Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Transition Services

Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) Our Vision: IVRS Transition Services are continuously transformed to create a career based transition process that allows youth with disabilities to participate in various opportunities that lead to their ability to compete for, and gain, meaningful employment in the 21 st century. Our Goal: Students in transition will participate in a program of career development so that a vocational goal is identified and planned for prior to graduation.

What is IVRS? IVRS provides employment-related services to people with disabilities While in high school, a VR counselor can be part of your planning team IVRS can provide you with assistance to achieve your vocational goals

It Takes Two Your IVRS counselor is your career coach when planning your future Your goal is for you to plan, prepare and work toward your future career Your input and participation is the key because it’s your future!

Who Do We Serve? Students and adults with disabilities who can benefit from assistance to determine career goals and find employment We serve a broad range of disabilities. Examples include: learning disabilities, ADHD depression, substance abuse, orthopedic disorders, diabetes, arthritis, hearing impairments, and many others! The majority of students on an IEP will qualify. Students do not have to be on an IEP to qualify. Past IEP students, 504 plan students, and general education students can also qualify.

Waiting List You may be placed on a waiting list due to the state budget There are 3 categories to our waiting list: – Those with the Most Significant Disabilities (MSD) – Those with a Significant Disability (SD) – Other eligible individuals The list is served MSD first, SD, then Others Don’t let the waiting list prevent you from signing up! Contact the IVRS Counselor at your schoolContact

Once You Qualify... If you are eligible and you come off the waiting list…your counselor will work with you prior to completing your high school program to develop an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) The IPE will: – Identify your vocational interests, abilities and needs – Determine your vocational goal – Outline steps to reach that goal

Focus of your IPE Includes steps and services to reach your ultimate employment goal, along with who is responsible Is individualized to YOU Will identify time frames in which to complete the steps

What’s in my IPE? Your plan may include any combination of the following: – Counseling and guidance – Interest testing – Labor market research – Work assessments – Job shadows – Skill/academic training – Assistive technology – Job club/job seeking skills training – Job placement – Consultation to employers regarding accommodations – IVRS as advocates for you – IVRS as consultants for you – IVRS participation in transition planning

General Info The services we provide must be outlined in your plan and directly related to your employment goal IVRS cannot pay for something that is the school’s or other service provider’s responsibility IVRS has some limits on the amounts we can pay for certain things

How to get the most out of your IVRS experience Show up for your appointments Listen carefully and ask questions Be prepared when you come to meetings Keep in contact with us and stay active Inform your counselor of any changes

Let us know when… School meetings are scheduled Your address, cell phone number or contact information changes There is a change in your educational or employment goal

Along the IPE path You will meet with your counselor to review your progress towards your goal and make changes if needed Each step outlined in your plan requires your commitment and dedication While you’re training for your employment goal (college, technical school, on-the-job training) meet with your counselor to discuss your progress

Getting your job Looking for work doesn’t need to be intimidating We will help you develop your resume, application and interview skills and how to GET THAT JOB OFFER! Your counselor will help you identify and work through a job search plan Your counselor will help you to connect with job leads and employment opportunities We can work with you and your employer to provide training, accommodations and consultation

Once you have your job... Stay in contact with your counselor – Provide them with information regarding your job – If you have problems at work, contact your counselor immediately Your counselor will continue to help you until your employment is stabilized

What now? Let your teacher or guidance counselor know you would like to be referred to IVRS Complete the application paperwork Schedule an intake appointment with your LOCAL OFFICE today! LOCAL OFFICE