Department of Rehabilitation. For DOR, due process information is provided both verbally and in writing. This information is provided during the formal application process (intake). The student and parent/family receive the DOR Consumer Information Handbook and the DOR rehabilitation counselor also discusses civil rights, eligibility requirements, confidentiality, appeals procedures, and the Client Assistance Program. The application contains a statement documenting this information was provided, and requires the signature of the applicant, or if the applicant is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated minor, requires the signature of the parent. For potentially eligible individuals, the DOR provides due process options (i.e., Administrative Review, Mediation, and Fair Hearing) to the individual during an initial meeting to discuss DOR Student Services. This meeting may occur individually with the student, with the student and his or her parents, guardians, and/or representatives, or with a group of students; the discussion may be held at the school, the DOR office, in a location in the community, or via phone conversation, as appropriate.
Department of Rehabilitation. The State of California agency that works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities. DOR administers the largest vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs in the country. Vocational rehabilitation services are designed to help job seekers with disabilities obtain competitive employment in integrated work settings. Independent living services may include peer support, skill development, systems advocacy, referrals, assistive technology services, transition services, housing assistance, and personal assistance services. xxxx://xxx.xxx.xx.xxx/ Department of Developmental Services Is the agency through which the State of California provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. Services are provided through state-operated developmental centers and community facilities, and contracts with 21 nonprofit Regional Centers. xxxx://xxx.xxx.xx.xxx/ Developmental Disability Defined under the Welfare & Institute Code 4512 (a) as a disability that originates before the age of 18, continues, or can be expected to continue indefinitely; and constitutes a substantial disability (Refer to Substantial Disability for definition). Development disability includes: Intellectual disability Cerebral palsy Epilepsy Autism 5th Category (condition found to be closely related to intellectual disability or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with an intellectual disability) Disability Rights California Disability Rights California works to bring about fairness and justice for people with disabilities. To reach those goals of fairness and justice, DRC provides the following services: filing lawsuits on behalf of individuals or groups, investigating charges of abuse and neglect, building peer/self-advocacy groups, forging community partnerships, advocating for change in laws, regulations, and public policy, and providing information to those who may not know about their rights. Employment First Policy Defined under Welfare & Institute Code 4869(a)(1) as the policy of the state that opportunities for integrated, competitive employment shall be given the highest priority for working age individuals with developmental disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities. Group Supporte...
Department of Rehabilitation. The purpose of the assessment process is to allow the consumer and his/her VR counselor to discuss the following: The disability and how it affects the consumer's ability to work. The types of DOR services the consumer may need to become employed. Once the DOR receives complete information about the consumer's disability, the QRP will notify the consumer in writing about eligibility determination. If the information received is delayed or incomplete, the QRP and consumer can work together to establish an extension date by which eligibility can be determined. To be eligible for services, an individual must: Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially impedes his or her ability to secure employment and vocational rehabilitation (VR) services are required to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment consistent with the applicant's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. Be able to benefit from DOR services in terms of an employment outcome in an integrated setting. In the Eligibility process, the consumer and DOR Counselor will: Obtain and review medical and other information to determine how the consumer's disability affects your ability to work. Determine how DOR services can help consumer establish and maintain employment. Local Educational Agencies (LEA) A parent, teacher or service provider can complete a referral for assessment on behalf of a student at any time, and there are specified requirements as to when an LEA must respond to the referral. An assessment is an evaluation process that usually involves tests, interviews, and observations designed to identify the child’s strengths and evaluate specific issues related to school performance. The assessment results may also identify the types of special education services in line with the needs of students with disabilities. The assessment process may lead to the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a four-part (A-D) piece of American legislation that ensures students with a disability are provided with Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs. Appropriate evaluation determines eligibility and establishes a student’s need for special education services. A parent, LEA staff, or service provider can complete a referral for assessment on behalf of a student at any time. The evaluation proces...
Department of Rehabilitation. DOR student services are available to individuals who have completed the intake process and found eligible. Below are program services for DOR consumers and potentially eligible students. Services are geared towards providing transition services to students as well as pathways to employment for adults. Transition Partnership Program - was designed to build partnerships between LEAs and DOR for the purposes of successfully transitioning students-DOR consumers into meaningful employment and/or secondary education. Under these contractual agreements, the DOR assigns a counselor to be actively involved with the students with a disability, ages 16 -21, and TPP. The DOR counselor determines eligibility and provides vocational rehabilitation services for at least one year prior to the students leaving high school. We can Work - is a contractual agreement between LEAs and DOR focusing on providing students with a disability, ages 16 – 21, with work experience. On-the-Job Training - is designed to enable individuals to receive a paid training opportunity on a job. A formal training agreement is established and agreed upon between the consumer, employer, and DOR.
Department of Rehabilitation. Referral Process Secondary and post-secondary students ages 16-21 with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or considered to have a disabling condition may be Potentially Eligible (PE) for DOR Student Services. Referrals can be made through placement in a Transition Partnership Program, if available, or through submission of a completed DR 203 Student Services Request Form and a signed DR 260 Consent to Release Information to designated DOR Student Services team member(s). The LEA may also refer a student by inviting DOR Counselor to the IEP meeting. The DOR Counselor will provide the student and parents / guardians pertinent DOR information and collect necessary information to initiate application for DOR services. Students and non-students with a disability who intend to pursue Competitive Integrated Employment, and who require additional services may apply for full vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. Direct referrals for full VR services can be made through submission of DR 210, DR 222 or DS 1968, along with a signed DR 260 and relevant materials documenting an eligible disability. It is important that LPA partners discuss the referral with student / individual and family prior to sending the information to DOR. Upon receipt of referral information, designated DOR team will contact the interested student or individual and schedule initial meeting.
Department of Rehabilitation. The following resources are available within the ACSST catchment area to improve competitive integrated employment opportunities and outcomes: • Existing Memorandum of Understandings with AJCCs o San Joaquin County Workforce Development Board o Stanislaus Workforce Development Board o Mother Lode Job Training • STEPS Grant (San Joaquin County) for work experience • FCCC Work Experiences • Education Programs o SUSD Transition Partnership Program o LUSD Transition Partnership Program o DUSD Transition Partnership Program o SJDC Workability III • LEAP and Schedule A Certification Assistance • Work Incentive Planning
Department of Rehabilitation. Referrals for Individuals with ID/DD come to DOR in a number of ways. The preferred method is for the referral to come through the CVRC Service Coordinator and Employment Specialist as described in the section above. Referrals may also come from the school districts or individuals may self -refer. Once the DOR staff obtains referrals then the intake appointment can be scheduled. This appointment can take place at the DOR office or if needed at an offsite location as long as all parties feel safe.
Department of Rehabilitation. The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed over several months of rehabilitation counseling. This document includes the employment goal, labor market information, steps to achieve the selected employment outcome, services to be provided, and client and counselor responsibilities. The IPE is to be developed 90 days from date of eligibility. It is signed by the client and counselor, if appropriate the parent or advocate is present. For Potentially Eligible (PE) student with a disability (SWD) referrals requesting Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) / DOR Student Services, appropriate referral forms will be completed and forwarded to local DOR unit designated Student Services staff. Once received, designated Student Services staff will contact student to provide the services. The definitions of a student with a disability is: A student with a disability is defined as an individual who meets the following criteria: Is not younger than 16 or older than 21 years (has not reached 22nd birthday).3 Is in secondary, postsecondary, or other recognized education program, including home school and alternative school programs. Is one or more of the following: Is eligible for, and receiving, special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Is an individual with a disability for purposes of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Potentially Eligible (PE) student with a disability is not required to apply for VR services or have an IPE developed before receiving DOR Student Services. The DOR serves Potentially Eligible Students through the PE Case type. The purpose of offering services to PE Students is to provide early intervention to students with disability to support their participation in activities to maximize opportunities for future success. DOR Student Services can be utilized by assisting PE students to prepare for workplace success by exploring options, getting ready for work, and creating careers. There are five types of DOR Student Services available to the PE Student: Job Exploration Work-Based Learning Experiences Postsecondary Enrollment Counseling Workplace Readiness Training Instruction in Self Advocacy For consumers who are receiving Vocational Rehabilitation Services an IPE is necessary for services to be provided by DOR for a consumer. The IPE is reviewed at least annually with the client during a Plan Review meeting. If necessary, revisions and adjustments are made at that ...
Department of Rehabilitation. The following documents are used by DOR for eligibility, planning and service provision: Medical and psychological records DR 203, Student Services Request DR 205, Student Services Agreement DR 205A, Student Services Options DR 212, Notice of Eligibility and Priority of Services DR 215, Individual Plan for Employment DR 216, Plan Review DR 260, Consent to Release and Obtain Information DR 397A, Career Counseling Information and Referral Form A: Verification DR 397D, Pre-Employment Transition Services: Documentation of Completion for Youth Known to be Seeking Subminimum Wage Employment Progress Reports from Schools, Job Development Vendors, etc. DR 229 Closure Report DOR is able to release these documents once a signed “Consent to Release and Obtain Information” form is on record.
