Students with Disabilities Services-Additional Resources
Texas Workforce Commission
Vocational Rehabilitation - Youth & Students
Overview
Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services serves youth and students with disabilities to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. Services are eligibility and need based.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if you:
Have a disability which results in substantial barriers to employment
Require services to prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment
Are able to obtain, retain or advance in employment as a result of services
Disabilities Served
Disabilities Other Than Vision-Related Disabilities
Behavioral and mental health conditions
Hearing impairments, including deafness
Alcoholism or drug addiction
Intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities
Physical disabilities, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, back injury, paralysis and impaired movement
Vision-Related Disabilities
Blindness
Significant visual impairments
Deaf/Blindness
Youth & Student Services
Get help preparing for post-secondary education and employment opportunities through the following individualized services. Services are based on eligibility and your individual need, and are provided in collaboration with the family, high school, community college, or Educational Service Center.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
Receive core services, as needed, to help prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities:
Vocational counseling, including counseling in job exploration and post-secondary training opportunities
Counseling on opportunities for post-secondary education such as college, vocational schools, etc.
Work-based learning experiences, including internships and on-the-job training
Training in workplace and employer expectations
Training in self-advocacy and social skills
Other Services
Services may be provided to help you achieve your education, training or employment goals, including (as needed):
Referrals for hearing, visual and other examinations
Assistance with medical appointments and treatment
Rehabilitation devices, including hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial limbs and braces
Therapy to address a disability, including occupational or speech therapy and applied behavioral analysis
Physical restoration
Medical, psychological and vocational assessments
Assistive technologies, including screen reader software, computer equipment and other items
Job matching and placement services
Transportation assistance to and from your job, college or certification program, Referral to other state, federal and community agencies and organizations
Rehabilitation Teachers Services to help you learn Braille, orientation & mobility, and home and health management skills if you have a vision-related disability
Vocational adjustment training
Supported employment services
Online Student Transition Fairs
During 2020-21, Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services is hosting a series of online events designed to assist students with disabilities aged 14-22 in planning their futures through career exploration. The Online Student Transition Fairs will provide students the opportunity to learn and ask questions about careers, hear about post-secondary training and have the chance to interact with employers and gain work experience.
The Online Student Transition Fairs include job fairs, career fairs, transition education events, and other events for students and adults with disabilities using the Easy Virtual Fair platform. This virtual event platform is accessible by both computer and mobile devices, using the Google Chrome web browser.
Visit the event listings below to find an Online Student Transition event near you.
Online Student Transition Fair Calendar of Events
Online Student Transition Fair Resources
Apply for Services
If you are a youth or student with a disability, or a family member of a youth or student with a disability, to learn more about or apply for services:
Contact your nearest Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services office
Contact TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Inquiries
Call: 512-936-6400
Email: vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us. In your email, include your name, phone and address including city, state and ZIP code. Do not include your Social Security Number or birthdate.
Application & Service Process
Application process:
Contact your Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services office or TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Inquiries.
Submit an application for services.
Receive an eligibility determination from your TWC vocational rehabilitation counselor, usually within 60 days from the date of the application.
If eligible:
Complete vocational and other assessments at your counselor’s request.
Work with your vocational rehabilitation counselor to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) within 90 days from eligibility which includes your employment goal and approved services.
Receive training and services included on the IPE from your counselor or a provider.