Read the blog post from OSERS (Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services) Blog. It includes points on what has occurred over the Rehabilitation Act’s 50-year history:
Individuals with the most significant disabilities are being served through both the VR and supported employment programs to achieve competitive integrated employment, including supported employment, and customized employment;
Individualized services and informed choice have become cornerstones in the VR process, empowering individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions along with their VR counselors on their individualized employment plans and in all aspects of their VR journey and the determination of their employment goals;
Competitive integrated employment has been defined as the goal of the VR and supported employment programs, removing segregated employment and employment at subminimum wage from the realm of authorized outcomes under the Rehabilitation Act and ensuring full participation in the full and equitable economic life of their communities;
WIOA introduced pre-employment transition services to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the initial services that can assist them in exploring the world of work and raising their expectations as they begin the transition from school to postsecondary education or employment;
Vocational opportunities and choices have expanded exponentially with the advancements in technology; the opportunities for remote and hybrid work environments; the focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers under WIOA; support for postsecondary education, apprenticeships and career pathways; and
Partnerships with workforce development, employers, state and federal agencies, educational agencies and stakeholder groups have enhanced resources and opportunities for collaboration leading to greater success and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
