2017 TASH Conference

Wouldn't it be ideal if the culmination of K-12 education for youth with disabilities was a job and a clear career path? As youth make the transition from being students to young adults, the ideal would be that they move seamlessly from being a student to an employee, leading to a meaningful job and career. This is indeed the gold standard of transition outcomes. With what we now know, there is no reason not to expect this to be the desired outcome for every student who receives special education services in today's high schools. What really works so that students with disabilities seamlessly transition to adult employment? How can we organize education and vocational rehabilitation services for youth so they leave school with a job? This presentation will discuss findings from research done through TransCens Disability Rehabilitation Research Project and experience in implementing Pre-employment transition services for youth with disabilities.

Partnering in Student Success - Through a partnership within and across agencies, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) in conjunction with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) are supporting students to be college and career ready. The implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has been the stimulus for the transformation. With the expanded work, the Divisions for Special Education Services and Supports and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education have partnered with GVRA and Tools for Life to provide supports to students and their families.