Transition
Planning . . .
NHVR
Helping Youth Plan for the Future
Rev. 11/10
The State Board of Education and the New Hampshire Department of Education do not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, age, color, national origin or type of disability.
This brochure is available in alternative format upon request.
– 11 –
NH Vocational Rehabilitation Regional Offices
Berlin Regional Office 650 Main St.
Berlin, NH 03570
Phone: 752-2271 FAX: 752-5940 1-888-300-9550
Keene Regional Office 103 Roxbury Street Keene, NH 03431
Phone: 357-0266 FAX: 352-1391 1-800-620-7688
Manchester Regional Office Mill West Corporate Center 195 McGregor Street, Suite 20 Manchester, NH 03102
Phone: 669-8733 FAX: 668-2640 1-800-627-9304
Portsmouth Regional Office 215 Commerce Way, Suite 3 Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 436-8884 FAX: 427-6910 1-800-882-2744
VR Administrative Offices 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 20 Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 271-3471 FAX: 271-7095 1-800-299-1647
Concord Regional Office 2 Industrial Park Drive Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 271-2327 FAX: 271-2328 1-800-299-1647
Lebanon Regional Office 85 Mechanic St., #260A Lebanon, NH 03766
Phone: 448-5793 FAX 448-3985 1-800-621-7876
Nashua Regional Office 25 Riverside St., Suite 102 Nashua, NH 03062
Phone: 889-6974 FAX: 889-2292 1-800-635-9614
Services for Blind & Visually Impaired
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 20 Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 271-3537 FAX 271-3816 1-800-299-1647
Website Address:
http://www.education.nh.gov/career/vocational For further information, please call the office nearest you.
Office hours: 8:00 - 4:30, Monday-Friday
Welcome
The completion of high school is the beginning of adult life. Entitle- ment to public education ends and young people and their families are faced with many options and decisions about the future.
Transitioning from high school to adult life is exciting and challenging for all youth. Being prepared for the challenges of work, additional schooling or adult services after graduation is very important and requires planning.
NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) is an agency that helps youth with disabilities obtain their employment goal, as they transition from school to adult life.
This booklet provides ideas, information and resources to help youth make a smooth transition from school to adult life.
Role of VR during IEP Development is to . . .
Suggest coursework as it relates to the youth’s vocational goal.
Recommended work-based learning opportunities when ap propriate.
Assist youth and their parent/guardian(s) to gather information about their rights under IDEA and connection to other adult service providers.
Support youth, parent/guardian(s) and schools through the transi- tion planning process that will ultimately lead to employment.
Table of Contents
Transition Services. . . 1
Role and Responsibility of Youth and Parent/Guardian(s) . . . 2
Age 18 Impact . . . 3
Advocacy Following High School . . . 4
Resources . . . 4
Benefits. . . 5
Things to Think About . . . 6
NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) . . . 7
Vocational Rehabilitation Program . . . 8
Vocational Rehabilitation Process . . . 9
Role of VR in a Youth’s Individual Education Program (IEP) . . . . 10
Vocational Rehabilitation Offices . . . 11
– 9 –
Vocational Rehabilitation Process
Referral/Application
⇓
Initial meeting with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
⇓
Counselor will notify you of the eligibility decision for VR Services
⇓
Counseling and guidance will be provided to assist with career planning throughout the process
⇓
Develop Individual Plan for Employment (IPE)
⇓
Services Are Provided
⇓ Employment
Transition Services
In 1990 the requirement for the provision of Transition Services was added to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). These services are specifically defined in the federal statute (20 U.S.C. 1401(30)) as a coor- dinated set of activities for a youth with a disability, designed within an outcome-oriented process, and based upon the individual youth’s needs, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities.
The Transition Process:
Helps youth and families think about their life after high school and identify long-range goals.
Designs the high school experience to ensure that youth gain the skills and connections they need to achieve these goals.
Coordinates services to local school districts to assist in the transition process.
Promotes movement from school to post school activities including post secondary education, vocational training, and employment.
The planning becomes formalized in a Transition Plan.
This transition plan is part of the individual education plan. It should include these four areas:
1. Postsecondary/Vocational training 2. Employment
3. Community participation, or 4. Independent living, if appropriate
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Referrals to VR can be made by:
Local school district personnel Youth’s parent/guardian or guardian Youth self-referral
Other agencies/organization Employers
Eligibility
The youth must have a disability, and
The youth’s disability creates difficulties in preparing for a job, getting a job, or keeping a job, and
The youth requires VR services to become employed or re- main employed.
Eligibility is NOT based on income
VR’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
The IPE outlines specific services needed for the youth to reach their employment goals
Through career planning in conjunction with transition plan- ning, an IPE is developed
The IPE is individualized and developed by youth with as- sistance from a VR counselor
Services in the IPE are time limited
Some services require looking at the ability of the parent/
guardian and/or the youth to contribute financially
Upon completion of the IPE a youth could request additional services to maintain employment, if necessary
Employment
Success is defined as when an individual’s services are com- plete and the individual has held their job for 90 days
An individual may request services after initial services have been completed if they need further assistance to maintain employment.
An individual may always re-apply for services as conditions or needs change
VR does not develop an IPE for temporary or seasonal em- ployment
Role and Responsibility of Youth and Parent/Guardian(s)
Youth:
Attend all of the transition planning meetings Share their goals, hopes and dreams for the future.
Help make decisions which will be part of the Youth’s Plan.
Express any concerns about the youth’s plan.
Understand that current planning will affect the youth’s future goals.
The Youth’s Responsibilities
The youth and the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor are partners in planning the youth’s program. The counselor will want the youth to do all that they can to prepare for a job. The youth should keep appointments, work hard on tasks given to them, participate in the development and completion of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and its development, keep in touch with the VR counselor, and discuss problems as they develop.
Parent/guardian(s):
Talk to the youth about their goals, hopes and dreams for the future.
Encourage and support the youth in accomplishing activities listed above.
Discuss with appropriate school personnel:
The youth’s goals for after high school, and Who should be invited to the transition meeting.
Be prepared to discuss your expectations for the youth regarding:
Postsecondary/Vocational training Employment
Independent living, and Community participation
Talk to other parent/guardians who are going through, or have gone through, the transition process for support and ideas.
Keep a file of all communications.
Teamwork is an absolutely essential element of transition plan- ning. Don’t hesitate to call any member of the team to exchange information.
– 2 – – 7 –
NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR)
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program that assists youth with disabilities to obtain their employment goal, as they transition from school. The program provides individualized career planning, and time limited services tailored to a youth’s vocational goal resulting in job placement. A youth can apply to the program more than once. It is a Federal/State funded program, that collaborates with other programs to provide services.
VR Eligibility
A youth will be eligible for services if:
The youth has a disability, and
The disability creates difficulties in preparing for a job, getting a job, or keeping a job, and
The youth can benefit from VR services, and
The youth requires VR services to become employed or remain employed.
Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation does not automatically result in the youth’s eligibility for services. It is important to remember that VR’s eligibility standards are based upon the youth’s vocational limitations as a result of their impairment, not just the existence of a physical, learning or mental impairment alone. Although youth with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), they must be determined eligible for VR services.
Age 18 Impact
Prior to age 18, VR counselors must include the parent/guard- ians in all decision-making and signing of documents.
At age 18, unless guardianship has been established, all deci- sions are made by the youth and counselor and parent/guard- ianal permission is encouraged but not required. If parent/
guardians want to maintain the same level of involvement, the youth must give written permission. Youth can sign all documents at age 18 without a parent/guardian’s signature if they are their own guardian.
Advocacy Following High School
Under IDEA a youth is provided a team who are responsible for identifying services to support the educational program regardless of the costs of the support services. This transition team is also responsible for identifying adult services and providers during the transition process.
Once a youth graduates with a high school diploma, or turns 21, they are no longer eligible for IDEA services. At this point, entering into post secondary education, training, employment and/or adult services will require the youth and their parent/guardian to advocate for services. This is important because there are no guarantees that supports will be provided.
Things to think about . . .
The following areas are important to address as the youth goes through the transition process:
Develop work based skills while in school
Develop resume, which could include volunteer work, extra- curricular activities, etc.
Consider transportation options Consider future living arrangements
Connect to other adult services, e.g. Area Agency, Community Mental Health, and/or Centers for Independent Living
Obtain Identification, i.e., Social Security Number; Driver’s License or Personal ID Card and/or Birth Certificate
Consider applying for benefits Consider acquiring health insurance At age 18, consider:
Registering to vote
Registering for Selective Service (if male)
Making decisions around guardianship (if necessary) Consider obtaining a passport
– 4 –
Resources
Websites
NH Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – www.education.nh.gov/
career/vocational
NHVR Customer Handbook – www.education.nh.gov/career/
vocational/documents/customer_handbook.pdf NH Department of Education – www.education.nh.gov
IDEA 2004 – www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=IDEA 2004&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.
cfm&TPLID=9&ContentID-3533
Parent/Guardian Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights – www.pacer.org
NH Parent Information Center – www.parentinformationcenter.org NH Governor’s Commission on Disability – www.state.nh.us/disability/
DisAbility.gov – www.disabilityinfo.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center – http://www.jan.wvu.
edu/links/adalinks.htm
New England ADA Technical Assistance Center – http://adaptiveenvironments.org/neada/site/home Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Dept. of Labor –
http://www.dol.gov/odep
Financial Aid (Post Secondary) – www.finaid.org
National Community of Practice on Transition – www.sharedwork.org (must register with an e-mail address and password)
NH Resources for people who are blind or visually impaired – www.nhbvi.com
NH Internships and First Career Jobs – www.intern2careernh.com/
Granite State Independent Living – www.gsil.org NH Teen Institute – www.nhteen.org
Phone Numbers
P.I.C.: Parent/Guardian Information Center 1-800-947-7005 D.R.C.: Disability Rights Center 1-800-834-1721 Granite State Independent Living 1-800-826-3700
For local service, check the yellow pages of your local phone book under
“Social and Human Services or the white pages under “New Hampshire, State of.”
Above websites are checked and accurate at time of printing.
– 5 –
Benefits
Medicaid for Adults (Over 18)
Medicaid is available to adults with disabilities through the APTD program. In order to be found eligible, the individual applying (not the family) must meet income guidelines as well as be determined to have a disability that meets New Hampshire’s disability standards.
Aid to Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD) A program administered by the State of New Hampshire through the Department of Health and Human Services. An individual is eligible if the individual meets the disability definition and is over 18 and meets the income requirements. Medicaid is also available through this program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A Program administered by Social Security that provides a money payment to qualified recipients. An individual is eligible if they meet the disability definition and has sufficient work history (earned credits). An individual can also be eligible without the work credits, if as a child, one of the parent/guardians is also disabled and eligible for SSDI.
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)
Another program administered by Social Security that pays a money payment to qualified recipients. An individual is eligible if an individual meets the disability definition and is either 18 and the family meets the income requirements, or is over 18 and individually meets the income requirements.
Health and Human Services 1-877-696-6775 Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213
Resources
Websites
NH Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – www.education.nh.gov/
career/vocational
NHVR Customer Handbook – www.education.nh.gov/career/
vocational/documents/customer_handbook.pdf NH Department of Education – www.education.nh.gov
IDEA 2004 – www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=IDEA 2004&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.
cfm&TPLID=9&ContentID-3533
Parent/Guardian Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights – www.pacer.org
NH Parent Information Center – www.parentinformationcenter.org NH Governor’s Commission on Disability – www.state.nh.us/disability/
DisAbility.gov – www.disabilityinfo.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center – http://www.jan.wvu.
edu/links/adalinks.htm
New England ADA Technical Assistance Center – http://adaptiveenvironments.org/neada/site/home Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Dept. of Labor –
http://www.dol.gov/odep
Financial Aid (Post Secondary) – www.finaid.org
National Community of Practice on Transition – www.sharedwork.org (must register with an e-mail address and password)
NH Resources for people who are blind or visually impaired – www.nhbvi.com
NH Internships and First Career Jobs – www.intern2careernh.com/
Granite State Independent Living – www.gsil.org NH Teen Institute – www.nhteen.org
Phone Numbers
P.I.C.: Parent/Guardian Information Center 1-800-947-7005 D.R.C.: Disability Rights Center 1-800-834-1721 Granite State Independent Living 1-800-826-3700
For local service, check the yellow pages of your local phone book under
“Social and Human Services or the white pages under “New Hampshire, State of.”
Above websites are checked and accurate at time of printing.
Benefits
Medicaid for Adults (Over 18)
Medicaid is available to adults with disabilities through the APTD program. In order to be found eligible, the individual applying (not the family) must meet income guidelines as well as be determined to have a disability that meets New Hampshire’s disability standards.
Aid to Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD) A program administered by the State of New Hampshire through the Department of Health and Human Services. An individual is eligible if the individual meets the disability definition and is over 18 and meets the income requirements. Medicaid is also available through this program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
A Program administered by Social Security that provides a money payment to qualified recipients. An individual is eligible if they meet the disability definition and has sufficient work history (earned credits). An individual can also be eligible without the work credits, if as a child, one of the parent/guardians is also disabled and eligible for SSDI.
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)
Another program administered by Social Security that pays a money payment to qualified recipients. An individual is eligible if an individual meets the disability definition and is either 18 and the family meets the income requirements, or is over 18 and individually meets the income requirements.
Health and Human Services 1-877-696-6775 Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213
– 3 –
Age 18 Impact
Prior to age 18, VR counselors must include the parent/guard- ians in all decision-making and signing of documents.
At age 18, unless guardianship has been established, all deci- sions are made by the youth and counselor and parent/guard- ianal permission is encouraged but not required. If parent/
guardians want to maintain the same level of involvement, the youth must give written permission. Youth can sign all documents at age 18 without a parent/guardian’s signature if they are their own guardian.
Advocacy Following High School
Under IDEA a youth is provided a team who are responsible for identifying services to support the educational program regardless of the costs of the support services. This transition team is also responsible for identifying adult services and providers during the transition process.
Once a youth graduates with a high school diploma, or turns 21, they are no longer eligible for IDEA services. At this point, entering into post secondary education, training, employment and/or adult services will require the youth and their parent/guardian to advocate for services. This is important because there are no guarantees that supports will be provided.
– 6 –
Things to think about . . .
The following areas are important to address as the youth goes through the transition process:
Develop work based skills while in school
Develop resume, which could include volunteer work, extra- curricular activities, etc.
Consider transportation options Consider future living arrangements
Connect to other adult services, e.g. Area Agency, Community Mental Health, and/or Centers for Independent Living
Obtain Identification, i.e., Social Security Number; Driver’s License or Personal ID Card and/or Birth Certificate
Consider applying for benefits Consider acquiring health insurance At age 18, consider:
Registering to vote
Registering for Selective Service (if male)
Making decisions around guardianship (if necessary) Consider obtaining a passport
Role and Responsibility of Youth and Parent/Guardian(s)
Youth:
Attend all of the transition planning meetings Share their goals, hopes and dreams for the future.
Help make decisions which will be part of the Youth’s Plan.
Express any concerns about the youth’s plan.
Understand that current planning will affect the youth’s future goals.
The Youth’s Responsibilities
The youth and the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor are partners in planning the youth’s program. The counselor will want the youth to do all that they can to prepare for a job. The youth should keep appointments, work hard on tasks given to them, participate in the development and completion of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and its development, keep in touch with the VR counselor, and discuss problems as they develop.
Parent/guardian(s):
Talk to the youth about their goals, hopes and dreams for the future.
Encourage and support the youth in accomplishing activities listed above.
Discuss with appropriate school personnel:
The youth’s goals for after high school, and Who should be invited to the transition meeting.
Be prepared to discuss your expectations for the youth regarding:
Postsecondary/Vocational training Employment
Independent living, and Community participation
Talk to other parent/guardians who are going through, or have gone through, the transition process for support and ideas.
Keep a file of all communications.
Teamwork is an absolutely essential element of transition plan- ning. Don’t hesitate to call any member of the team to exchange information.
NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR)
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program that assists youth with disabilities to obtain their employment goal, as they transition from school. The program provides individualized career planning, and time limited services tailored to a youth’s vocational goal resulting in job placement. A youth can apply to the program more than once. It is a Federal/State funded program, that collaborates with other programs to provide services.
VR Eligibility
A youth will be eligible for services if:
The youth has a disability, and
The disability creates difficulties in preparing for a job, getting a job, or keeping a job, and
The youth can benefit from VR services, and
The youth requires VR services to become employed or remain employed.
Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation does not automatically result in the youth’s eligibility for services. It is important to remember that VR’s eligibility standards are based upon the youth’s vocational limitations as a result of their impairment, not just the existence of a physical, learning or mental impairment alone. Although youth with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), they must be determined eligible for VR services.
Transition Services
In 1990 the requirement for the provision of Transition Services was added to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). These services are specifically defined in the federal statute (20 U.S.C. 1401(30)) as a coor- dinated set of activities for a youth with a disability, designed within an outcome-oriented process, and based upon the individual youth’s needs, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities.
The Transition Process:
Helps youth and families think about their life after high school and identify long-range goals.
Designs the high school experience to ensure that youth gain the skills and connections they need to achieve these goals.
Coordinates services to local school districts to assist in the transition process.
Promotes movement from school to post school activities including post secondary education, vocational training, and employment.
The planning becomes formalized in a Transition Plan.
This transition plan is part of the individual education plan. It should include these four areas:
1. Postsecondary/Vocational training 2. Employment
3. Community participation, or 4. Independent living, if appropriate
– 1 – – 8 –
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Referrals to VR can be made by:
Local school district personnel Youth’s parent/guardian or guardian Youth self-referral
Other agencies/organization Employers
Eligibility
The youth must have a disability, and
The youth’s disability creates difficulties in preparing for a job, getting a job, or keeping a job, and
The youth requires VR services to become employed or re- main employed.
Eligibility is NOT based on income
VR’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
The IPE outlines specific services needed for the youth to reach their employment goals
Through career planning in conjunction with transition plan- ning, an IPE is developed
The IPE is individualized and developed by youth with as- sistance from a VR counselor
Services in the IPE are time limited
Some services require looking at the ability of the parent/
guardian and/or the youth to contribute financially
Upon completion of the IPE a youth could request additional services to maintain employment, if necessary
Employment
Success is defined as when an individual’s services are com- plete and the individual has held their job for 90 days
An individual may request services after initial services have been completed if they need further assistance to maintain employment.
An individual may always re-apply for services as conditions or needs change
VR does not develop an IPE for temporary or seasonal em- ployment
Table of Contents
Transition Services. . . 1
Role and Responsibility of Youth and Parent/Guardian(s) . . . 2
Age 18 Impact . . . 3
Advocacy Following High School . . . 4
Resources . . . 4
Benefits. . . 5
Things to Think About . . . 6
NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) . . . 7
Vocational Rehabilitation Program . . . 8
Vocational Rehabilitation Process . . . 9
Role of VR in a Youth’s Individual Education Program (IEP) . . . . 10
Vocational Rehabilitation Offices . . . 11
Vocational Rehabilitation Process
Referral/Application
⇓
Initial meeting with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
⇓
Counselor will notify you of the eligibility decision for VR Services
⇓
Counseling and guidance will be provided to assist with career planning throughout the process
⇓
Develop Individual Plan for Employment (IPE)
⇓
Services Are Provided
⇓ Employment
Welcome
The completion of high school is the beginning of adult life. Entitle- ment to public education ends and young people and their families are faced with many options and decisions about the future.
Transitioning from high school to adult life is exciting and challenging for all youth. Being prepared for the challenges of work, additional schooling or adult services after graduation is very important and requires planning.
NH Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR) is an agency that helps youth with disabilities obtain their employment goal, as they transition from school to adult life.
This booklet provides ideas, information and resources to help youth make a smooth transition from school to adult life.
– 10 –
Role of VR during IEP Development is to . . .
Suggest coursework as it relates to the youth’s vocational goal.
Recommended work-based learning opportunities when ap propriate.
Assist youth and their parent/guardian(s) to gather information about their rights under IDEA and connection to other adult service providers.
Support youth, parent/guardian(s) and schools through the transi- tion planning process that will ultimately lead to employment.
The State Board of Education and the New Hampshire Department of Education do not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, age, color, national origin or type of disability.
This brochure is available in alternative format upon request.
NH Vocational Rehabilitation Regional Offices
Berlin Regional Office 650 Main St.
Berlin, NH 03570
Phone: 752-2271 FAX: 752-5940 1-888-300-9550
Keene Regional Office 103 Roxbury Street Keene, NH 03431
Phone: 357-0266 FAX: 352-1391 1-800-620-7688
Manchester Regional Office Mill West Corporate Center 195 McGregor Street, Suite 20 Manchester, NH 03102
Phone: 669-8733 FAX: 668-2640 1-800-627-9304
Portsmouth Regional Office 215 Commerce Way, Suite 3 Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 436-8884 FAX: 427-6910 1-800-882-2744
VR Administrative Offices 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 20 Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 271-3471 FAX: 271-7095 1-800-299-1647
Concord Regional Office 2 Industrial Park Drive Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 271-2327 FAX: 271-2328 1-800-299-1647
Lebanon Regional Office 85 Mechanic St., #260A Lebanon, NH 03766
Phone: 448-5793 FAX 448-3985 1-800-621-7876
Nashua Regional Office 25 Riverside St., Suite 102 Nashua, NH 03062
Phone: 889-6974 FAX: 889-2292 1-800-635-9614
Services for Blind & Visually Impaired
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 20 Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 271-3537 FAX 271-3816 1-800-299-1647
Website Address:
http://www.education.nh.gov/career/vocational For further information, please call the office nearest you.
Office hours: 8:00 - 4:30, Monday-Friday
Transition
Planning . . .
NHVR
Helping Youth Plan for the Future
Rev. 11/10
