Federal law defines vocational education as “organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for paid or unpaid employment, or for additional preparation for a career not requiring a baccalaureate or advanced degree.”[1] The California Code of Regulations provides a more detailed description, stating:
Specifically designed vocational education and career development for individuals with disabilities may include:
- Providing prevocational programs and assessing work-related skills, interests, aptitudes, and attitudes;
- Coordinating and modifying the regular vocational education program;
- Assisting individuals in developing attitudes, self-confidence, and vocational competencies to locate, secure, and retain employment in the community or sheltered environment, and to enable such individuals to become participating members of the community;
- Establishing work training programs within the school and community;
- Assisting in job placement;
- Instructing job trainers and employers as to the unique needs of the individuals;
- Maintaining regularly scheduled contact with all workstations and job-site trainers;
- Coordinating services with the Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as designated in the individual education program.[2]
Vocational training is included in both the definitions of transition services and special education.[3] Since vocational education and training may be a crucial part of a student’s transition services, they should be a major consideration in the ITP planning process.