Vocational Rehabilitation Services for High School Students
P&A Fact Sheet
What are Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services?
VR services are offered by the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) and the SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB). VR services help you prepare for, find, and keep a job. VR services can also help you return to work or grow in your job.
What are Pre-Employment Transition Services?
Pre-employment transition services are when a VR counselor works with high school students to help them prepare for work. You do not need to apply for these services. Here is a list of these services:
Services Offered: Job Exploration
Skills Learned: Job Exploration Counseling Discuss career options and learn about in-demand jobs.
Services Offered: Work-based Learning Experiences
Skills Learned: Experience and gain knowledge about the workplace.
Services Offered: Counseling on Postsecondary Education
Skills Learned: Explore education and training options available after graduation.
Services Offered: Workplace Readiness Training
Skills Learned: Improve social and independent living skills.
Services Offered: Introduction to Self-Advocacy
Skills Learned:Learn how to speak up for yourself.
Who is Able to get Pre-Employment Transition Services?
You may receive these services if you are a student who is at least 13 years old, and
- Have an IEP (Individual Education Program) for special education, OR
- Have a “504 Plan” (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) with disability accommodations in a regular education classroom, OR
- Have any disability that significantly affects a major life activity like learning, walking, seeing, or caring of yourself; this includes students with disabilities who are homeschooled.
How Do I get Pre-Employment Transition Services?
To receive pre-employment services, you may contact a special education teacher, your school district’s Transition Coordinator, or your local SCVRD or SCCB office. You can find your SCVRD office and your SCCB office. In addition to pre-employment transition services, students may also apply for other VR services at the age of 16. VR services work with pre-employment transition services to prepare students for a smooth shift to work or college. VR services include:
Services: Benefits Counseling
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Learn about work incentives that allow you to keep your benefits while you try to work.
Services: Physical Care and Support
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Correct or modify physical impairments.
Services: Counseling and Guidance
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Learn coping skills and decision-making skills.
Services: Non-degree Training
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Learn job skills while on the job without getting a degree.
Services: Job Preparedness
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Instruction Classroom or one-on-one instruction on how to prepare for a job and keep it.
Services: Post-Secondary
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Training VR services can assist you when you need more education to get a job.
Services: Rehabilitation Technology Services
Skills Learned/Outcomes: Help you overcome physical barriers through the use of technology. Examples are making modifications to your car or home, driver training, computer access services, and mobility/seating services.
Additional Resources
- Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center:
- South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department
South Carolina Commission for the Blind - P&A’s Fact Sheet—Education for Children with Disabilities
- P&A’s Fact Sheet—Transition Services
This publication provides legal information, but is not intended to be legal advice. The information was based on the law at the time it was written. As the law may change, please contact P&A for updates.
This publication is funded by the US Department of Education (Rehabilitation Services Administration). It does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding authority.
P&A does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other class protected by law in the provision of its programs or services. Pete Cantrell is P&A’s designated coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Education July 2018
To View a PDF of this Document