ACCES-VR stands for Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation. ACCES-VR is part of the NYS Education Department. For many students, ACCES-VR will be the "what's next" step of support after their Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan ends upon graduation. Students with disabilities are encouraged to link with ACCES-VR services during their junior year or two years prior to exit. This allows time for the student and vocational rehabilitation counselor to develop a positive relationship while also ensuring that the school and ACCES-VR personnel can collaborate to coordinate services on the student's behalf. ACCES-VR services are free to the student and their family. However, some services* are based upon economic need. ACCES-VR services are offered in addition to transition services at Frontier High School and take place outside of school hours.
ACCES-VR can help students prepare for the workforce through:
Specialized career/ vocational assessments
Work-readiness & Work-based learning services
Post-Secondary Counseling services and Post-Secondary Educational Coaching
Assistive Technology evaluations & purchase* of technology
Funding towards the cost of adult education programs
Funding towards the cost of college education*
Funding for driver's education* (student must be in their last year of high school)
Self-Advocacy services
Students who want to apply for ACCES-VR services need to submit an ACCES-VR application to Mrs. Amanda Gombos, Transition Specialist, located at Frontier High School Room 201. ACCES-VR services are also available to adults with disabilities who are no longer in school. See the ACCES-VR: How to Apply for Services video if you're an adult that would like to apply for services.
ACCES-VR application (English)
The Frontier Pupil Service Department is excited to announce its involvement in a project called Pre-ETS Works (Pre-Employment Transition Services). Pre-ETS Works is a project from the NYS ACCES-VR office in partnership with Erie 1 BOCES, local community agencies, and schools. The goal of the project is to prepare students for future employment through a variety of services. These services are IN ADDITION to special education and transition services provided to students by the Frontier Central School District. Pre- ETS Services are offered in five areas:
Job Exploration Counseling
Post-Secondary Education Counseling
Self-Advocacy Training
Workplace Readiness Training
Work-Based Learning Experience
To be eligible, a student must be 14 years old or older and have a disability. Students are eligible for Pre-ETS services starting in 7th/8th grade if they are 14 years old. The student does not need to have an IEP or 504 plan to qualify. Students who enroll in the program are expected to enter into competitive employment in the future. Pre-ETS services will be provided by Erie 1 BOCES & local agencies after school or on weekends. Most activities will take place in small groups of no more than 10 students. Currently, Pre-ETS services are being held virtually due to the Covid pandemic.
*Mrs. Gombos is available to assist in the ACCES-VR application process*
Agombos2@frontiercsd.org or 926-1814
Eligibility Requirements
The student must have a documented disability and be able to provide documentation of disability. Mrs. Gombos will help to obtain the appropriate educational documentation needed for a referral.
The student should be in their junior/senior year OR two years prior to exiting.
The student's goal is to work in the future.
The student & parent/guardian must complete an application for services. See Mrs. Gombos for an application or access an application via these links -->
ACCES-VR application (English)
ACCES-VR application (Spanish)
The student must meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor to discuss future goals and eligibility status. This appointment is coordinated by Mrs. Gombos.
*Mrs. Gombos is available to assist in the Pre-ETS application process*
Agombos2@frontiercsd.org or 926-1814
Eligibility Requirements
The student has a disability.
The student is age 14 - 21.
The student's goal is to gain employment in the future
The parent/guardian must complete an application for services. See Mrs. Gombos for an application or complete an electronic application via this link --> Pre-ETS Electronic Application
The student is not currently linked with ACCES-VR Services
Reference:
New York State Education Department Adult Career and Continuing Ed Services. New York State Education Department, www.acces.nysed.gov/vr. Accessed 6 May 2021.