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d. 2. A. Consultation and Technical Assistance to Assist Educational Agencies in Planning for the Transition of Students with Disabilities from School to Post-school Activities, Including Vr Services;

Current Narrative:

While serving transition–aged students has been a focus for VR, new administration and the impact of WIOA has assisted in renewing and prioritizing this as an important VR initiative. Due to identified misconceptions of VR and its services to students, significant efforts in the last two years have occurred in “re–educating” students, families, educators, and advocacy agencies on VR and the services it may provide to students. This education also includes targeted training and technical assistance to VR staff, both from a philosophical perspective and knowledge perspective. VR has held webinars and face–to–face trainings on transition–related topics, such as: special education overview, Transition IEPs, 504 Plans, special education eligibility, transition services, etc. Some of the philosophical shift is related to understanding the importance of purposeful and proactive transition services to students prior to exiting high school and working with local educational agencies in strengthening and embracing the joint responsibility between schools and VR. In an effort to ensure consistency of messages statewide, a “VR 101” was developed for schools and transition–related stakeholders; this presentation has been delivered at transition conferences, transition resource fairs, and to VR staff across the state.

In coordination with IIDC, VR has developed VR–specific products for educators and students. Three VR fact sheets, entitled “Working with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation” are now part of the Indiana State Individualized Education Program (IEP) system. The fact sheets provide automated resources for students, teachers, and families about VR at students’ Transition IEP meetings. Another important informational and educational tool that was created to improve outreach and education about VR is the “Working with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation” Video. This video provides a quick 5 minute overview of VR in an entertaining manner in hopes to provide a unique mode of educating transition–aged students and families. (Video may be viewed at www.vrs.in.gov.)