Transitioning From School to Work

What is Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) places substantial emphasis on assisting youth with disabilities in the transition from school to post school activities. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities that are geared to lead to employment. A vocational rehabilitation counselor works with youth and their families to assess their needs and plan individualized services to meet their chosen vocational goal.The Vocational Rehabilitation Program serves people with a wide variety of disabilities, e.g.:

ADD/ADHD / Emotional/Psychiatric impairments / Neurological Disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorders / Hearing Impairments / Seizure Disorder
Diabetes / Intellectual Disabilities / Speech Impairments
Drug & Alcohol Addictions / Learning Disabilities / Traumatic Brain Injury

There are several other physical or mental disabilities that prevent the person from finding and keeping a job that are not listed.

How can VR assist me?

Services are provided based on individual needs. Some of these services are:

  • Assistive technology/accommodations –to enable students to participate in post-high school training or employment.
  • Career exploration –may include investigating occupational interest areas through real or simulated job experiences and/or job shadowing.
  • College preparation –training to enter into post-secondary education, including learning study skills, using accommodations, and managing college life.
  • Financial assistance– for college training, work-related equipment, and other needs based on family financial resources.
  • Job placement and retention– to assist with obtaining and maintaining employment.
  • Job readiness training– to prepare for seeking employment, preparing for interviews, and completing applications.
  • Vocational guidance and counseling – provided throughout the process to assist students and families make informed decisions regarding employment.
  • Vocational needs assessments– measures an individual's strengths and limitations, consider interests and abilities, and provide the individual with information that can be used in vocational planning for the future.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation’s Benefits Counseling Program is also available to youth with disabilities in high school who are in transition to adult life. Youth and their families can receive accurate information about the impact of employment on all Federal and State benefits they receive.
  • Other rehabilitation services based on individual need.

Who pays for all of this?

There’s no cost for determining if and how SCVRD can help you.

Planning and job placement assistance can also be provided by your VR counselor as no cost to you. If we need to purchase things—such as tools or training—to help you accomplish your employment goal, family resources and level of need will be considered in determining any costs.

When should I apply?

The ideal time is before you begin your sophomore year. However, you may apply anytime during school year. SCVRD also offers services for Adults.

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT: