SECTION 612:10-7-242. Pre-Employment Transition Services

(a)   Students with a Disability. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) must collaborate with local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide, or arrange for the provision of, Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for all students with a disability in need of such services.

(1)   A "Student with a Disability" as defined in Oklahoma is ages 16 through 21 and eligible for and receiving special education or related services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or an individual with a disability for purposes of Section 504 (individual does not need to have a 504 plan to meet the definition requirements).

(2)   An individual as young as 14 years old may be considered a "Student with a Disability" if Pre-ETS is determined necessary by the IEP team.

(3)   The definition of "Student with a Disability" applies to all students enrolled in educational programs, including postsecondary education programs or other recognized education programs, so long as they satisfy the age requirements. The definition is inclusive of secondary students who are homeschooled, as well as students in other non-traditional secondary educational programs.

(4)   A student with a disability receiving pre-employment transition services is a client for whom goods and services may be procured in the same manner as for clients with an approved Individualized Plan for Employment pursuant to OAC 612:10-1-7.

(b)   Required Activities. Services may be provided to students, or groups of students, with disabilities who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services in the following areas:

(1)   Job exploration counseling.

(2)   Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities or experience outside the traditional school setting, including internships, that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible.

(3)   Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education.

(4)   Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living.

(5)   Instruction in self-advocacy, including instruction in person-centered planning, which may include peer mentoring, including peer mentoring from individuals with disabilities working in competitive integrated employment.

(c)   Delivery of Services. Pre-ETS may be delivered in collaboration with school districts/LEAs via any combination of:

(1)   Vocational rehabilitation counselors

(2)   The vocational rehabilitation counselor will coordinate Pre-ETS with other entities who maybe delivering these services.

(3)   Other entities contracted with VR such as:

(A)   Community Rehabilitation Programs

(B)   Independent Living Centers

(d)   Considerations under 00S. VR must continue to provide Pre-ETS to students with disabilities who were receiving such services prior to being determined eligible for SBVI and are placed in a closed category.

(e)   Pre-Employment Transition Coordination.

(1)   District office staff will be responsible for attending IEP meetings for students with disabilities when invited; using conference calls and video conferences, when necessary;

(2)   working with local workforce development boards, job centers and employers to develop work opportunities for students with disabilities, including apprenticeships, internships, summer employment and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year;

(3)   working with schools to coordinate and ensure the provision of Pre-ETS; and

(4)   attending person-centered planning meetings for individuals with developmental disabilities receiving SSI-D/Medicaid when invited.

[Source: Added at 36 Ok Reg 1187, eff 8-11-19; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 2135, eff 9-11-20]