15.6 Point of Referral and Application

Local DVR and education providers shall identify a consistent system for referrals to DVR. There is no specified point at which referral and application to DVR must occur for a student or youth with a disability. Referrals should be a collaborative decision between education and DVR staff, and should not be limited to just those students in special education. Exact timing of the referral will vary based on each individual’s need.

Students with disabilities may access pre-employment transition services prior to submitting an application to DVR and a referral may occur before the student chooses to apply for services. A referral of this nature can occur at any time after the student turns 15 years old. The student may choose to apply to DVR at any time in order to determine if they are eligible for a more comprehensive scope of vocational rehabilitation services. A student seeking pre-employment transition services prior to applying for and being determined eligible for DVR must provide DVR with documentation of their impairment before receiving these services.

DVR staff shall consider the following guidance for use during discussions with education staff and others around the point of referral and submission of an application for DVR services:

• Does the student require pre-employment transition services to begin exploring post-school employment and educational options?

• Has the student or youth’s focus begun to shift from education to employment, including work-based learning opportunities or formal planning for continued employment preparation upon exit from high school?

• Is the student or youth available to participate in the DVR program including, if applicable, assessment to determine eligibility and vocational rehabilitation?

If a youth has withdrawn from school, DVR staff shall encourage the individual to return to school. DVR shall work with the school to plan and support collaborative services that will lead to the completion of an appropriate course of study and a successful employment outcome.

Open communication between education staff, DVR staff, the youth, and their family members will help ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to transition services that fully address each youth’s needs, and may also require coordination with services available from other community organizations.