Charting the Cs: Cooperation, Communication and Collaboration. Statewide Professional Development to Support the Workforce and Low Incidence Disability Areas. Charting the Cs Conference 2024. Partnering with VRS in Providing Transition Services Provided by Heather Kosec and Alyssa Klein What is Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)? State employment services agency that serves people with disabilities Division of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) State Services for the Blind (SSB) is a sister agency that serves those who are blind, low vision or DeafBlind Partner in the CareerForce system 50 CareerForce locations in the state VRS serves youth and adults: Any Age 14+! “Student with a Disability” for VRS Has an IEP (in special education); or 504 plan; or Other medical/mental health documentation Bringing Services and Supports Together for Students with Disabilities Services VRS Provides Career Counseling Job Training Job Placement Services to Keep a Job Pre-Employment Transition Services And more! Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Job Exploration Counseling Work-Based Learning Experiences Postsecondary Education Counseling Workplace Readiness Training Instruction in Self-Advocacy Definitions of Pre-ETS View Definitions of Pre-Employment Transition Services - Full version Pre-ETS Availability Are provided in collaboration between schools and VRS Must be made “available” statewide to all students with disabilities Any student with a disability who is age 14-21 can receive Pre-ETS Two VRS Staff Assigned to Every School VR Counselor and Pre-ETS Representative No wrong door: Send referrals to either staff person Find the staff assigned to your school 2 Levels of VRS Support VRS Student Career Services: Two Levels of Support Introductory Career Services VRS staff: Pre-ETS Representative Typical starting point for 9-11th graders **We need: “Verification” of disability** VR Career Services VRS staff: VR Counselor Typical starting point for 12th graders and age 18-22 transition students **We need: “Documentation” of disability** Steps for Accessing VRS Services Contact one of the VRS staff assigned to the student’s school They will set up a meeting to explain services and provide an application packet Ideally the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) are there VRS verifies student eligibility for services Planning for services begins… Planning Services Together Ideally a team meeting is held with student, parent(s)/guardian(s), school staff (i.e. IEP case manager) Discuss: Pre-ETS needs and what VRS will provide How services will be coordinated with school services How and when services will be provided How communication will take place Follow-up meetings VRS Contracts with Community Agencies Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) Centers for Independent Living (CILs) CareerForce partners Flyer and Video for Students and Families Pre-Employment Transition Services - Video (2:36) Connecting Students to Work - Flyer Adults: Accessing VRS Complete an interest form A VRS staff person will respond shortly Be sure to attend our upcoming sessions… Minnesota’s NEW Transition Framework: Keynote, 8:30 on Wednesday April 17 Resources in Minnesota’s Transition Framework: 11:50 on Wednesday April 17 Discussion What questions do you have? What successes in partnering with VRS can you share? What ideas do you have for increasing the partnership between schools and VRS/ How can our youth team help you Thank you! Heather Kosec, Youth Services Manager Heather.Kosec@state.mn.us Alyssa Klein, Youth Services Coordinator Alyssa.Klein@state.mn.us