Students &
Parents

Helping students transition to the workforce

A Happy asian family with mother and disabled son spending time together at home.

What do I want to do after I graduate from high school? What are my options? If you are a Nevada student with a disability asking these questions, you have come to the right place! VR Nevada can help you transition to higher education and/or employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors are available to provide transition assistance to students as young as age 14 in middle school and those in high schools and alternative schools in Nevada. The transition program is completely confidential and is a team effort involving students, parents/guardians, school staff, and Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and transition coordinators.

To get the process started, contact Shay McGee, Statewide Transition Coordinator, at (702) 486-7284 or via email at smcgee@detr.nv.govopens a new window.

Or, complete an online application at the link below:

Apply here

Pre-employment transition services

VR Nevada provides FREE pre-employment transition services to students who are:

Between the ages of 14 and 21
Enrolled in traditional or alternative secondary or post-secondary programs
Eligible for special-education-related services under IDEA (e.g. have an individualized education program [IEP] or 504 plan) or are considered an individual with a disability under Section 504

Contact Shay McGee,
Statewide Transition Coordinator
702-486-7284 ● smcgee@detr.nv.gov

Visit Our Youtube Channel

A transitional student smiles in his UNLV hoodie in front of the UNLV gate

Through these services,
students will:

Learn how to request the support and services they need
Learn about their rights and responsibilities
Identify career interests
Develop skills needed in today’s workforce
Experience hands-on learning in the workplace

Focus areas include:

Instruction in self-advocacy to assist students in gaining the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate, negotiate or assert their own interests and desires
Job exploration counseling to help students discover their skills, abilities and interests
Counseling about enrollment in local community college or post-secondary education programs
Workplace readiness training to develop social skills, independent living and employability skills
Work opportunities and experiences inside or outside of the traditional school setting

English-language student transition documents:

Spanish-language student transition documents:

Parent and family involvement

Studies show (PDF)opens a new window that the success of students with disabilities is greatly improved when family is involved in the development of a collaborative plan for transitioning to employment or higher education and living independently. Family input helps Vocational Rehabilitation staff better understand students’ needs, and advocate, assist and support the student during this important time. Positive family involvement helps these young people believe they can accomplish their goals, but also helps in specific, concrete ways, such as assisting with job transportation.

VR Nevada encourages schools to include VR Nevada counselors in developing Individual Education Plans for students 14 and older, to give VR Nevada staff an early opportunity to initiate contact with the family.

Each family has its own structure, roles, values, beliefs and coping styles. VR Nevada staff respects this diversity, as well as family autonomy and decision-making. Families can choose the level and nature of early contact that is comfortable for them. VR Nevada staff can also work with parents and guardians to encourage a certain amount of risk-taking to help students be as independent as possible.

A Young man smiles with his two sisters at his side

Amplify Life Camp

The Amplify Life opens a new window organization, headquartered in Reno, provides recreational, therapeutic and educational programs to children, teens and adults with disabilities. Pre-vocational, skills-based camps are funded by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation and are designed to improve the ability of Nevadans with disabilities to secure competitive employment, live independently, and advocate for themselves.

At the Amplify Life camps, young people between the ages of 14 and 22 learn in a classroom setting, participate in hands-on activities, and go on outings into the community to explore career opportunities and meet local employers.

Find your counselor

Select your school from the drop down to find your counselor and technician.

If you are seeking the counselor for a State Public Charter School not listed, please contact Mat Dorangricchia for the North & Rural and Trina Bourke for the South

Students &Parents