Enhancing Partnerships between MN High Schools and Vocational Rehabilitation Services Achieving the goals of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act together

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

What is WIOA? President Barack Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) into law on July 22, WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is one workforce development program authorized by WIOA WIOA calls for greater collaboration between VR and school districts to increase the employment successes of students with disabilities VR and WIOA

A stronger emphasis on providing pre- employment transition services (PETS) to students with disabilities Continues individualized services with an emphasis on quality counseling Specifies 5 required activities during high school years… Youth-related changes for VR in WIOA

Job exploration counseling Work-based learning experiences Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in post-secondary education Workplace readiness training Instruction in self-advocacy PETS: 5 Required Activities

Students with an IEP or 504 plan who are in a secondary school, prior to receiving HS diploma. Age range: Grade 9 through age 21 Includes those in transition programs Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS): Target Audience

So what can we do together?

What currently exists in our community for students within the five required areas? How can we collaboratively address the gaps? Taking stock

VR would like to explore creative ways to partner in locating work experience opportunities for students with disabilities Work Experiences

How can parents be involved? How can work coordinators be involved? What other partners can join us? – County staff – Other workforce partners – Who else? Also to Address

US Department of Education/ WIOA Site: rs/rsa/wioa-reauthorization.html For More Info.