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 - South Office. 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 who would like to apply for services.
ACCES-VR application (English)
The Frontier Pupil Service Department is excited to announce its involvement in Potentially Eligible Pre-ETS services(Pre-Employment Transition Services) through collaboration with ACCES-VR and local agencies. The goal of the potentially eligible Pre-ETS is to introduce younger students (usually 9th and 10th graders) to employment and post-secondary counseling. Potentially Eligible Pre- ETS Services are offered in five areas and are provided by local agencies.
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. 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. Most activities will take place in small groups of no more than 10 students.
*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. Mrs. Gombos will coordinate this meeting.
*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. Contact Mrs. Gombos at Agombos2@frontiercsd.org for an 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.