ACCES-VR
ACCES-VR
ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation) is a program through the New York State Education Department to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living.
APPLYING FOR SERVICES
IEP/CSE planning or other school discussions prior to your junior year should include the consideration of a referral to ACCES-VR so that you can make an informed choice about applying. You DO NOT need to have an IEP to apply.
This program is completely voluntary. You get to choose if you want to apply for services or not.
ELIGIBILTY FOR SERVICES
Four things students and counselors must establish to determine eligibility:
- That the student has a disability
- The disability creates a barrier to employment
- The student can benefit from rehabilitation services
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services are required to achieve employment
Having an IEP/ 504 plan does not guarantee eligibility for services. All of the above listed criteria must be met.
Important things to remember if you are determined eligible for services:
- When you are determined to be eligible or ineligible, you will receive a letter. KEEP THIS LETTER!
- If you are eligible, services will NOT begin until you have met with your counselor and developed a plan.
MEETING WITH YOUR ACCES-VR COUNSELOR
While you are still in high school:
- You may meet at your school
- Your parent/ guardian will be invited
- A transition staff from your high school will help schedule the meeting
At the first meeting:
- Your ACCES-VR counselor will talk with you about your plans when you leave high school
- You will discuss ideas about a job goal and services needed to become employed
Once you leave high school:
DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMPLOYMENT GOAL
Everything that ACCES-VR does is aimed toward helping you reach an employment goal. Your will meet with your ACCES-VR counselor as often as you need to:
- Choose a realistic and achievable goal
- Decide how you will gain the skills you need to do the job
- Decide what help you need to find a job
- Figure out what supports you need to keep a job and who will be able to provide them
SERVICES TO HELP YOU GET A JOB
All services are directed toward helping you reach an employment goal and based on your individual needs.
Examples of services:
- Vocational counseling
- Assessment for career planning
- Assessment for assistive technology
- Purchase of assistive technology
- Funding toward the cost of education or training after high school
- Assistance with some transportation costs
- Funding for academic support services (note takers, tutors)
- Job readiness and job placement services to help you get and keep a job
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Keep all appointments with your ACCES-VR Counselor
- Let your counselor know if you change your address, phone number, or email
- Follow medical and treatment recommendations
- Send your counselor grades and progress reports as needed
- Let your counselor know if you have any problems that will interfere with your plan
- Contact your counselor when you get a job!
Stacey Mailloux
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