Resources for Students With Disabilities and Parents/Caregivers of Diverse Backgrounds
By: Domi Lopez-Piper, OTS
Faculty Advisor: Carole Ivey
Community Advisor: Dana Yarbrough
Edited by Angela West and Mauretta Copeland
What is the purpose of this presentation?
This presentation was created to give parents/caregivers and students with disabilities from diverse backgrounds some resources to help with planning for the transition for life after high school.
Topics discussed in this presentation:
- I'm Determined
- Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
- Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
- Virginia Commonwealth University's ACE-It Program
- George Mason University's Learning Into Future Environments (LIFE) Program
I'm Determined
A project funded by the Virginia Department of Education
Focuses on building self-determined behavior in students with disabilities
This project helps youth gain control in their lives instead of letting others make decisions about them for them
i'm determined!
I'm Determined: Parent Pathways to Success
The Pathways to Success tool for parents helps parents learn how to support your student in becoming more self-determined
You can follow the Parent Path in order or skip to other parts to get the information you need
Click on the link below to get started!
https://www.imdetermined.org/parents/parent-path-to-success
What is DARS?
The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services works with students, youth, families, schools, and community organizations to provide services that lead to successful transitions from school to adult life and work
DARS offers two services to help students with disabilities move from school to post-high school life:
- pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS)
- vocational rehabilitation (VR) transition services
DARS
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT FOR AGING AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
What are the Pre-ETS and VR programs?
Starting at age 14, students can connect with Pre-ETS for an early start at career exploration and preparation for adult life.
Topics covered include: career exploration, work-based learning experiences, exploration of education and training programs for after high school, workplace readiness training to develop social and independent living skills, and self-advocacy
The VR program helps students with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job
VR services include but are not limited to, vocational counseling, training, and job placement
Applying to DARS
DARS recommends that students explore VR (vocational rehabilitation) services and meet their VR counselor three years before they plan to graduate high school
Early involvement helps students get to know their VR counselor and helps the counselor develop a clear path towards the employment goal
Call 800-552-5019 or contact the DRS office nearest you or to find out which counselor serves the school division in your area.
*With parental consent, other individuals such as family, friends, school personnel or other community based service providers may refer a student to DRS.
https://www.vadars.org/downloads/publications/TransitionServicesGuide.pdf
VDOE (Virginia Department of Education) Transition Services
VDOE provides information and support to students and families going through transition planning for life after high school
The website defines transition, why it is important, and provides details on how to make successful transition possible
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/transition_svcs/index.shtm
Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) ACE-IT in College Program
ACE-IT in College is a two year transition program for youth with disabilities aged 18-26 on the VCU campus
Students receive individualized support and participate in VCU college classes, campus activities, and work a job
Contact aceit@vcu.edu to get started
VCU School of Education
VCU's Ace-It Program
Students take two to three VCU classes per semester totaling 20+ credits over two years
Students take UNIV 101: Introduction to the University, a freshman transition class, in their first semester
Students work with an advisor to select other classes based on career and personal interests
Students receive a VCU School of Education Certificate
- Each student gets help from an education coach
- Education coaches are trained VCU students who support ACE-IT students in and out of the classroom
- Students are encouraged to participate in the social parts of college as well (student organizations, campus activities, and service)
- Students participate in work experiences and internships with the help of a job coach
- The ultimate goal of ACE-IT in College is competitive employment in the students’ area of interest
George Mason University’s Learning Into Future Environments (LIFE) Program
The Mason LIFE Program is designed for young adults with disabilities to have a four year university experience
Students take classes and also have the opportunity for an apprenticeship in several positions
Some key parts of the LIFE program are:
- Class instructors
- Resident Advisors if you live on campus
- Internships and volunteer opportunities
- Mentors and Best Buddy
LIFE students take classes in specialty areas like budgeting and independent living and are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities on campus
Most students participate in the residential housing part of the program, either on campus or off campus
Students graduate with a George Mason Certificate of Completion
Things to Consider When Choosing a School
- Do you want to live on campus or live at home?
- Are you comfortable with the environment after visiting?
- Do you prefer large classes or small classes?
- Are there activities you like and can be a part of?
- What types of work experiences are you looking for?