What high school students with disabilities and their families need to know

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) offers two types of services for students with disabilities: 

Introductory Career Services (ICS) 

ICS helps students with disabilities get an early start in career planning, and is typically geared toward youth in 9th, 10th and 11th grade. School staff help students apply for ICS and then register for and complete courses that address unmet career development needs. These free online courses help students learn and explore within these five areas:

• Job exploration: Identify interests and explore potential career paths.
• Work-based learning: Learn from professionals about different careers and workplaces.
• Training and college exploration: Discover training programs, college options, and supports.
• Workplace readiness: Gain essential skills like job application preparation and resume writing.
• Self-advocacy: Develop confidence in decision-making and communicating personal needs.

How to access ICS 

Talk to your IEP case manager, 504 coordinator or other school staff to apply for ICS.

Full Career Services (FCS) 

FCS may serve as a "next step" for students with disabilities who are in 18-22 transition programming, typically in 11th and 12th grade, to receive more individualized career services in close partnership with schools. Services are based on each student's needs and may include, but are not limited to, job exploration, work-based learning, training and college exploration, workplace readiness, and training in self-advocacy, among other vocational rehabilitation services. FCS also includes planning for and implementing services after high school graduation to help with postsecondary education or training, finding a job, and keeping a job.

How to access FCS 

Connect with the VRS counselor assigned to your school to discuss the application process.  

Learn More About VRS