Transition to Life
Student Services and Available Programs
Secondary Transition Experience Program
High School students in special education can benefit from the Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP). STEP is an integrated rehabilitation/special education program held as a regular part of the school day. STEP combines academic studies, vocational/employment evaluation and training, real-work experiences (both in school and off campus), and integrated community-based employment. STEP gives high school students a real work experience and high school credit as part of the regular school curriculum.
The STEP program teaches students good work ethics and values and exposes them to various types of work situations. STEP helps students make a smoother transition from school to work or future education. In conjunction with the student's educational program, STEP offers a continuum of rehabilitation services, including vocational/employment counseling and career planning.
Job Placement in STEP
Most area high schools have a teacher(s) or coordinator involved in the STEP program. The teacher initiates necessary referrals to the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) through a Bi-County Special Education Coop transition counselor. As part of the IEP process, the student is recommended for enrollment in STEP. STEP goes hand-in-hand with the students Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through the school, and an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP) is developed for participating students.
The school's STEP teacher assists students in locating jobs inside or outside the school that average 10-15 hours per week. STEP students receive school credit, a grade, and can also be paid for the work experience. Job developer and job coaching services are also available to students participating in STEP. STEP students may work in a community job or ARC program with assistance from various agencies. STEP's goal is to prepare special education students for work or further education after graduation and to help them develop work-related interests.
Other DRS Services
After the student graduates, he/she can continue services with either the Transition Counselor or an Adult Counselor. Other services include further vocational counseling, training, job placement, or other DRS services to prepare for employment. For more information, call (815) 625-8885 at Illinois Department of Human Services, Department of Rehabilitation Services, 2607 Woodlawn Rd. Suite 1, Sterling, IL.
Program Components / Service Descriptions (DRS) (Return to top)
Work-Related Class - Classroom instruction usually conducted within the school setting that includes, but is not limited to, career exploration, job seeking skills, job placement skills, resume writing and job application, and interviewing skills.
Job Shadowing - A method of learning about a job by spending time with a person who is working in the career. Students learn the realities of a job by walking through the day as a shadow of a competent worker. Provides opportunities for students to see if he/she has the ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation, to ask questions, to "observe" some job tasks, and to evaluate whether he/she likes the job based on first-hand observation.
Independent Living Skills Training - Classroom or community-based instruction beyond that received in a Work Related Class that typically provides training in skill areas other than vocational development that students will need to function independently within the community. Skill areas may include, but are not limited to, use of public transportation, meal preparation, money management, household management, and self-advocacy.
Community-Based Experience - Experience in the private or not-for-profit business sector that is competitive and integrated (most co-workers do not have disabilities.)
On The Job Evaluation (OJE) - A training experience where a person is evaluated in terms of aptitudes and abilities, work speed, work skills, ability to learn, quality of work performed and work behaviors. The maximum time period for each evaluation will be no more than 60 hours. There can be multiple OJE's when necessary and justified. Multiple OJE's can also be used on the same job sit as long as it is a different job.
On The Job Training (OJT) - Used to develop basic job skills that would lead to employment and is utilized until the student is able to perform most or all of the required job tasks in a timely manner. DHS/DRS encourage the use of OJT funds in community job sites (no time limit).
OJE/OJT Training Funds - Refers to funds used for evaluation, training, and supervision of students who do not meet competitive employment standards. Must be defined as on-the-job evaluation and on-the-job training with specific time frames and training objectives, and a payment schedule that increases employer participation based on the student's progress.
On-Campus Experience - Experience in any school setting, closely supervised. Often a student's first training experience, used to identify vocational strengths, and to develop appropriate work behaviors and skills in preparation for community placement.
Job Coaching - On-the-job support provided by school personnel, student, coach, co-worker, or other trained person to ensure that students with severe disabilities have access to paid, competitive, integrated training experiences in the community. Support can includes, but is not limited to, individualized job placement through task analysis and job restructuring, ongoing assessment and problem-solving, and job-site training.
Other - Specify any other specialized programming or services contractor is providing that support the student's vocational development and successful transition to employment and community living.
Based Employment Services - Services that lead to community integrated employment, and can be coordinated or purchased from a Community Rehabilitation Program or other community-based employment service. Defined as Competitive Placement Services (Assessment, Job Development and Placement, Training, and Follow-Up) or Supported Employment Placement Services.
Supported Employment - An option for student who needs ongoing job coaching or other support after school exit to maintain employment, regardless of whether programs or funds are currently available to meet student's need.
Stipends - Given to a student for the cost of lunch, transportation, supplies, tools, or equipment. Not connected to a wage and not to be used in lieu of OJE and OJT funds. |