This newsletter issue describes the importance of vocational assessment in the educational process of students with disabilities. Vocational assessment is defined, its purposes are explained, and the ways in which vocational assessment can benefit teenagers with special needs are discussed. Types of informal and formal assessments are explored, as…

Approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population is in rural areas and about 10 million students are enrolled in rural schools, comprising 12,000 of the 15,000 schools in the country. Although rural communities and their schools are quite diverse, certain characteristic economic, cultural, and social factors create large numbers of "at-risk"…

A Career Portfolio approach which documents the competencies of a student with disabilities is explained. The portfolio can be used as the basis for informal vocational assessment, for development of annual and short-term objectives, for vocational counseling, and as a tool to take to job interviews. (DB)

Project COED (Career Opportunities through Education for Persons with Disabilities) was developed to: (1) provide career instruction for adults who are functionally mentally retarded, through job training opportunities in food services, clerical/office work, or housekeeping/janitorial work; (2) increase levels of clients' financial independence;…

Describes a transitional program that empowers special education students to make informed decisions about their vocational preferences and skills relative to the local job market. Focuses on self-directed assessment, job placement, development of self-management skills, long-term followup, and career development. Stresses the importance of…

The Career Assessment and Placement Center is a school-to-adult-life transition program which provides vocational and independent living services to individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. A set of five manuals was prepared to assist in developing services similar to those provided by the Center. The "Operations"…

This guide assists in planning and monitoring the vocational education programs of students with mild disabilities. The pamphlet emphasizes the importance of vocational education for disabled students and reviews the three stages of career development: career awareness/orientation, career exploration, and career preparation. A section on adapting…

To successfully make the transition from school to adult life and the world of work, adolescents and young adults need guidance and encouragement from caring, supportive adults. The best decisions and choices made by transitioning youth are based on sound information including appropriate assessments that focus on the talents, knowledge, skills,…

This manual contains basic information to guide vocational counselors for special populations as they work with students enrolled in vocational programs at the secondary and postsecondary levels. It begins with a brief overview of the role of the vocational counselor for special populations. The survey, the responses to which formed the basis of…