Virginia DRS Transition Services Guide

A Roadmap to Successful Employment for Virginia’s Youth

Message from DRS Commissioner Jim Rothrock:

The Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) is committed to improving the independence and employment of persons with significant disabilities, including youth in transition.

The DRS Transition Services Guide details how DRS can be a part of a team, comprised of the student, family member(s), high school personnel, higher education personnel, employers and agencies, that assists youth in the transition process. Moreover, the Guide includes recommended practices for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors, as they assist youth with disabilities in preparing for life beyond high school.

The DRS Education Services Unit welcomes input and feedback on this Guide and any other resources developed and disseminated by DRS for Transition Services.

Download the DRS Transition Services Guide (WORD) | DRS Transition Services Guide (PDF)

School to Work Transition Services

In partnership with people with disabilities and their families, the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society.

For more information about contacting offices in your locality, please call:
1-800-552-5019 (Voice)
1-800-464-9950 (TTY)

WHAT ARE TRANSITION SERVICES?
Transition services assist students in the movement from school to the world of work and adult life. The Department of Rehabilitative Services works together with students, families, schools and community agencies to provide services to support a successful transition from school to work.

HOW CAN YOUR DRS COUNSELOR ASSIST YOU?
Your DRS Counselor can work with you to reach your future employment goal. Your DRS Counselor works together with you, your family, and your teachers as you develop your TRANSITION PLAN. The TRANSITION PLAN identifies what steps you need to take to reach your goals for meaningful employment, responsible adult life and maximum independence after completing school.

YOUR EMPLOYMENT GOAL(S) WILL INCLUDE YOUR ABILITIES, SKILLS, NEEDS, INTERESTS AND PREFERENCES.
Defining these goals will help you address these questions:

• What kind of career will I have?
• What do I need to learn?
• How will I reach my goals?

WHAT NO COST SERVICES MAY BE PROVIDED TO YOU?

• Diagnostics, Evaluation, Assessment
• Disability awareness counseling
• Vocational and career path counseling
• Job seeking and job retention counseling
• Access to Employment Resource Centers - job searching and finding employment leads
• Job Placement
• Driver Evaluation
• On-the-job Training
• Follow along services after placement

WHAT DRS SERVICES MAY REQUIRE FINANCIAL PARTICIPATION ON YOUR PART?

• Training
  • Supported Employment
  • Apprenticeship Programs
  • Work Adjustment
  • Post-Secondary Education Programs, vocational/technical schools, college/certificate programs
  • External Training Option (through Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center)
  • Life Skills Training
• Related Services
  • Transportation
  • Rehabilitation Technology/Accommodations
  • Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
  • Long Term Rehabilitative Case Management (LTRCM)
  • Centers for Independent Living
  • Supportive Services

WHAT OTHER DRS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU?
DRS provides specialized programs and services that cater to individual needs, skills and abilities by experienced professionals.

• Assistive Technology (consultation and evaluation)
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
• Brain Injury Services
• Long Term Mental Illness Services

WHAT DRS PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE AT WOODROW WILSON REHABILITATION CENTER (WWRC)?
The Center provides integrated medical and vocational rehabilitation services addressing the comprehensive needs of clients to improve independence and employability. The campus houses a vocational school and medical rehabilitation units. Both offer state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, a professional, committed staff, and highly effective programs including:

• Counseling
• Vocational and Pre-Vocational Evaluation and Training
• Medical Rehabilitation Services
• Driver Education; Student Internships
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Case Management Services and Interpreting Services
• Vocational Training

WHAT IS PERT?
PERT is Post-Secondary Education Rehabilitation Transition. (Some regions in Virginia may not have PERT Services available) Provides high school students a comprehensive evaluation in the areas of vocational skills, independent living skills, and leisure and social skills. These evaluations may lead to additional vocational programs and services that may assist the student with a smooth transition from secondary to postsecondary education, training and employment.

DRS IS A VOLUNTARY SERVICE. IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE, DRS MAY HELP YOU REMOVE BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT.

You may meet with your DRS counselor when you begin your Transition Plan and at least one year before you plan to leave school. If you have special needs or requests for services, you may call your DRS counselor any time.