Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Blind)
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:
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[13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA
d. 1. The designated State unit's plans, policies, and procedures for coordination with education officials to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities from school to the receipt of VR services, including pre-employment transition services, as well as procedures for the timely development and approval of individualized plans for employment for the students
Current Narrative:
The designated State unit's plans, policies, and procedures for coordination with education officials to facilitate the transition of students with disabilities from school to the receipt of VR services, including pre-employment transition services, as well as procedures for the timely development and approval of individualized plans for employment for the students.
The designated State unit's plans, policies, and procedures for coordination with education officials to facilitate the transition of students with visual disabilities from school to the receipt of DBVI services, including pre-employment transition services.
The DBVI Director meets regularly with Vermont Agency of Education staff to coordinate services, and include VR, Department of Labor, and the Developmental Disabilities Service.
DBVI made a commitment many years ago to create opportunities for students to prepare for work, vocational training and college. Twelve years ago DBVI created a partnership called the Connections Team. This involved many partners and the mission of the group was to make connections and find ways for students to have meaningful work experiences and job readiness training. The energy of this team created the LEAP program which has grown and expanded each year. With the passage of WIOA in July 2014, the team includes several new partners and connections.
DBVI Blind Services Counselors work closely with all of the Teachers of the Visually Impaired in their region to connect students with Pre-ETS and Transition planning. Vermont is unique because TVI services are provided by one statewide agency that has a contract with AOE and the Local Education Agencies to provide consultation and direct services to blind and visually impaired students. The TVI’s work directly with schools and families beginning at birth through high school graduation. DBVI is included on the release form for all students with a disability so TVI’s begin conversations about students when they are entering high school. This begins the outreach to include these students in Pre-ETS activities. A letter goes to each family and school districts to explain Pre-ETS and how DBVI can help student with transition to employment.
DBVI staff also participates in local Core Transition Teams across the state. These teams include school staff, mental health providers, employment staff, and VR staff. The intent is to share ideas and resources to develop work experiences, job readiness training, and employment opportunities for students in their region. DBVI is a partner with DVR to sponsor and annual conference that brings all of the regional core teams together.
DBVI policy required and IPE to be developed no later than 30-days after eligibility and before a student graduates. The provision of pre-ETS services can begin and age 14 and until a student reaches their 22nd birthday.