Student Services
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps students with disabilities, beginning at age 14, assess interests and abilities, explore career options and develop a plan to reach their future employment goals.
Who qualifies?
Students, ages 14 and up, who have limitations and need assistance with learning, seeing, hearing, communicating, coping with stress or participating in physical activities may be eligible for services from DRS.
Educational Support and Training Services
Coordination and assistance with IEP development – DRS vocational rehabilitation counselors can attend IEP meetings, if invited, to help with planning and coordination of services.
Career guidance and counseling – DRS vocational rehabilitation counselors provide ongoing counseling and guidance to consumers to help them successfully meet their employment goals.
Evaluation and diagnostic services – to help determine eligibility and the services needed for a consumer to become employed.
Tutoring – DRS consumers who are struggling to pass a class, course or exam may qualify for one-on-one or small group tutoring services.
Vocational training – to help with occupational, vocational or job skills training in a vocational, trade, technical or business school to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
College or university assistance – to help students with education and training leading to a degree.
On-the-job training, internships or apprenticeships – training to help students in specific job skills by a prospective employer.
Assistive technology – to help consumers in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device.
Job-Related Services
Job search assistance – to help consumers search for an appropriate job and includes résumé development, identifying appropriate job opportunities, developing interview skills, and making contacts with employers on behalf of the consumer.
Job coaching – training of a consumer hired by an employer to learn specific job requirements and tasks.
Direct placement to work – to help consumers with placement assistance to a specific job resulting in an interview and/or employment.
Job-related support services – to help consumers prepare for and maintain employment including things like occupational licenses, tools and equipment, clothing and transportation costs.
Workplace accommodations – an adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform their job duties and may include specialized equipment, modifications to the work environment or adjustments to work schedules or responsibilities.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Mandated under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), DRS provides Pre-ETS to students with disabilities from ages 14 to 21, and they include the following activities:
Job exploration counseling – to help students identify potential occupations and career paths.
Work-based learning experiences – to help students gain information about occupations in the workplace.
Postsecondary education counseling – to help students understand postsecondary options and plan training.
Workplace readiness training – to help students develop social and independent living skills.
Self-advocacy instruction – to enable students to learn how to represent themselves, their views or their interests.
Specialized Services
DRS offers specialized services to help West Virginians with significant vision and/or hearing impairments address barriers, so they can meet their work-related needs. DRS also provides distinct rehabilitation technology services that can help consumers prepare for and work more effectively and efficiently.