PSS, OVR to seal student transition pact

The Public School System and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation are set to enter into an interagency cooperative agreement envisioned to facilitate the smooth transition of students with disabilities from the school environment to potential career opportunities in the local workforce.

OVR Director Tee Abraham disclosed yesterday the agencies are ready to seal the 13-page agreement which has yet to be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office.

“This is an agreement that we have worked out with the PSS Special Education so it’s just a matter of getting all the signatures together,” said Ms. Abraham.

The purpose of the interagency pact is to establish a synchronized provision of Free Appropriate Public Education under the responsibility of the PSS Special Education program to the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under the responsibility of OVR.

Under the agreement, transition refers to activities meant to prepare students with disabilities for adult life to include developing postsecondary education and career goals, getting work experience while still in school, setting up linkages with adult service providers such as the vocational rehabilitation office etc.

Under the pact, PSS is bound under the interagency cooperation to provide transition services for students under certain age brackets in terms of course planning or providing students with a coordinated set of services to aid him/her move from school to adult life.

OVR will also be tasked to provide goods or services necessary to render an individual with disability to become employed and independent.

Moreover, one of PSS’ responsibilities, as stated in the agreement, is to grant transition services to students with disabilities who are still in the secondary school system. In order to accomplish quality transition planning, PSS is expected to work collaboratively with OVR.

OVR may also provide transition services that involve planning and preparing for the students’ future employment after he/she exits the school system.

To fast-track the transition process, the vocational rehabilitation office will be tasked to focus on providing consultation to the student/parent/student’s representative, extending technical assistance to the school, creating early awareness of VR program and services, participating in the planning and coordination of transition services, and others.