Employment
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Description: Counseling on Educational and Training Options is one of the five pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) categories. Providing students with counseling on educational and training options after high school opens multiple pathways for future career and financial stability and success. Students should receive guidance on the full variety of options available to them, such as college, vocational programs, and apprenticeships. Providing students with education and training guidance helps...
Description: Virginia's Collaborative Model for Pre-Employment Transition Services offers the resources necessary to enrich Pre-ETS initiatives in the state. We provide the tools for collaborating, communicating, and coordinating services with student teams to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities. Explore resources spanning all five Pre-ETS categories, and join us in empowering every student's journey to success! The five Pre-ETS categories include: Job Exploration Counseling...
Description: Virginia Parent Transition Survey - This updated survey is a way for parents to describe their expectations for their child/youth’s future and their expectations. Completing this survey before or during a transition planning IEP meeting will provide important information that can lead to improved planning and better outcomes after leaving high school. Not all of the sections or choices may be relevant to your child/youth, so please complete those that best describe your concerns and...
Description: Youth Engagement - Youth participation in planning, engaging, and assessing transition services empowers them, increases their self-determination, and gives them the skills and self-confidence needed for success in learning, working, and living. These resources are for students and youth as they prepare for adult living. There are also resources for the professionals and family members who serve as allies with young people. The content has been developed by both young adults with...
Description: Transition and Court-Involved Youth: Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment is an informal assessment used to gauge early job assets and needs. This assessment can be conducted with a team or independently with a student, teacher, and parent/guardian.
Description: Virginia’s 21st Century Workplace Readiness Skills are personal qualities, people skills, and professional traits that are necessary for employment success. To assess the student, for each skill description select the performance category that best describes the student’s performance level in the classroom and in work-based learning experiences in school and the community. After completing the rubric, analyze the results to determine the student’s strengths and areas of...
Description: Families play a crucial role in preparing their child for college and careers through valuable work-based learning (WBL) experiences. WBL facilitates supervised experiences for students with disabilities organized by schools and vocational rehabilitation agencies in real work settings. These experiences help students develop interests and skills for employment. Work-based learning experiences connect classroom learning and real-world work to improve students’ chances of securing...
Description: Supporting the Educational Goals of Young Adults with Mental Health Conditions - College education or training can be the passport to economic self-sufficiency for young adults with a mental health condition. Research has shown that young adults with mental health conditions struggle to complete high school and college more so than any other disability group. However, post-secondary education or training is possible for anyone, especially accompanied by the proper accommodations, assistive...
Description: The Career Planning Toolkit is a resource for educators and counselors supporting students with significant disabilities through the career planning process. The toolkit uses hands-on activities to help students plan for their careers as they prepare for a successful transition to postsecondary education or employment. The toolkit is acompanion resource for the Center on Transition Innovations’ Get Ready for Your Career course.
Description: Transition services is a term used to describe a set of services provided by schools and State vocational rehabilitation agencies. Both are designed improve post-school outcomes for students and youth with disabilities. The specific transition services VR and schools provide are a little different and designed to work together. The information below is about VR Transition Services, which focus on services related to employment. Transition services provided by State vocational rehabilitation (VR)...
Description: Do you support students as they transition to school or work environments? Do you support students as they transition to school or work environments? The following list of webshops and resources can help you learn more about: The transition process for students, especially those who use assistive technology (AT), from high school to postsecondary institutions such as 2 and 4 year colleges, How to design transition plans that can lead to positive post-school outcomes for students with...
Description: Level Up Virginia (LUV) is a statewide initiative led by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Their mission is to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment and completion for all students in the Commonwealth. They are committed to making college access information easily understandable and accessible for students of all backgrounds. Timeline: What Level Are You On? (Infographic) Prepare - Students with Disabilities...
Description: These Project Briefs are from VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC). They provide input from families about the pathway to integrated employment. Project Brief 1: The Voice of Families: Exploring Perspectives on the Pathways to Integrated Employment. (2020). Project Brief 2: Meaningful Work for Individuals with IDD: Insights from Families. (2020). Project Brief 3: Barriers to Employment for Individuals with IDD: Insights from Families. (2020). Project Brief 4: Supporting...
Description: Age 18 is considered an adult in most states. This means you can make choices in your life about your education, where you live, what doctor you see, what to do with your money, and many other things. This document lists some things you should think about as you become an adult.
Description: Transition-age youth with disabilities are less likely to be employed, have fewer work experiences than youth without disabilities, and face multiple barriers in obtaining of employment. Secondary education services that have been found to be effective in improving transition to work of youth with disabilities were identified as well as contextual factors that play a role in the success of the associated services.
Description: The preliminary findings of this study have two main implications for practitioners assisting students with severe disabilities to connect with employment while in high school. First, although the involvement of parents and special educators is crucial, students need additional supports. In this study, the students that were successful in obtaining employment in high school had support from at least one or some combination of Pre-ETS providers, VR counselors, additional...
Description: Spotlight Virginians: Student Success Stories invites you to follow along the journey of several young adults with disabilities as they share their stories of successful transition outcomes. Highlighting successful postschool outcomes of young adults with disabilities is a way to raise expectations and showcase what's possible. Whether that's postsecondary education or training, independent living, or employment, each of these students has a unique journey that we all can learn from. Note:...
Description: Employment Checklist for Students (Ages 14-22) with Disabilities (PEATC - Getting a job is an exciting experience that takes planning. There are important documents you may need before you can get a job. There are skills you will need to prepare you for employment, and actions that you may need to take to be successful. This checklist can help you prepare for employment. This list does not include every item needed and some of these may not apply to you since your employment goals are...
Description: Topical Paper: Developing Work-Based Learning Internships - High-Quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences are integral to career development and planning. WBL experiences relate to career interests, are informed by instructional preparation, and collaborate with community businesses and organizations. These experiences promote career awareness, exploration, and preparation. Virginia identified twelve different types of WBL experiences. One of the twelve types of experiences is a...
Description: Transition Assessments: Assistive Technology 2022 Virginia Assistive Technology, Tools, and Strategies (VATTS): Consideration Guide and Resources will guide the IEP team through the consideration and documentation process. (free) WATI Assistive Technology Assessment is a process based, systematic approach to providing a functional evaluation of the student’s need for assistive technology. (free) Transition Assessments: Career Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is...
Description: This module defines and discusses the purpose of interagency collaboration and addresses the importance of partnering with agencies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school (est. completion time: 2 hours).
Description: Families can participate in Person-Centered Planning activities, with or without Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) services, to create a vision of a good life using tools from Charting the LifeCourse. We have created a video series that demonstrates how families can use the Life Trajectory, the Life Domain Vision Tool, and the Integrated Supports Star tools to create a vision for a good life for their loved ones with disabilities.
Description: These specific tips can help parents/families make the most of their role as parent and partner during secondary transition planning.
Description: This module provides information for counselors and other education professionals to assist high school students with disabilities in the transition from the school environment to a post-school setting (est. completion time: 1.5 hours).
Description: Our intellectual and developmental disabilities services in the Richmond, Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Alexandria and surrounding areas provide support to help children and adults reach their personal life goals. Each unique program is based on the needs of the individual seeking our services. We work with adults and children to build the skills they need to become more independent and reach their highest potential as a member of the community. At Dominion Care, we offer group day services, coaching...
Description: Virginia Career VIEW (Vital Information for Education and Work) is recognized as the Commonwealth's Career Information Delivery System for all students in grades K-12 and Ages 18+ in Virginia. We are located at Virginia Tech as part of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in the School of Education. As part of the Office of Education, Research and Outreach, our mission is to inform, encourage, and support the education and career development of the people of...
Description: A visual resume—A.K.A. a representational portfolio, or person-centered resume—is a positive and strength-based representation of the job seeker. This type of resume is a visual marketing tool introducing job seekers who need customized employment or more intensive or longer-lasting supports. When you are supporting a job seeker with a limited repertoire of formal experiences and skills, the visual resume can be a strong alternative. In other words, this...
Description: Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN)™ is Autism Speaks’ evidence-based employment system to build and support inclusive workplace culture through a comprehensive suite of resources. National data shows that most autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed, despite having the skill sets and expertise to excel in the workplace. Autism Speaks, together with our partners, aims to transform employment for those on the spectrum through...
Description: To prepare Virginia’s students for postsecondary education or to meet employers’ expectations of candidates for entry-level jobs House Bill 1299 and Senate Bill 738 (2022 General Assembly) charged the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) with collecting information that assists high school students in making more informed decisions about their futures after graduating from high school. This ensures that...
Description: Since 2018, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has included high-quality work-based learning (WBL) as one of the options for meeting state graduation requirements. To graduate, students are required to either complete: An Advanced Placement, honors, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment course; or Participate in an HQWBL experience; or Earn a CTE credential. HQWBL includes school-coordinated work experiences that appeal to the student's career interests, are integrated...
Description: By hiring someone with Down syndrome, you start a virtuous chain: the more that people with Down Syndrome are seen at work, the more they’ll be recognized as valuable employees, and the more they’ll be hired.
Description: Learning how to advocate for yourself could help you at school, at your job and in your community. Advocating for yourself means knowing what your needs are and speaking up for yourself to get your needs met. It takes practice! To hear tips from other students with disabilities who have learned to advocate for themselves in high school, at work, and at college.
Description: Digital Portfolio for Families - PEATC’s Digital Portfolio allows parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities the ability to organize personal, educational, medical, and legal information and documentation in a portable digital format. The portfolio provides users with easy access, reduced stress, no more binders, and less paperwork to store. Digital Portfolio for Military Families - PEATC’s Digital Portfolio for Military Families allows service members the ability to keep...
Description: TransCen On-Demand Webinars are designed to translate research and effective practices into useable, practical information, making it easier for participants to put knowledge into action. Depending on the topic, our webinars assist vocational rehabilitation staff, policymakers, researchers, individuals with disabilities and their families, educators, practitioners, service providers, and employers. Captions are provided for both live and recorded sessions. Special pricing is available for groups...
Description: Virginia Commonwealth University received a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) to fund the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities. The RRTC will conduct six studies to generate evidence-based interventions to assist youth to enter competitive integrated employment. The training materials and events focus on meeting the needs of stakeholders including...
Description: Make Stuff and Love People has over 1,500 images and 500 QR codes to "how-to" videos and resources for immediate access using any smartphone camera. The book is packed with devices that can be made in minutes for physical, visual, hearing, communication, or other challenges. "How-to" instructions for devices include those for reading and writing; life skills; employment; alternative communication; mounting devices to mobility aids; tablet and phone holders; self-care, eating, drinking, art, and...
Description: Hire Autism is a free program led and run by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). With an active jobs board and by offering resources for employers and job seekers alike, Hire Autism aims to expand opportunities for individuals with autism and serve as a continuing resource for them in their workplaces. This website has 3 sections: I'm Looking for a Job- Hire Autism wants to help candidates find the right job. By registering with us, you’ll be able to make a unique profile to help...
Description: Inclusive Pathways to Success (IPS) is a nonprofit trade school created for young adults with differing abilities that will empower students, serve as their ally and build a new talent pipeline for the skilled trades in the greater DC area. We do not believe that our students’ disabilities, such as severe ADHD, autism, learning disabilities or mild intellectual impairment, are barriers to employment. IPS purposefully uses the term “differing abilities” and offers a new pathway...
Description: Virginia Higher Education Accessibility Partners, or VHEAP, a member-driven organization was established in 2018 to promote collaboration and partnership between accessibility-focused professionals throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Looking at accessibility from a holistic perspective, events and resources supported and offered by VHEAP are broad, encouraging collaborative solutions. Our focus is on offering shared opportunities for those who are tasked with improving access to...
Description: The Future Quest Island Teaching Toolkit (TT) is designed to provide teachers with information on how to successfully implement Future Quest Island, a project funded by the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). In this toolkit, teachers can access the recommended scope and sequence of teaching units, including lesson plans and supplemental lesson plans that promote college and career readiness with middle school students. Teachers should fill out the Implementation Checklist...
Description: This is a searchable listing of 85 community rehabilitation programs in Virginia that are approved by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to provide an array of employment related services to individuals with disabilities. The organizations, known by DARS as Employment Service Organizations (ESOs), operate primarily for the purpose of providing employment and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. Such services may be provided separately or...
Description: Transition planning is used to describe the very intentional, organized and coordinated process of guiding young people with disabilities with education, experiences, supports and services to help them have successful and meaningful lives beyond high school. It is planning that begins with the end in mind. While IDEA mandates specific documentation of transition planning and services in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities ages 16 and older, the mandated age...
Description: Explore Work Training Program If you are a teen who has a disability, you have choices and things to do to prepare for life after high school and becoming an adult. Just like every teen, this is a time of transition. You are preparing to be an adult, get a job, and become more independent. A big part of planning for the future means thinking about a job that is a good fit for you. Want to find out more about who you are and what you're good at? This training will help you explore your talents...
Description: Transition to Adulthood Resources (PEATC) - As students who have IEPs get older and progress through school, his/her special education program is required to focus more intentionally on preparing that student for life after high school. In Virginia, this school transition planning must begin by age 14, but can begin even earlier. For students, and their families, the thought of TRANSITIONING from school services to the adult world can be overwhelming. Many are unsure of what is meant by...
Description: Developed at the University of Oregon School of Education, W.A.G.E.S. (Working At Gaining Employment Skills) is a curriculum to teach adolescents job-related social skills. It was field-tested over a period of five years in multiple learning environments with different teachers and student groups. The curriculum was continuously revised based on student achievement measures and satisfaction surveys, teacher assessments of student learning, and evaluation information about the...
Description: All disability service providers are short on time and funds. Individuals with disabilities and their families are longing to be more independent, but are fearful of the unknown. With the TravelMate and EmployMate lessons, and activities on the ONEder platform, the Arc of NoVA has found a solution to complement the current service provision model, making it much more effective as well. Their transition suite of apps can be considered virtual supports, such as travel trainer or...
Description: By hiring someone with Down syndrome, you start a virtuous chain: the more that people with Down Syndrome are seen at work, the more they’ll be recognized as valuable employees, and the more they’ll be hired.
Description: Each webinar provides an opportunity for your students to learn about employment in different industries from people who really work in those industries. There is always a worksheet, an opportunity to ask questions, and a certificate of completion after each webinar. These meetings are accessible and Rubin provides a sign language interpreter. These are also taped and available on YouTube. Danny Rubin is an award-winning author and speaker who works directly with students and working...
Description: Through collaboration between students, families, schools, community agencies, and employers, Start on Success (SOS) provides high school students with IEPs who are pursuing standard diplomas with a high quality work-based learning experience. Selected students enroll in a credit-bearing Career and Technical Education (CTE) course and then participate in a paid internship at a local business with an assigned mentor to assist with problem-solving, accommodations, and applying workplace readiness...
Description: The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides various benefits to certain eligible individuals who experience significant disabilities – including children and adolescents. These benefit programs provide monthly cash payments and in some cases health insurance such as Medicaid and/or Medicare. These programs also include work incentives designed to help beneficiaries become employed and increase earnings over time.