At the age of 14.5, your child’s school should work with your child and you to begin planning for life after high school. This should include planning for living independently, going on for further training or education, and working. A transition plan must be a part of your child’s IEP. Transition plans should have reachable goals and the necessary supports and services to reach those goals.

Your child should go to the IEP meeting to make sure his voice is heard about his future goals. If your child cannot go to the meeting their input should still be included.

You can ask for DRS to come to the IEP Transition planning meetings. DRS can help with the transition plan and share what services it will provide for your child.

DRS is a state agency that is part of the Illinois Department of Human Services. DRS has a program called Vocational Rehabilitation or “VR” services, which can help your child plan for future employment.

Through VR Services, DRS can help your child prepare for a job and plan the necessary steps to reach your child’s job goals.

DRS may help your child:

• Get part-time work experience in high school
• Pay for assistive technology to help your child work (like computers, apps, AAC devices, or other technology))
• Think about types of jobs
• Apply for jobs
• Prepare for job interviews
• Pay for job training or job coaching
• Pay for trade school or college courses that will prepare your child for a job

From high schoolers to people living independently, all persons with disabilities who want to work and need help to work can apply for help from DRS.

A transition plan should say what kind of education and training your child will receive after high school, what kind of job she will have, and how she will live in the community.

Pre-ETS are services from DRS that help students with disabilities get ready to work and live more independently. Your child is not required to be a DRS customer to get these services. Often, the services will be in your child’s high school or transition program.

DRS offers the Fast Track and STEP programs that help your child get ready for work while in high school. These programs are in addition to any services and courses your child’s high school is giving in your child’s IEP.

If you are interested in one of these programs, talk to your child’s school or local DRS office to find out how to get started.

Step 1: Complete a Referral

Call (877) 581-3690 or visit their website to find your office and complete the referral over the phone; or

Complete an online application for service using this link.

Step 2: Prepare for your first DRS counselor appointment

Bring proof of your disability –this can be: medical records, an IEP, a 504 plan, letter from a therapist, etc.

If your child gets SSI/SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying how much money you get in SSI/SSDI

Think about your child’s goals: Consider what kind of job your child wants to have after high school and what kind of school or training program he will need for the job.

Think about your child’s needs: Consider what kind of help your child will need to get his job.

Step 3: Meet with a DRS Counselor to talk about eligibility.

After contacting DRS, a counselor will contact you to finish the application process. During this meeting, the counselor will talk with you about your child’s goals, your child’s disability, and the services that DRS can provide. Your child should go to this meeting.

Step 4: Work with your counselor to develop your child’s Independent Plan for Employment (IPE)

The IPE is a plan that helps your child reach his employment goal. The plan should include what your child wants to do and the services DRS is going to provide to help him reach his goal. The IPE should be specific to your child. It is important that DRS outlines the help they will provide in your child’s IPE.

Helpful Tips

• Contact your DRS counselor regularly and keep a record of your communication
• Think about your child’s needs and any services that would help him reach his employment goals
• Check that your DRS counselor is talking with your child’s IEP team
• Speak up if your child’s needs are not being met
• If you are having problems with your DRS counselor, ask for a new counselor
• If you move, your DRS case should move with you to a new office
• Ask for help if you have questions

CAP is a free program at Equip for Equality that helps you get the services your child needs from DRS.

Contact CAP at Equip for Equality if:

• DRS says you are not eligible for Pre-ETS or DRS services;
• DRS is not working with the school to create your child’s transition plan
• Your DRS counselor did not answer your phone calls or emails
• You asked for help for your child to go to school and your DRS counselor said no