Support for the Transition to Postsecondary Settings for Students With Disabilities

Disability Support Specialist

The disability support specialist in the postsecondary institution provides consultation and ongoing support to enable students to make full use of opportunities at the college or university. The DSS director often serves as liaison with college faculty, staff and administrators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other social service agencies. DSS serves as the central point of contact for information on physical and programmatic access, specific accommodations, resolution of complaints and problems, faculty and staff concerns, and identification of available services. In addition, the DSS office can provide training, consultation, and information regarding disability issues. The coordinator of the disability support center also fulfills the role of 504 coordinator and helps provide for reasonable accommodations.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

The vocational rehabilitation counselor is often involved in a student’s transition planning while the student is still in school. Upon graduation, the VR counselor works with the student to assist with access to and support in employment or postsecondary education. The rehabilitation counselor typically works for the state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, helping people with disabilities prepare for and find employment. For students who are eligible for VR, services may include evaluation of the person’s interests, capabilities, and limitations; job training; transportation; aids and devices; job placement; support to begin postsecondary education; and job follow-up. Priority in services is given to individuals with significant disabilities.

Job Development Specialist

A job development specialist works for either a school system or an adult service agency such as the vocational rehabilitation agency or a supported employment agency. As the job title suggests, the primary role is to find jobs for people with disabilities. The job developer visits employers to inquire about available positions and may offer the employer services such as placement of individuals into jobs; training the employee on job tasks and appropriate workplace behavior; talking with supervisor(s) and coworkers about disability awareness; providing long-term support to the employee on the job; and helping to promote interaction between the employee and his or her coworkers (PACER Center, 2001; Thuli & Hong, 1998).