We help young adults ages 14 - 22 with services in preparing for life after high school. That decision can be to get some work experience. We can help prepare students with educational opportunities for degrees or certifications. There are many services that we can help with. If you, or you know a student with a disability that wants to apply for services, visit the Start My VR Page to begin the process & get connected with a Specialized Counselor.
We help students with disabilities get ready for college and work. Services are based on eligibility and need.
You may be eligible if you have a disability that impacts your ability to work. If you want to work, we can help with services to help you get ready for a job, find, or to keep a job.
Services are available for different disabilities. These include:
- Behavioral and mental health conditions
- Hearing impairments
- Alcoholism or drug addiction
- Intellectual
- Learning, and developmental disabilities
- Physical disabilities like brain or spinal cord injury
- Vision-related disabilities like blindness
If you are a student, you can get help with preparing for college or finding a job with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). There are different services available based on your needs.
These include:
- Counseling on job opportunities
- Counseling on college options
- Work-based learning experiences like internships
- Training and support in workplace skills
- Self-advocacy
- Customized services that will keep you on track
Services are based on each student’s individual need.
We partner with:
- Your family
- High school
- Community college
- Educational Service Center
The Pre-ETS Catalog is a tool developed in partnership with Texas A&M's Center on Disability and Development to give students, their families, and educators a place to learn about Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and how to make contact with Vocational Rehabilitation.
Other services are also available.
These can include:
- Evaluations
- Devices like hearing aids or wheelchairs
- Therapy for disabilities such as speech or occupational therapy
- Vocational assessments
- Assistive technologies
- Job matching and placement
- Supported employment services
- Transportation assistance
- Customized services as needed
If you have a vision-related disability, Rehabilitation Teachers can help with:
- Leaning braille
- Orientation & mobility
- Home or health skills
If you or someone you know is a student with a disability, you can apply for services to help with finding a job or preparing for college.
To apply:
- Contact your nearest Texas Workforce Solutions - Vocational Rehabilitation Services office to reach out to TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Inquiries.
- Call 512-936-6400
- Email vr.office.locator@twc.texas.gov
Make sure to include your name, phone number, and address. Do not include a social security number or birthdate.
Here's how the application process works:
- Get in touch with a Texas Workforce Solutions office or TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Inquiries.
- Schedule a meeting to discuss services and complete initial paperwork.
- If you’re eligible, you'll work with your counselor to develop a plan for services. This plan will outline your employment goal and the services you need.
- You'll receive services based on your plan, either direct from your counselor or a service provider.
If you have a problem with a decision made by Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services or don't agree with their choice of services for you, you can take some steps to try to fix it.
Try talking to your counselor and their supervisor to see if you can work things out. Sometimes that is all it takes to find middle ground.
If that doesn't solve the problem, you have the right to appeal the decision. That means you can ask for an official review and further discussion.
Learn more about how to do this on the "Appeal a Vocational Rehabilitation Decision" page.
The Summer Earn & Learn program (SEAL) helps students with disabilities get ready for work and gain paid work experience with a nearby employer. With the support of Vocational Rehabilitation, students receive the help they need to do well.
- During SEAL, students work hands-on for at least five weeks.
- They earn a paycheck while learning new skills and gaining professional experience.
- They also learn about the employer's industry, acquiring knowledge and experience that will help them succeed in education after high school and in their future jobs.
SEAL is a collaboration between:
- Local employers
- The Texas Workforce Commission
- The state's 28 Local Workforce Boards
- Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services
These partners work together to create meaningful work opportunities for students with disabilities.
Employer benefits by participating in SEAL:
- Hiring people with disabilities gives employers a competitive advantage, allowing them to meet their demand for skilled workers.
- SEAL provides employers with the chance to work with individuals with disabilities, helping them meet their recruitment needs and mentor future talent.
- Employers gain engaged and enthusiastic team members through the program.
Participating in SEAL is free for employers and includes:
- Employees for short-term summer projects (about 5-8 weeks)
- Wages and Workers Compensation paid directly to participants
- Reasonable accommodations provided
- Additional on-the-job training as needed
- Site visits to monitor participants and ensure success
If you're interested in SEAL, whether as an employer or a student, you can contact your local Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services office for more information: www.twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe