Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for Pre-Employment Transition services?

Students, ages 14-21, with disabilities who are still in high school or attending post secondary school (e.g., trade, college or university).

Who qualifies for Transition Student Programs?

Students attending high school or a Comprehensive Transition program.

What are the Pre-Employment Transition Services?

Pre-ETS include job exploration, counseling, postsecondary educational counseling, workplace-readiness training, work-based learning experiences, and self-advocacy training, including youth peer mentoring.

What are the Transition Student Programs?

Transition Student Programs help students with disabilities train for a job, continue their education or find a job after high school. Students can have the opportunity to explore STEM careers or participate in internships. Students with intellectual disabilities can receive support to attend Comprehensive Transition programs.

When should you apply?

Pre-ETS are a good start, but available only to students ages 14-21 to explore careers. When your student or youth needs supports or services that go beyond Pre-ETS, you should apply for VR services.

Who should be referred to VR?

• All students with disabilities ages 14-21.
• A student's disability must be documented by an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), a 504 Plan or some other means
• Students or youth out of school who may not need academic or physical accommodations in high school, but may need them later
• Students thinking about dropping out of high school or youth who are already out of school and ages 16-24 years old

What happens when you apply for VR services

You meet with a VR counselor to start the application process and determine eligibility. Once eligibility is established, you will be placed in the appropriate Order of Selection category. If a student is placed in an Order of Selection category that has a wait-list, the student may continue to receive Pre-ETS if the student started before placing the VR application. When your case is ready to be processed from the waiting list, your counselor will work with you to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Your IPE addresses the services you need for a successful transition to the agreed upon employment outcome.

How can I participate in a Transition Student Program?

Student should discuss this option with their VR Counselor.

How do you apply?

Use the VR Office Directory to locate the VR office nearest you. Inform the VR representative that you are interested in receiving VR services and they will help you determine what to do next.

What laws help students with disabilities in school?

There are several laws that can help students with disabilities be successful in school and their career. They are:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education. Exceptional Student Education services under IDEA if the disability adversely affects the student’s educational performance.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits the discrimination of youth with disabilities and ensures they have equal access to education.
• Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, known as WIOA, ensures that VR makes Transition Youth Programs available to all high school students with disabilities.