The following information from the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Iowa Department of Education, may be helpful in considering transitional services during the IEP meeting.

Referral or Application for Vocational Rehabilitation services may be made by contacting any of the area offices or service centers. If the student has severe disabilities, contact should be made when the student is in ninth grade­otherwise, when he/she is a junior. Rehabilitation counselors may also be contacted during their regular visits to schools within local communities.

Eligibility is dependent on the individual having a physical, mental, or behavioral (if medically diagnosed) impairment which constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment for that individual; and a determination that the individual requires VR services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.

Rehabilitation Services May Include:

--Medical and psychological assessment --Vocational evaluation --Counseling and guidance --Physical and/or mental restoration services which may include therapy, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc. --Special adaptive equipment or devices --Job training --Occupational tools, equipment or licenses --Job placement --Follow-up after placement to assist with worker and employer satisfaction --Personal assistance --Supported Employment --Job coaching --Services may be provided after employment to maintain the job.

Employment is the objective for each individual served by the general Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The type of work, wages, and working arrangements that are obtained by clients are representative of Iowa's economy. Eligible individuals receive counseling and guidance in choosing a vocational objective consistent with their interest and abilities and in determining how to prepare for and obtain a job.

Due to an increase in number of consumers being served and costs of services being provided to them, Iowa DVRS implemented Order of Selection for all consumers applying on or after August 4, 1997. The Order of Selection is determined by the severity of the disability. All eligible consumers not receiving services due to the classification of the severity of their disability will be placed on a statewide waiting list. Consumers on the waiting list will be served based upon severity of disability and date of eligibility, if funding become available.

Under the Order of Selection, to be considered Most Severely Disabled a consumer must have serious limitations of four (4) or more of the following seven (7) areas. To be considered Severely Disabled an individual must have serious limitations in at least one (1) of the following seven (7) areas:

1. MOBILITY: Individual has difficulty or limitations in the movement of body or getting from place to place.
2. SELF CARE: Individual has difficulty or limitations in taking care of self and living independently.
3. SELF DIRECTION: Individual has limitations in planning, completing or managing life goals or activities.
4. WORK SKILLS: Individual does not currently posses the skills necessary to work, or can no longer do usual work.
5. WORK TOLERANCE: Individual does not have the strength or stamina to work in certain environments or situations.
6. COMMUNICATION: Individual has difficulty in reading, writing, speaking, or hearing.

Functional information provided by families and educators is helpful in determination of severity of disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services encourage all interested individuals with disabilities to apply for services.

AREA OFFICE: 510 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319; Telephone: (515) 281-4211 V/TDD