This policy brief describes how State VR agencies are using and can use benefits planning services, as a VR agency-funded service, to help SSDI and SSI beneficiaries address concerns and fears about the potential loss of cash benefits and healthcare benefits (i.e., Medicaid and/or Medicare) as they move into jobs paying substantial wages. The…

This brief is the third in a series focusing on Employment First implementation as it relates to one of the seven elements within the High-Performing States in Integrated Employment model. It examines the background of circumstances under which Employment First efforts began in seven states, and introduces each state's values, mission, and goals…

The State Family Outcomes Measurement System Framework (S-FOMS) is a framework originally developed by the Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Center that identifies seven key components of a high-quality family outcomes measurement system at the state level. This document contains background information about the framework's seven components, 15…

The State Family Outcomes Measurement System Framework (S-FOMS) is a framework originally developed by the Early Childhood Outcomes Center that identifies seven key components of a high-quality family outcomes measurement system at the state level. The seven components are: (1) Purpose; (2) Data collection and transmission; (3) Analysis; (4)…

The transition from school to adulthood is a pivotal time in the lives of all students. For a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), change of any kind can be challenging, and a transition as momentous as this can seem especially daunting. Thoughtful planning, sound information, and open communication will help parents support young adults…

Section 107 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Rehabilitation Act), requires the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to conduct annual reviews and periodic on-site monitoring of programs authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act to determine whether a vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency is…

This pamphlet introduces assistive technology (AT) as an essential support to daily living for people with disabilities. It describes AT's benefits to those who cannot afford devices, the agencies and programs involved in AT reuse, and how we can improve AT reuse. The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative…

A survey of 50 state special education agencies examined the preparation that regular classroom teachers received to work with exceptional students. The survey found that 33 states had certification requirements requiring some exposure to the needs of exceptional students, 16 states had no requirements, and one state anticipated having a…

Discusses how colleges and state agencies are divided over responsibility for the costs of helping students with disabilities, with slow progress delaying student accommodations and straining college finances. (EV)

The Interagency Plan for Children with Special Needs for Maryland residents has three major purposes: (1) to set priorities for developing or expanding services required by special needs children and their families; (2) to ensure that resources targeted for special needs children are administered effectively by increasing interagency coordination…

This paper describes the programs undertaken by the New York State Center for Learning Technologies in cooperation both with other state agencies and with private agencies to ensure that learning technologies are integrated into educational training programs for the disabled, the handicapped, and other special needs populations. Programs described…

This 1998-2000 State Plan for the Texas Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities presents the Council's future goals and objectives to enable people with developmental disabilities to be fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives. Section 1 provides information on the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of…

This report provides general information and statistics about the State of Iowa's children and current children's programs administered by state agencies. Indicating the need for children's programs, the report lists statistical evidence for child abuse, foster care, deaths of children, disabilities and special education, delinquency, substance…

Information for employers concerning the Affirmative Action Program and the hiring of handicapped workers is presented in this resource guide. The guide is designed in the style of a listing of helpful hints and in question-and-answer form. Topics discussed include finding qualified handicapped workers, enlisting the aid of present employees,…

Describes the Job Placement Training Program, a training program run by Southern Illinois University that is designed to teach rehabilitation counselors and placement specialists employed by state rehabilitation agencies the knowledge, techniques, and strategies necessary to help rehabilitation clients obtain employment. The program's curriculum…