Vocational Adjustment Coordinator
"Students with disabilities are more likely to be employed after graduation if they have been employed before graduation. Nationally, there is a 70% employment rate for individuals with disabilities who were employed before graduation."
This powerful statement made by Robert Pasternack, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation, indicates the overwhelming importance of the work that is done by VACs (Vocational Adjustment Coordinators). VACs meet at Region 10 Education Service Center monthly to keep abreast of current employment trends, job coaching, job development-training methods, and assessments.
The VACs primary responsibility is to provide special education, related services and appropriate learning activities and experiences that are designed to develop student potential for intellectual, emotional, vocational, and social growth. The goal is to enable the student to develop the necessary competencies and skills to function successfully on the job and in the community.
The VAC should:
- identify /develop job opportunities for students
- have direct, ongoing involvement with employers and students
- develop self determination and self advocacy skills
- ensure parent involvement
- ensure professioanl employer relationships
- ensure community interaction
Contact
Cindy Pierce
Phone: 972-348-1436
Employability Skills: Job Success Through Social Skills
Related Links
Texas Association of Vocational Adjustment Coordinators
Americans with Disabilities Act
Meeting the Need of Youth with Disabilities: Dept.of Labor