TRANSITION SERVICESPLANNER

A guide for educators in arrangingNebraska VR services for students

with disabilities

Nebraska VR – Where your future begins

05/2017

Table of Contents:Partnership/Collaboration ......................................................1

Purpose of Transition Services Planner ..............................1

Transition Roles ...........................................................................2

Team Approach ...........................................................................2

Services ......................................................................................2-3

Questions for Your VR Coordinator ........................................3

Student Age Categories .......................................................4-5

Nebraska Transition Guide ................................................4-5

At Any Time ..................................................................................5

Collaboration Between NE VR and Schools ......................5

Referral Process ...........................................................................6

School Contact ............................................................................6

Questions ..................................................................................6-7

Student Release Time Considerations ................................7

Information Exchange ..............................................................7

Feedback to Educators .............................................................7

Outreach to Students and Parents ...................................7-8

Nebraska VR Services ................................................................9

VR Summer Pre-Employment Transition Programs .......9

Partnership Planning ............................................................. 10

Annual Evaluation of Effort .................................................. 10

Transition Partnership Planning Form .......................11-12

Helpful questions for transition services planning with your Nebraska VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator are available in the shaded areas throughout. Space is also provided for notes and additional questions.

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The IndividualsWith DisabilitiesEducation Act(IDEA)requires that schools provide transition services to students with disabilities beginning at age 16 and link these students to appropriate adult service providers. Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Rule 51 allows transition planning to begin at a younger age if deter-mined appropriate by the Individual Education Program (IEP) team.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973requires a 504 Plan. A 504 Plan is an educational plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an educational institution receives accommoda-tions that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)requires state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to coor-dinate with schools for students with disabilities regarding Pre-Employment Transition Services.

PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATIONNebraska VR desires to work in partnership and collaboration with school districts, Educational Service Units (ESUs) and other agencies to provide vital and results-oriented services to transition aged students with dis-abilities.

PURPOSE OF THE TRANSITION SERVICES PLANNERThe purpose of this Transition Services Planner is to provide information to educators about the Nebraska VR program. It is an instrument to help educators and Nebraska VR staff bridge the transition requirements of IDEA and WIOA while providing meaningful and effective transition services to students with disabilities. The Planner will facilitate discussion between local educators and Nebraska VR staff and serve as a catalyst to develop a written working agreement.

This planning effort will help: 1) Promote a coordinated effort between the school district, Educational Service Unit (ESU) and the local Nebraska VR Office; 2) Implement strategies that will facilitate effective transition services and eliminate duplication of services; and, 3) Ensure the development of an effective partnership on behalf of students with disabilities.

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TRANSITION ROLES Nebraska VR transition personnel pro-vide transition related services including Pre-Employment Transition Services for schools throughout the state.

Nebraska VR understands that transi-tion planning is an essential function of schools, Educational Service Units, and other agencies.

It is critical for Nebraska VR staff members to become familiar with the transition service the ESU is providing for the school, and that the ESU transition specialists, as well as dedicated district transition specialists, be involved in developing the Transition Partnership Planning Form. This will help to avoid confusion on the part of school personnel regarding services Nebraska VR will provide and the services that will be provided by the ESU. Nebraska VR services should supplement services provided by the school and ESU and not supplant those services. It is important that the nature and scope of services pro-vided by each entity is clearly understood by all parties so students receive the ser-vices to which they are entitled.

TEAM APPROACHNebraska VR staff members work in teams to provide a broad base of knowledge and experience to assist students with disabili-ties. Both a specialized knowledge of dis-abilities and the implications for employ-ment are available through our specialists in pre-employment and individualized transition services.

Although only one Nebraska VR staff member may be working directly with the student, other team members may be involved—providing input, as needed, at key decision points. This might occur where more specialized knowledge of

a rehabilitation service such as assistive technology is needed or more informa-tion is needed in the case of a specific disability.

SERVICESThe role of Nebraska VR in providing services to students in the school system is primarily one of exploring appropriate post-school goals and needed supports that lead to employment. Only students with disabilities are eligible to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services. This includes students 14-21 years old, who are eligible for and receiving special edu-cation or related services under Part B of IDEA, and students with a disability for the purposes of Section 504 (with or without a 504 Accommodation Plan in place).

Nebraska VR staff will be available, in part-nership with schools, to provide and sup-plement the following Pre-Employment Transition Services: 1) Job exploration counseling;2) Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living;3) Work-based learning experiences which may include in-school or after-school opportunities or experiences outside the traditional school setting (including internships) are provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible;4) Counseling on opportunities for enroll- ment in post secondary educational programs at institutions of higher education; and5) Instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring.

Nebraska VR staff members provide Pre-Employment Transition Services to students who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services.

This Planner provides basic infor-mation about Nebraska VR and raises questions that the local school representative, ESU, and the Nebraska VR staff member might consider in addressing services and operating procedures for an effec-tive partnership. The Planner also provides a framework for in-service training with local schools and ESUs to clarify the partnership with Nebraska VR.

Depending on their individual needs and goals, the student may receive Nebraska VR services for months or years, as would be the case with a student who is attend-ing post-secondary education.

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Questions for your Nebraska VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator:

Students in high school typically begin working with Nebraska VR during the second semester of their sophomore year. Students typically receive pre-employment transition services under

a potentially eligible category with a signed Pre-Employment Consent and Release form. More individualized services require an application for VR services.

Student with a disability:• 14-21• Eligible for and receiving special education services under an IEP• Student receiving services under a Section 504 Plan• Students with a disability not receiving services under an IEP or 504 Plan

Potentially eligible:• Students with a disability who have not yet applied or been made eligible for VR services• Students with a signed Pre - Employment Transition Services Consent and Release form

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Address employment success skills through:

• Work ethic development• Behaviors• Attitude• Communication• Daily living skills• Self-Advocacy skills

STUDENTS AGE 16-21Students age 16 to 21 will begin to engage in activities designed to further explore their post secondary goals through Pre-Employment Transition Services.

STUDENTS AGE 14-15Students age 14 to 15 need opportunities to:Develop awareness of life after school through:

• Career days• Business tours• Job fairs• Presentations and group discussions about the world of work

Identify interests and strengths through:• Job shadowing• Interest assessments• Aptitude assessments• Work experience• Vocational counseling• Informational interviews

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) both share responsibility to prepare students with disabilities for successful community employment. Students meet with a Nebraska VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator throughout the school year to learn in groups and/or individually about the world of work.

NEBRASKA TRANSITION GUIDE“The purpose of the Nebraska Transition Guide is to enhance supports for transitioning between grade levels, programs, schools, districts, and college and careers for all students by increasing collaboration between students, parents, school staff, and community agencies.” How the Guide works:

1. Set up around the 5 required Pre-Employment Transition Services activities2. Asks critical questions around each Pre-Employment Transition Services activity3. Suggests grade appropriate activities to help meet the needs of the student in each area4. Provides helpful resources5. Provides a sheet to document activities

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COLLABORATION BETWEEN NEBRASKA VR AND SCHOOLS

AT ANY TIMEThose students who require more inten-sive services in order to learn, understand, and apply the information from Pre-Employment Transition Services activities will be encouraged to submit an applica-tion for Nebraska VR services.

More individualized and intensive ser-vices may not be provided without the student having been determined eligible and served under an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). It is anticipated that most students will be served under a Pre-Employment Transition Services category until they desire or require more intensive services as they approach graduation.

Nebraska VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinators provide support and assistance to schools throughout the tran-sition process by meeting the career devel-opment needs of students with disabilities.

If a student requires more comprehensive services, it may be appropriate to apply for Nebraska VR services. Those who are eligible for employment ser-vices through Nebraska VR will develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

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Questions:What is the building check-in pro-cedure that the VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator needs to follow?

What workspace and internet accessibility will be available to the VR Coordinator?

How will students be referred to Nebraska VR?

How will the VR Coordinator access students during the school day?

REFERRAL PROCESSWho should refer students? Special Education educators, guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, administrators, regular educators, and parents/guardians may refer students to Nebraska VR.

Who should be referred? Students verified for special education, students under a 504 Accommodation Plan, students with a disability for the purposes of section 504 (even if they do not have a 504 accommodation plan in place).

When should a referral be made? Students may be referred at age 14 to begin the process of engaging in Pre-Employment Transition Services from Nebraska VR. Typically, students are referred in the second semester of their sophomore year or at the begin-ning of their junior year. In certain circumstances, it may be in the student’s best interest to be referred at an earlier age.

What is the referral process? Complete a referral form (I & R) and submit to the VR Coordinator. The VR Coordinator will contact the student and parent or guardian (par-ent/guardian consent is required for students under the age of 19) within 10 days of the referral. An appointment will be scheduled at the earliest possible time to provide an orientation to Nebraska VR services and to complete a Pre-Employment Transition Services Consent and Release form or an application for VR services.

A parent/guardian signature on the Pre-Employment Transition Consent and Release form is sufficient to verify the student’s disability for the purposes of Pre-Employment Transition Services. Further information can be gathered to assist with planning, includ-ing the MDT report, IEP, medical information, etc.

SCHOOL CONTACTWhen will the VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator come to your school? The VR Coordinator will be available to students and staff at your school as time permits. Given the limited time available to educators and the VR Coordinators it may be helpful if there is a set schedule. If a set schedule is not indicated, all meetings should be arranged in advance with all pertinent school personnel informed. A procedure should be in place to communicate unforeseen changes to schedule.

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Questions:How will information be exchanged?

What information will be helpful to you about Nebraska VR’s involve-ment with a student?

What outreach activities does the school provide that should involve Nebraska VR participation?

Are there any school release forms that may involve the VR Coordinator?

STUDENT RELEASE TIME CONSIDERATIONS• How will time be scheduled for the VR Coordinator to meet with students?• When and where will the VR Coordinator meet with students?• How will class release time be handled?• When and where will the VR Coordinator have access to meet students in groups?

INFORMATION EXCHANGEHow will student records be made available? The VR Coordinator may need copies of available student records for eligibility and/or planning purposes. Access to the electronic student record system used by the school helps ensure a seamless flow of the necessary information required for eligibility in the special education program. Access to copies of the MDT and IEP with diagnosis, psychological report, and any available vocational records for career planning is very helpful to the provision of pre-employment transition services. Nebraska VR and the school will need appropriate release forms signed by the parents or guardians. Student records released to Nebraska VR through an information release will remain confidential as specified on the release forms (Pre-Employment Transition Consent and Release form). The VR Coordinator may seek records from outside sources as necessary and with the appropriate permission.

FEEDBACK TO EDUCATORSThe VR Coordinator will provide periodic status updates to the school regarding students participation in pre-employment activities. The best method of providing feedback varies from school to school. This can be addressed through the partnership planning process.

OUTREACH TO STUDENTS AND PARENTSNebraska VR staff members welcome the opportunity to meet with parents as well as with students to provide information about pre-employment transition services and employ-ment opportunities. As time permits, the VR Coordinator can be available for parent/teach-er conferences and meetings with parent groups at school or elsewhere in the community.

Nebraska VR’s transition newsletter is also available to educators, students, and their fami-lies. Transition Works is intended to create positive expectations for students and their par-ents regarding successful employment after leaving school. The publication is available to educators and others through e-mail and the Nebraska VR website. The VR Coordinator will provide information to local educators to make this publication available to students, parents, and others as requested.

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Pre-Employment Transition Services can be provided as soon as a Pre-Employment Transition Consent and Release form is signed by the student and his/her parent or guardian, if under the age of 19. A parent signature on the Pre-Employment Consent and Release form is sufficient to declare a disability for the purposes of receiving these services. This is distinct from the application and eligibility process required for more intensive individualized Nebraska VR services.

Services to students with disabilities generally start with a signed Pre-Employment Transition Consent and Release form which allows the VR coordinator to provide pre-employment transition services. Students and their families along with the VR coordi-nator will determine when more individualized services as appropriate.

For more intensive individualized services

Individuals who apply for Nebraska VR services must be determined eligible. Eligibility for VR services is determined if all of the following conditions are met:

• He/she has a physical or mental impairment • The impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment • He/she can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from the provision of VR services • He/she requires VR services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment

The Nebraska VR Employment Specialist will make the determination of eligibility based on a variety of sources including an interview with the individual, a review of school records, and if necessary, outside medical reports.

Individuals with a vision impairment as a primary disability may be eligible for services through the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCVBI).

Developing the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)

The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) [not to be confused with the IEP] is the planning tool Nebraska VR Employment Specialists use to help clients plan for employ-ment success. It is a structured approach that helps clients answer the following key questions:

• What is my job goal? • What help do I need to get to my goal? • When will I reach my goal? • Who will help me? • When will my plan start? • Who will pay for what?

Employment Specialists help clients select an appropriate job goal and develop their plan for employment success. Together they work to explore work interests, what is important to them in a job, what concerns they have that will interfere with getting a job, and what jobs are a good match for them.

A Few Examples of Impairments:

Physical/Medical: cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, juvenile rheu-matoid arthritis, diabetes, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, orthopedic impairment, heart condition, dys-lexia, ADHD, TBI, autismMental Health: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive compul-sive disorder, PTSD, oppositional defiant disorder, drug/alcohol abuse, adjustment disorderLearning: specific learning disability, intellectual disability, autism, speech/language impairment

Nebraska VR Involvement in the Individualized Education Program (IEP):

Nebraska VR Coordinators welcome invitations to attend IEP meetings. Attendance can be in person, by conference call or other types of media connection. It is important to give as much prior notice as possible so that scheduling can be arranged. It may not be possible for VR staff to attend all IEP meetings to which they are invited. Educators and the VR Coordinator should collaborate in prioritizing which IEP meetings are most important to attend. Educators are required to get prior consent from parents/guardians when outside agencies are invited to IEP meetings.

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Nebraska VR services may include:

• Presentations to parents and students on VR Services, disability, and employment issues• Providing the Vocational Rehabilitation publication: Transition Works to facilitate preparation for the transition process• Consultation with teachers• Business tours for youth/students• Information and links to adult agencies• Transition planning through Parent/Teacher conferences• Instruction in self-advocacy• Emphasis on the development of social skills and independent living skills• Other information and planning activities to facilitate preparation for the transition process• Vocational exploration at the school or at the VR office, where appropriate• Benefits analysis and financial planning for employment success• Identification and problem solving regarding barriers to employment• College tours and orientation to college planning• Independent living and self-advocacy support• Work based learning opportunities in the community• Job readiness skills training• Project SEARCH• Discussion about potential application for individualized VR Services, development of Individualized Plan for Employment,

and assistance in identifying needed supports to prepare for and obtain employment

NEBRASKA VR SERVICESIt is critical that Nebraska VR’s activities in the school supplement the role and activities of the school. Schools have the primary responsi-bility for transition services. Nebraska VR can play an important role in helping students plan for employment and successful community life and act as a bridge between school and post-school providing continuity and ongoing services for the student. Pre-employment Transition Services guide young people and parents toward appropriate vocational or training goals with experiences that provide movement toward job readiness and vocational maturity. Any service that Nebraska VR provides must relate to students becoming suc-cessfully employed in the community.

NEBRASKA VR SUMMER PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION PROGRAMSNebraska VR also funds approved Summer Pre-Employment Transition Programs submitted through a request for proposals, offering innovative short-term programs to provide career exploration, job readiness and work-based learning experiences as well as personal development opportunities for transition students with disabilities. Contracts have included partners at public schools, Easter Seals, Goodwill, the Autism Center of Nebraska, Inc, Disability Rights Nebraska, ESUs, and more. The programs are located throughout the state and provide employability skill development, hands-on experiences, independent living skills, and self-advocacy skills. Nebraska VR staff work with the Summer Program partners and schools to recruit students to participate in these unique opportunities. Nebraska VR would welcome a discussion with your school district about hosting a Summer Pre-Employment Transition Program.

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PARTNERSHIP PLANNINGDeveloping the Agreement: The Transition Partnership Planning form is a planning document that lists important issues that need to be discussed by the local school district representative, the Nebraska VR staff member, and where appropriate, the local ESU representative. The planning form gives those involved an opportunity to discuss and decide how operational matters will be handled, such as:

• Who should be referred? • How will students be referred? • How will student information be shared? • Where will services be provided? • What type of feedback will be helpful for all parties? • What services will be provided? • Who will provide the services? • What goals or priorities need to be pursued? • How do we partner with other agencies? • How will we evaluate our progress in this partnership?

ANNUAL EVALUATION OF EFFORTAt least once a year Nebraska VR will meet with a local school district representative to evaluate the effectiveness of the Transition Partnership between the school and Nebraska VR. This will provide an opportunity to determine what questions need to be addressed and what worked well and what didn’t. The intent of this annual evaluation is to set the direction for the next year’s planning and promote continuous improve-ment in the Transition Partnership.

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Transition Partnership Planning FormFor Local Schools, ESU and Nebraska VR Office

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)requires that schools provide transition services to students with disabilities beginning at age 16 and link these students to appropriate adult service providers. Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Rule 51 allows transition planning to begin at a younger age if deter-mined appropriate by the Individual Education Program (IEP) team.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973requires a 504 Plan. A 504 Plan is an educational plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an educational institution receives accommoda-tions that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)requires state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies to coor-dinate with schools for students with disabilities regarding Pre-Employment Transition Services.

The purpose of this Transition Partnership Planning Form is to promote a coordinated effort between the local school, ESU and the local Nebraska VR office in providing an effective transition from school to work for students with disabilities. Prior to agreeing to the operating procedures below, educators are encouraged to review the Transition Services Planner, a guide for educators in coordinating Nebraska VR services for students with disabilities.

SCHOOL CONTACTWhat is the building check in procedure?

What workspace and internet usage will be available to the VR Pre-Employment Transition Services Coordinator?

What opportunities will be made available to provide a VR orientation to educators and students?

REFERRAL PROCESSHow will students be referred to Nebraska VR?

How will parents/guardians and students be made aware of Nebraska VR services?

How will student release time be handled?

How will information be exchanged?

How will feedback be provided to educators?

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Pre-Employment Transition ServicesJob exploration counseling

Work based learning experiences

Counseling on post second-ary training opportunities

Workplace readiness training

Instruction in self-advocacy

SERVICES TO STUDENTSWho will provide each of the Pre-Employment Transition Services to students? How will the ESU, school, and VR Coordinator collaborate around these activities?

What opportunities will be made available for students to interact with Nebraska VR staff mem-bers in a group setting in the school?

What opportunities will be made available for students to learn from employers?

What opportunities will be made available for students and their families to learn about resourc-es in the community?

How and when will Nebraska VR staff be available for consultations with school staff, students, and parents?

OUTCOMES EXPECTEDDescribe the expected outcomes to be achieved as a result of this partnership.

ANNUAL EVALUATIONDescribe the process to evaluate the effectiveness of the transition partnership and identify responsible parties.

School District

Local School Representative

School Name

ESU Representative

ESU #

Nebraska VR Representative

Nebraska VR Office Director

ResourcesNEBRASKA VR (VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION)Nebraska VR has a long history of providing transition services to students with disabilities as they transition to life after high school. VR partners with the local schools and parents to help students prepare for the future. Transition services are designed to help prepare students for the future through: • Job planning • Exploring career interests • Identifying skills and abilities necessary to be successful.

Learn more about the services Nebraska VR can offers students with disabilities by visiting their website: vr.nebraska.gov/students/ or call toll free 877-637-3422.

NEBRASKA YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (NYLC)NYLC is a group of young leaders from across the entire state of Nebraska who want to make a difference in the lives of other students with disabilities. NYLC believes that young people should have a voice in the things that affect them and hope to better the existing services provided to young people through their outreach efforts. For more information visit the NYLC website: nylc.nebraska.gov/NYLC/Welcome.html.

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)CAP is a free service to help clients find solutions if they have any questions or concerns regarding services from: • Nebraska VR • Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired • Centers for Independent LivingCAP can: • Advise the clients of benefits available under the Rehabilitation Act • Provide information about Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act • Assist and advocate for the client during an appeal process and in relationships with agencies providing services under the Rehabilitation Act • Help the client communicate concerns to their counselor • Help resolve client concerns if they disagree with a decision • Help the client understand agency rules, regulations, and procedures • Protect client rights under the Federal Rehabilitation Act

Information about CAP services can be found at their website: cap.nebraska.gov/info/about_cap or call the toll free phone number 800-742-7594.

ATP EDUCATIONAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Assistive Technology Partnership’s (ATP) educational offices provide statewide Assistive Technology services to children (birth to twenty-one) with special needs, their families, caregivers, teachers, and service providers, etc.

Educational Services include: • Training on Assistive Technology awareness and on a wide range of adaptive devices • Consultations to help identify appropriate Assistive Technology solutions, including child specific requests • Technical support via phone or on-site

When appropriate, Educational Specialists also coordinate with Nebraska VR to provide transition solutions for students who are planning for and working towards higher education or work goals.

Contact ATP staff by phone at 888-806-6287 or visit their website: atp.nebraska.gov/services/services-school.

Nebraska VRNebraska Department of Education

301 Centennial Mall SouthPO Box 94987

Lincoln NE 68509