supporting students with disabilities
- disseminate information on innovative, effective, and efficient approaches to implement pre-employment transition services
- coordinate activities with transition services provided by local educational agencies under IDEA
- apply evidence-based findings to improve policy, procedure, practice, and the preparation of personnel
- develop model transition demonstration projects
- establish or support multistate or regional partnerships that involve States, local educational agencies, designated State units, developmental disability agencies, private businesses, or others
- disseminate information and strategies to improve the transition to postsecondary activities of those who are traditionally unserved
For more information on how you can access pre-employment transition services, contact HireAbility VT (Formerly VT Vocational Rehabilitation)
Resources shared by the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center