In August 2015, IARP announced the establishment of a new IARP section devoted to vocational rehabilitation services for students transitioning from school to employment, education/training, independent living, and community participation. At the time, the new section did not have a name. The section now has a name,Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services, and the section is now open for IARP members to join.  

The Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services section will work to promote the importance of providing quality vocational rehabilitation services for students receiving special education services and other youth. The IARP Board envisions this new section will be the leading professional association of choice for vocational rehabilitation professionals serving special education students and providing transition services, as well as being a resource on vocational rehabilitation and transition. 

As the Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services section evolves, the section will focus on:

• Developing vocational rehabilitation practice standards for assessing and providing services to special education students as well as other youth

• Advocating for vocational rehabilitation services for special education students and other youth

• Promoting the use of qualified vocational rehabilitation professionals to serve special education students and other youth

• Training related to providing vocational rehabilitation services for transition students and other youth

• Building a resource library specific to assessing and providing services to special education students and other youth

• Developing a working relationship with other professional organizations related to  transitioning students from school to adult life

Membership in this section will include participation in a discussion board devoted to increasing the knowledge and skills of those working with special education students receiving transition services or other youth. 

The Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services section needs volunteers to serve on the board and committees. Look for an announcement calling for volunteers coming soon.  

Ready to join?  Look for this new section on the IARP Connect home page in the right column.  After logging in, just click the Join button.