Deciding on what the next path is soon after graduation from High School is a daunting experience for anyone. Should I apply to college? Will I like post-secondary education? What do I really want to do with my life? Are there other options?
The answer to that is: YES! The option of Vocational Education/Training has become valuable and promising for all individuals, in particular, individuals with disabilities in finding enjoyable and lasting career options and learning valuable skills.
The following are several corporations and non-profit agencies that cater to individuals with disabilities and the transition to work experience through vocational training and education.
1) Vocational Rehabilitation- Florida Department of Education
http://www.rehabworks.org/
Vocational Rehabilitation had designed a program entitled, “School to Work Transition”. This program “involves a number of activities that help students enter training and/or work after leaving high school…our goal is to help students, who want to work, become better prepared for life beyond high school.”
- Who is eligible for VR Services? “Any individual who has a physical or mental disability which results in an impediment to employment and requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.”
- When is a Good Time for Referral to VR? - “VR representatives should be invited to all students Transition IEPs in high school. This is to ensure that early communication is occurring and that the student and family are aware of the opportunities, requirements, and services to ensure success after high school.”
- After the referral to VR, what is the next step? - “The student meets with a counselor and starts the application process and determines if he or she is eligible. After being found eligible, post-school planning can occur and a vocational plan will be developed that is similar to the objectives and goals of the students IEP in high school.”
The following are the types of assistance that may be available from Vocational Rehabilitation:
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Training and Education After High School
• Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
• Job Coaching
• Supported Employment
• Vocational Evaluation and Planning
Vocational Rehabilitation services provide a wonderful avenue for an individual with disabilities to expand their knowledge in the community through real-world experience, improve upon their self-determination skills, and find something they truly enjoy to do.
2) Hands On Educational Services, Inc. (813) 886-5600
- It is a reality-based approach to Vocational Training, Evaluation, and Placement for those with Special Needs.
- This type of training is for individuals who require an alternative to traditional programs at local community colleges and are targeted for individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues, emotional handicaps, and low reading levels.
- The training program is also for those who are too high functioning for intensive supportive employment.
- The services that “Hands On” provides are the following: “employability skills training, job coaching, evaluation, placement assistance, and inclusive services (uniforms, meals lodging, transportation).
- The following are the training sites that “Hands-On” offers: “The Hyatt Culinary Training Program, The Sears Program- training in automotive repair, sales, shipping/receiving.
- The goal of this program is to “remove the barriers to employment, increase the self-esteem and independence through reality-based training that leads to quick, successful employment.”
3) Angelwood, Inc (Jacksonville, Florida)- http://www.angelwoodjax.org/index.html
- Angelwood, Inc provides supervision and training for adults with cognitive or physical limitations to learn work related skills through their Adult Day Training Program and Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Books and Resources
• Community-Based Vocational Training- by Jill Wheeler
- A hands-on, how-to manual helps you create and maintain community-based vocational experiences for students with significant disabilities. The book's ten chapters follow a sequence of successful job placement - from getting started to on-site job training. Stresses functional assessments, transition planning and supportive employment options.
The answer to that is: YES! The option of Vocational Education/Training has become valuable and promising for all individuals, in particular, individuals with disabilities in finding enjoyable and lasting career options and learning valuable skills.
The following are several corporations and non-profit agencies that cater to individuals with disabilities and the transition to work experience through vocational training and education.
1) Vocational Rehabilitation- Florida Department of Education
http://www.rehabworks.org/
Vocational Rehabilitation had designed a program entitled, “School to Work Transition”. This program “involves a number of activities that help students enter training and/or work after leaving high school…our goal is to help students, who want to work, become better prepared for life beyond high school.”
- Who is eligible for VR Services? “Any individual who has a physical or mental disability which results in an impediment to employment and requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.”
- When is a Good Time for Referral to VR? - “VR representatives should be invited to all students Transition IEPs in high school. This is to ensure that early communication is occurring and that the student and family are aware of the opportunities, requirements, and services to ensure success after high school.”
- After the referral to VR, what is the next step? - “The student meets with a counselor and starts the application process and determines if he or she is eligible. After being found eligible, post-school planning can occur and a vocational plan will be developed that is similar to the objectives and goals of the students IEP in high school.”
The following are the types of assistance that may be available from Vocational Rehabilitation:
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Training and Education After High School
• Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
• Job Coaching
• Supported Employment
• Vocational Evaluation and Planning
Vocational Rehabilitation services provide a wonderful avenue for an individual with disabilities to expand their knowledge in the community through real-world experience, improve upon their self-determination skills, and find something they truly enjoy to do.
2) Hands On Educational Services, Inc. (813) 886-5600
- It is a reality-based approach to Vocational Training, Evaluation, and Placement for those with Special Needs.
- This type of training is for individuals who require an alternative to traditional programs at local community colleges and are targeted for individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues, emotional handicaps, and low reading levels.
- The training program is also for those who are too high functioning for intensive supportive employment.
- The services that “Hands On” provides are the following: “employability skills training, job coaching, evaluation, placement assistance, and inclusive services (uniforms, meals lodging, transportation).
- The following are the training sites that “Hands-On” offers: “The Hyatt Culinary Training Program, The Sears Program- training in automotive repair, sales, shipping/receiving.
- The goal of this program is to “remove the barriers to employment, increase the self-esteem and independence through reality-based training that leads to quick, successful employment.”
3) Angelwood, Inc (Jacksonville, Florida)- http://www.angelwoodjax.org/index.html
- Angelwood, Inc provides supervision and training for adults with cognitive or physical limitations to learn work related skills through their Adult Day Training Program and Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Books and Resources
• Community-Based Vocational Training- by Jill Wheeler
- A hands-on, how-to manual helps you create and maintain community-based vocational experiences for students with significant disabilities. The book's ten chapters follow a sequence of successful job placement - from getting started to on-site job training. Stresses functional assessments, transition planning and supportive employment options.
Wow I never knew there were so many vocational options available to children with disabilities. I think this is "OUTSTANDING" information and is very helpful for educators and parents who are puzzled with the question what is next. I will definitely save these links for future reference to share and encourage my students one day. Awesome....blog.
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