Working with Transitioning Youth Division of Rehabilitation Services

Objectives: Introduce DORS Introduce DORS Pre-Employment Transition Services program and Vocational Rehabilitation program Provide information on how to get students involved with DORS

What is DORS? DORS is a state agency that offers programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work. DORS offers two programs to help youth with disabilities prepare for employment: Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students at least 14 years old and no more than 21. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services for adults and students beginning in their second to last year of high school.

DORS Provides Services Through: Office of Field Services (OFS)- with offices in more than 20 communities throughout Maryland Office for Blindness and Vision Services (OBVS)- specializing in services for people who are blind/visually impaired Workforce & Technology Center (WTC)- a comprehensive assessment and training facility

Who may receive DORS transition services? Pre-Employment Transition Services Student’s with disabilities defined as one who: is enrolled in high school, post-secondary education program, or other recognized educational program and has not exited, graduated, or withdrawn; is at least 14 years old but less than age 22; and has a disability documented with an IEP, 504 plan, medical records, or a doctor’s note.

Who may receive DORS transition services? Vocational Rehabilitation Services Youth (and adults) in at least their next to last year of high school who have a goal of competitive integrated employment and: Have a physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory, or learning disability that impacts working; Have an IEP, 504 plan, or significant health condition, and Need vocational rehabilitation in order to get or keep a job. *Note that if a student meets both definitions they may be able to receive both Pre-ETS and VR

Pre-Employment Transition Services Goal is to receive Pre-Employment Transition Services and consists of the following limited services: Job exploration counseling Work-based learning experiences Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or post-secondary educational programs Workplace readiness training Instruction in self-advocacy Services are based on local area and availability!!! Job Exploration Counseling: Working with a student to identify employment interests, research employment opportunities in his or her local area, review different paths to obtaining employment, and looking at the labor market that applies to the students employment interest.  This can be done in a group or individual setting. Work-based Learning Experiences: Work-based Learning Experiences provide students hands-on experience in a "work" setting.  This may include opportunities (but not limited to) such as  internships (paid or unpaid), summer employment, job shadowing, or mentoring opportunities in the community. Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or post-secondary educational program: This service includes counseling on educational opportunities post high school by providing information on course offerings, career options, the types of academic and occupational training needed to succeed in the workplace, and post-secondary opportunities associated with career fields.  This counseling may include advising students and parents on academic curricula, proving information about college application and admissions processes, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA), and providing resources that may be used to support student success in education and training. Work readiness training to develop social skills and independent living: Work readiness skills are skills that employers seek from most employees, commonly known as "soft skills."  Work readiness training services offered may include communication and interpersonal skills, financial literacy, mobility skills, job seeking skills, and understanding employer expectations for punctuality and performance. Instruction in self-advocacy: Instruction in self-advocacy services are services in which students learn about their rights and responsibilities; learn how to request accommodations or services and supports; communication their thoughts, concerns, and needs, in order to prepare them for peer mentoring opportunities with individuals working in their area of interest. These services may be provided through conducting information interviews; mentoring with educational staff; mentoring with individuals employed by or volunteering for employers; and participating in youth leadership activities.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Goal is to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment for a minimum of 90 days. Services may include: Counseling and referral Career decision making Assistance with higher education Technical/vocational training

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Assistive technology Job preparation Job search assistance On-the-job training and support Supported employment Workforce Technology Center (WTC) Goal is to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment for a minimum of 90 days. Services may include: Counseling and referral Career decision making Assistance with higher education (note that some services i.e. tuition are based on the individuals strengths and abilities as well as goals- DORS is not a guaranteed source of funding, it would have to be first approved) Technical/vocational training – again, individual has to be approved by DORS for any DORS funding related to this Assistive technology Job preparation Job search assistance On-the-job training and support Supported employment Workforce Technology Center (WTC): discuss WTC as a comprehensive assessment and training facility that offers assessments (AT, CAS, etc.), employment services, work readiness, and vocational training programs with the option of a dorm

How will DORS provide services? A DORS counselor is assigned to every public high school in Maryland. Your DORS counselor will: Attend IEP meetings whenever possible. Help develop the Pre-employment Transition Services Agreement or the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Provide and arrange DORS services. Collaborate with school, community, and workforce partners. DORS transition counselors may also work with private schools, colleges, and other educational programs throughout Maryland.

Who pays for DORS services? DORS is a State and Federally funded program. There is no cost to the students or their families for Pre-employment Transition Services. There is a sliding scale based on family income for some VR services. Students who receive SSI/SSDI are not required to pay toward the cost of services, unless they choose a more expensive service than would meet their needs

Is there a waiting list for DORS services? There is no waiting list for Pre-Employment Transition Services. For VR services, federal law requires that students with the most significant disabilities must be served first; therefore some students will be placed on a waiting list for additional DORS services.

When can I begin receiving DORS services? Pre-Employment Transition Services Individualized Vocational Rehabilitation Services As early as 14 years of age and in at least high school One can continue to receive services as long as they continue to meet the definition of a “student with a disability” Beginning the fall semester of ones next to last year of high school If eligible, one may continue to receive services upon exiting a school program

How do I begin DORS services? Pre-Employment Transition Services Referral (online, paper, or contacting your local office) via self-referral, school system, or other interested parties There is no waiting list (must provide DORS with documentation that one is a “student with a disability”) Requesting Pre-Employment Transition Services does not make one eligible for individualized vocational rehabilitation services! One must still apply and be found eligible for vocational rehabilitation.

How do I begin DORS services? Vocational Rehabilitation Services Referral (online, paper, or contacting your local office) via self-referral, school system, or other interested parties no earlier than the fall semester of your next to last year of high school A DORS counselor will: Determine eligibility for services Review existing documentation and arrange for assessments if necessary Determine if an individual has “most significant”, “significant,”, or “non-severe” disability

Questions? For additional information, please contact: Name: Jill Pierce Title: Staff Specialist, Transitioning & Supported Employment Tel: 410-554-9109 Email: jill.pierce@Maryland.gov www.dors.Maryland.gov